Westler Killer Bee to sting Florida House of Representatives

Brian Blair, formerly B. Brian Blair of Killer Bees wrestling fame, will officially announce his candidacy for the Florida House of Representatives on Monday.

According to a news release, Blair spent four years as a staunch supporter of the taxpayer, and he is ready to take that same watchdog mentality to Tallahassee.

``I am running for state representative because I want to use my experience as a businessman to help create jobs, reduce the size of state government and defend traditional values,'' Blair said. ``I believe we can accomplish these goals without raising taxes.''

Blair served as a Hillsborough county commissioner. As a commissioner, he fought for tax relief for residents and businesses and won. As a result of his efforts, the largest property tax cut in county history passed.

He said: ``I'm very proud of having kept a lot of the hard-earned money of Hillsborough residents in their pockets rather than the government's. I feel we need the same kind of effort on the state level.''

In addition to serving as a county commissioner, Blair points to his 11 years (1989-2000) as owner of Blair's Health and Fitness, Inc., Gold's Gym where he created jobs and met payrolls, giving him experience to ensure Tallahassee manages taxpayer money wisely.

``I ran a successful business with a multimillion-dollar budget and approximately 100 employees,'' Blair said. ``Our fitness centers received more achievement awards than any other operation in the Gold's Gym worldwide network, which was more than 500 locations. I know what it takes to balance a budget, make payrolls and make a difference.''

Blair listed access to quality, affordable healthcare, improving infrastructure and mentoring programs for children as top issues facing Florida.

Blair has more than 7,000 documented hours in community service, including managing and coaching baseball at Forest Hills Pony League. He also speaks as part of the Great American Teach-In, American Education Week and other events.

``Mentoring children is something that's very important to me,'' Blair said. ``We have to keep our kids safe. The best way to do that is to keep kids on the right path to becoming upstanding citizens and positive contributors to our society.''

Blair lives in Tampa with his wife Toni. They have been married 23 years and have two children, Brett, 17, and Bradley, 14.

House District 47 is being vacated by Republican Kevin Ambler, who is term limited and is running for state senate. House District 47 is comprised of parts of Hillsborough County.

The Republican primary is Aug. 24, 2010, and the general election is Nov. 2, 2010.

• Politically correct?

Blair is not alone as a former wrestler running for political office in Hillsborough County. Universal Heartthrob Austin Idol (Dennis McCord) is running for mayor of Tampa.

WWE CEO Linda McMahon is contemplating running for political office in Connecticut. Connecticut Governor Mary Jodi Rell appointed her to the Board of Education in 2009.

WWE Raw color commentator Jerry The King Lawler is running for mayor of Memphis again in October. He ran in 1999, receiving 11.7 percent of the vote to beat 12 of 15 candidates.

After being mayor of Brooklyn Park, Jesse The Body Ventura ran successfully for governor of Minnesota, shocking the world in 1998 as an underdog on the reform party ticket. He may run for higher office.

Bob Backlund ran for Congress as a Republican in 2000 in Connecticut.

Ric Flair entertained ideas of political office in North Carolina.