July 9, 2007 Campaign  Announcement
October 4, 2007 Seliger to Report Over $50,000
January 10, 2008 Seliger to Report Over $64,000
January 23, 2008 Seliger Responds to Mann's Candidacy
March 7, 2008 Firefighters and Paramedics From Local 1826 Unanimously Endorse Seliger
April 7, 2008 Seliger to Lee County REC Chairman: "Days of Boss Tweed are Over"
April 10, 2008 Seliger to Report Over $81,000
April 28, 2008 Seliger Campaign Launches Radio Ad
May 23, 2008 Seliger Campaign Releases "Questions with Shawn"
June 19, 2008 Seliger Qualifies for District 5 Commission Seat
June 27, 2008 Mann's Hypocrisy Not Fooling Voters
July 10, 2008 Seliger Will Not Participate in REC Endorsement Process
July 24, 2008 Seliger to Report Over $133,000

Mr. Seliger is a life-long Republican.  He is currently an attorney with the Bergermann & Seliger Law Firm and is actively involved in numerous civic and legal organizations. Shawn is married to Vera Bergermann and has three step-children; Will, Elise and Trevor.


Seliger to Report Over $50,000
(October 4, 2007) - The Shawn Seliger campaign for Lee County Commission District Five will report having collected over $50,000 in campaign funds in the first reporting period since Fort Myers attorney Shawn Seliger announced his candidacy.  
In just a few short weeks, Seliger has amassed a campaign fund in excess of $50,000.  Contributions have come from over 100 individuals and a recent loan the candidate made to the campaign in the amount of $30,000.

"We are committed to making Lee County better, and I made these funds available to my campaign to demonstrate to the voters, supporters, contributors, and my opponents that I am committed to this race.  I look forward to bringing more responsible and effective representation to the board of county commissioners from district five,"Seliger said.


Seliger to Report Over $64,000
(January 10, 2008) - The Shawn Seliger campaign for Lee County Commission District Five reported having collected over $13,000 in campaign funds in the second reporting period since Fort Myers attorney Shawn Seliger announced his candidacy.  
 
Since announcing his candidacy, Seliger has amassed a campaign fund in excess of $64,000.  Contributions have come from over 150 individuals who share Seliger's concern over the direction Lee County is headed under the current board of county commissioners.
 
"We are committed to making Lee County better.  As the sun rises on the New Year, I look forward to bringing a message of more responsible and effective representation to the board of county commissioners from district five.   I understand that people are hurting and that families are struggling.  A lot of people in our community are having a hard time making it. We need to get our local economy moving again,"Seliger said.


Seliger Responds to Mann's Candidacy
(January 23, 2008) - Shawn Seliger, candidate for Lee County Commission District Five, issued the following statement in response to Frank Mann opening a campaign account yesterday.
 
"I look forward to engaging my opponent and reminding Lee County voters that we can do better!  There is a leadership vacuum in Lee County and my opponent is part of the problem.  I want to be part of the solution.  The questions for voters--are you happy with the traffic conditions in Lee County? Are you happy with the economic conditions in Lee County?  Are you better off today than you were a year ago?  The answer is no.  It's time for a change; the status quo is unacceptable,"Seliger said.


Firefighters and Paramedics From Local 1826 Unanimously Endorse Seliger
(March 7, 2008) - Shawn Seliger, candidate for Lee County Commission District Five received the unanimous endorsement of the Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters and Paramedics International Association of Firefighters Local 1826.

In a letter to Seliger from Local 1826 IAFF President Walt Stevens, the organization said, "you are our clear choice for the District 5 seat and we believe that you will honorably serve the citizens of Lee County and the interests of the men and women employed in the Fire and Emergency Medical Services, who have made the protection of life and property their life's work."

"It is an honor to have the support and endorsement of Lee County's fire fighters and paramedics. I look forward to being an advocate for our first responders to ensure their issues and concerns are heard and addressed by the Lee County Commission. It is so important that our community support those who give so much to make us all safe. We have a duty to provide them the tools, training, and benefits they need to be effective in their jobs and support their families. I know the people of Lee County share my view that working together we can make Lee County better," Seliger said.

Seliger to Lee County REC Chairman: "Days of Boss Tweed are Over"
(April 7, 2008) - Shawn Seliger, candidate for Lee County Commission District Five, has called on the Lee County Republican Executive Committee (LCREC) to end its practice of intra-party political favoritism.

Seliger's claim of favoritism stems in part from the committee's refusal to publish his campaign website URL www.ShawnSeliger.com on the party's website.  Seliger's campaign has sent emails to LCREC Chairman Gary Lee and Vice-Chairman Charles Dauray and certified letters to both Gary Lee and the County Republican Party requesting that his campaign URL be added.  The Seliger campaign has received no reply from anyone with the REC, and his campaign URL is still not listed on the party's website.  While the LCREC website doesn't list Seliger's opponent's website, the easy explanation is that the other campaign still does not have one.  The LCREC site previously listed the URL of another District 5 candidate's site until that candidate decided not to run as a Republican.

