Foster and Kriseman headed to runoff, voters reject the Lens, according to early election results

[Freddie Stubbs]

ST. PETERSBURG — Early poll results are in and they suggest that Mayor Bill Foster will be facing challenger Rick Kriseman in the Nov. 5 general election.

Foster captured almost 43 percent of the early votes, compared to Kriseman's 35 percent. Kathleen Ford trailed with 21 percent.

Voters also overwhelmingly rejected the proposed pier replacement project called the Lens, with 64 percent of people voting to end the city's contract with the architect who was going to build it.

Foster was expected to make the runoff, so the five-person contest really was a race for second place.

more: http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/st-petersburg-foster-and-kriseman-headed-to-runoff-voters-reject-the-lens/2138638

[HooptieWagon]

1. Updated results:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/st-petersburg-foster-and-kriseman-headed-to-runoff-voters-reject-the-lens/2138638

Foster 41, Kriseman 39, Ford 19. Stop the Lens 63, proceed with Lens 37.

About 1000 vote difference between Foster and Kriseman. I would expect Kriseman to pick up most of Ford's votes in the runoff, since they represent a rejection of incumbant Foster.
I'm surprised the anti-Lens tally was so high. Its also surprising in that it was the central theme in Ford's campaign, yet voters overwhelmingly rejected her. I guess they remember all to well her divisiveness as a City Council member.