Barack Obama’s rally in Tampa has just begun with something of a surprise—an endorsement from Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio.

As one of the opening speakers, Iorio called him “a man uniquely gifted—he is gifted intellectually, gifted in his connection with everyday people, his compassion. ... He is gifted in his ability to bring everyone together, and that’s what this country needs. ... He is a gifted communcator, so essential to leadership.”

“And so this man with unique gifts I believe is best suited to be the next president of the United States. ... Barack Obama is my choice for president and I know he is yours.”

The Iorio endorsement is something of a surprise because the mayor has generally sought to maintain a non-partisan stance, in keeping with her non-partisan office. But she’s long been expected to gradually transition to a more partisan approach as her tenure as mayor ends and she considers a run
for her next office, probably a partisan one.

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