"The party leadership is playing games, denying fairness to all candidates, and rejecting democratic principles.  I reject these efforts and will not participate in their petty games. The party has indicated it plans to endorse candidates in contested primary elections, and I believe that is wrong for multiple reasons, including the lack of fairness exhibited by party bosses. For that reason, I will not participate in their endorsement process.  Furthermore, we have a legitimate endorsement procedure already in place.  It's called a Republican primary election.  The party bosses are determined to settle political scores at the expense of good government and voters should reject those efforts. The days of Boss Tweed and corrupt party machines are over -- something LCREC Chairman Gary Lee apparently doesn't understand," Seliger said.

The Seliger campaign also pointed to the party's fight with Commissioners Ray Judah and Bob Janes as evidence that the party under Gary Lee has taken unprecedented and inappropriate actions against fellow Republicans.

"Gary Lee apparently never learned Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment.  The bottom line is: the party bosses should trust the voters.  I do," Seliger concluded.

Seliger to Report Over $81,000
(April 10, 2008) - The Shawn Seliger campaign for Lee County Commission, District Five collected over $81,000 in campaign funds as of the close of the last reporting period ending March 31, 2008.

Since announcing his candidacy, Seliger has amassed a campaign fund in excess of $81,000.  Contributions have come from over 250 contributors from all walks of life who share Seliger's concern over the incumbent's lack of leadership and the direction Lee County is headed under the current board of county commissioners.

"We are committed to making Lee County better.  I am confident that the residents of Lee County believe that the infighting between the county commissioners needs to end and that this should not be occurring on the tax payers' dime.  The generous contributions that I have received from concerned citizens will help us take to Lee County voters our positive message of reducing county spending and taxes, stimulating our local economy, and easing traffic congestion.  By working together to build consensus, we can grow the economy, preserve the environment, and improve our quality of life.  The residents of Lee County deserve to have a smart and responsible approach to county government and growth," said Seliger.

Seliger Campaign Launches Radio Ad
(April 28, 2008) - The Shawn Seliger campaign for Lee County Commission, District Five, began airing a sixty second radio spot airing on WINK/WNOG radio today.

In the spot titled "Really, Frank?" the Seliger campaign takes issue with Frank Mann's conservative and Republican credentials. Specifically, the ad points out that Frank Mann has contributed over $3,500 to Democrat candidates including the campaigns of Clinton/Gore and Gore/Lieberman among others. The spot also points out that as a career politician Mann has voted for tax increases fifty-three times, and as a Lee County Commissioner, voted against last year's proposed property tax cut.

"Frank Mann may have 'Republican' after his name, but he is a Republican in name only. He is hiding behind a veil suggesting he is a conservative, but facts speak louder than words and simple party identification. When conservative Republicans learn of Frank Mann's liberal voting record to raise taxes and his support for the candidacy of Bill Clinton and Al Gore for President of the United States and other liberals, they'll think twice about sending Frank Mann back to the Lee County Commission. Shawn Seliger is a life-long Republican and will fight for reductions in county spending and taxpayer relief if elected to serve on the county commission," said Chris Ingram, spokesman for the Seliger campaign.

The Seliger campaign ad will air Monday through Friday of this week on programs including Mandy Connell, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity.

The spot can also be heard on the campaign's website at www.ShawnSeliger.com. Just click on the navigation button indicating "radio/tv ads" from the homepage.

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(*1) - Source: State and Federal campaign finance reports. Total figure does not include contributions Frank Mann made to his own campaigns as a Democrat seeking elective office.

(*2) - Source: State Legislative voting record of final passage votes. Usually, to become law, a bill must be voted on three times by the entire chamber (not including committee votes). Only final passage votes were counted. If a bill passed Mann's chamber, was sent back to that chamber with amendments, and Mann voted for it again, that is considered two votes.

53 votes for tax increases based on the following criteria:

1. Frank Mann's YES vote on a tax or fee increase;
2. Frank Mann's YES vote on creating a new tax or fee;
3. Frank Mann's NO vote on lowering a tax or fee or NO vote on exempting someone from a tax or fee;
3. Frank Mann's YES vote to expand the number of people eligible to pay a tax or opposed lowering eligibility;
4. Frank Mann's YES vote to authorize other governmental entities, such as counties, to raise local taxes.

(*3) - Source: Lee County Commission vote, Sep. 2007: Mann voted against lowering the county property tax rate, against reducing the unincorporated county rate, and against reducing the library tax rate.

Seliger Campaign Releases "Questions with Shawn"
(May 23, 2008) - The Shawn Seliger campaign for Lee County Commission, District Five, released "Questions with Shawn" a compilation of nearly thirty questions about Shawn Seliger, his plans for Lee County, his life-experiences and regrets, and why he is running for Lee County Commissioner.

