Supporters, protesters show up for Dyer's campaign party

[Freddie Stubbs]

Several hundred supporters — and a handful of protesters — attended the official kick-off of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's re-election campaign Tuesday evening.

Dyer issued an open invitation to his first 2012 election fund-raiser, and boasted nearly 500 supporters on the event's host committee.

But the mayor and his backers found protesters waiting outside The Abbey, the new downtown nightspot that hosted the party.

About 10 grassroots activists showed up, hoping to pressure Dyer to denounce the "anti-middle class agenda" of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The chamber has backed efforts by Gov. Rick Scott and the Republican-led Legislature to force public employees to contribute to their pension plans, and to end teacher tenure with merit-pay legislation.

more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-dyer-campaign-protest-20110329,0,4763503.story