Otis Jennings to Run for Mayor

As the “Draft Otis Jennings for Mayor” Facebook group nears 600 members, news has leaked out that Otis Jennings does indeed intend to run for mayor this year. A formal announcement is planned for Tuesday, February 17 at 10:00 AM in the Eastwood Plaza on James Street. TheCNYWatch has obtained a letter from Mr. Jennings to the members of the Syracuse Republican Committee, excerpted below:

“I am asking for your support to be the Republican Party nominee for Mayor of Syracuse in the November 2009 elections. I promise I will wage an aggressive, issue-oriented campaign. I believe the future of the city of Syracuse can be bright if we make bold and innovative changes targeting education, economic development, and crime. I have started putting together a strong team with a plan to raise the necessary funding to make the community aware of our Republican values that can put the City of Syracuse back on the right track.

. . .

I believe WE can win the office of Mayor if WE unite quickly, welcome support wherever it comes from, and offer concrete forward-thinking solutions to our major challenges. Again, I ask for your support.”

Mr. Jennings will become the first announced Republican candidate in the race for mayor. The next question is whether he will receive a primary challenge or be allowed to run an eight-month general election campaign while the Democrats engage in a late-season primary.