To view the questions and Shawn's answers visit www.ShawnSeliger.com and click on the link titled "Questions with Shawn."

Seliger Qualifies for District 5 Commission Seat
(June 19, 2008) - Fort Myers attorney Shawn Seliger filed his qualifying papers to be on the August 26th Republican Primary ballot for Lee County Commission, District Five yesterday. After filing his paperwork, Seliger said, "The citizens of Lee County are concerned with the direction of county government and the lack of fiscal discipline and long-term planning.  I will be an advocate for taxpayer relief, smart growth, better roads, and preservation of our beautiful natural resources.  With today's difficult economic times, high gas prices, and struggling real estate market, my primary focus will be to reduce taxes, focus on essential services, and reduce government red-tape."

Campaign spokesman Chris Ingram said, "As a fiscal conservative, life-long Republican, and 'Ronald Reagan' Republican, Shawn will fight for taxpayers and the hardworking people and retirees in Lee County.  His opponent is a former Democrat who has contributed money to liberal Democrats including the campaigns of Clinton/Gore and Gore Lieberman. Over his tenure as a career politician, he has voted for tax increases fifty-three times and last year voted against property tax relief for Lee County property owners.  Simply put, Lee County voters deserve better."

"I had hoped this campaign would be one about issues and just the factual differences between my opponent and me. Unfortunately, Frank Mann has taken the low road and invoked politics of personal destruction and distortion in a last-ditch, desperate attempt to win another term in elective office. He has even gone so far as to blast State Rep. Paige Kreegel; claiming Kreegel is 'against' Lee County.  My opponent's attempt to fool voters and attack a member of our legislative delegation is disappointing.  I call on him to apologize for his behavior and fear-mongering," Seliger said.

"I support smart growth, clean water and am opposed to urban sprawl. I am an advocate for environmental protection and have served on the board of directors for 'People United to Restore our Rivers and Estuaries' (PURRE).  If elected, I will take a common sense approach to new development and environmental protection," Seliger added.

"I am not a career politician. I have not, and never will vote for a tax increase. I have not and never will vote for a pay raise as an elected official. Additionally, I have not and never will give money to Bill Clinton or Al Gore and Joe Lieberman. My opponent has done all of these things, so it does not surprise me that he would rather distort the facts than defend his own record," Seliger concluded.

"If Frank Mann will stop telling lies about Shawn Seliger's record, Shawn Seliger will stop telling the truth about Frank Mann's. Shawn's opponent can't run from the fact that he voted for tax increases fifty-three times and that, as an elected official, he voted to give himself a pay raise. Mr. Mann can't run from the fact that last year he voted against a reduction in Lee County property taxes and that he has taken thousands of dollars in campaign money from developers and mining interests during the course of his numerous political campaigns. Shawn's opponent can't run from the fact that he gave campaign contributions to the Gore/Lieberman and Clinton/Gore campaigns. Voters want to know the truth. Apparently our opponent thinks voters have short memories about his own actions and record. We think voters will see through Frank Mann's hypocrisy and elect Shawn Seliger to make Lee County better," Seliger campaign spokesperson Chris Ingram said.

Detailed reports showing Mann's past and current campaign contributions from groups and individuals he now vilifies are available at: http://leeelections.com/archives/qualif6.htm

 "I am disappointed that the Lee County REC has chosen to get involved in making endorsements in contested Republican primaries. Our national party does not and did not get involved in endorsing one presidential candidate over another during the primary season. Our state party typically doesn't get involved in contested state primaries. There is no reason for our local party to make endorsements in local elections.  Voters have plenty of opportunities to learn about the candidates and to read objective endorsements from local newspapers.  The local REC (with fewer than two hundred members) certainly does not reflect the views of the tens of thousands of registered Republicans in Lee County. I look forward to sharing with them, my positive message to make Lee County better," Seliger said.

A text copy of Seliger's letter to REC members is shown below.

Dear Mr. Lee and Members of the Republican Executive Committee:

Thank you for the invitation to participate in your primary endorsement process. However, I must decline your invitation for principled reasons.  I am disappointed that the Lee County REC has chosen to get involved in making endorsements in contested Republican primaries. It is divisive for our local party at a time when we should focus on party building and defeating the Democrats.

Our national party does not and did not get involved in endorsing one presidential candidate over another during the primary season. Additionally, our state party does not get involved in contested state primaries.  There is no reason for our local party to make endorsements in local elections.  I encourage you to trust the voters as I do.
Voters have plenty of opportunities to learn about the candidates and to read objective endorsements from local newspapers.  I look forward to continuing to share my positive message to make Lee County better directly with Republican voters.

Very truly yours,
Shawn Seliger

Seliger to Report Over $133,000
(July 24, 2008) - The Shawn Seliger campaign for Lee County Commission, District Five, has collected a total of over $133,000 in campaign funds as of the close of the last reporting period ending July 18, 2008.

Contributions have come from over 400 contributors from all walks of life who share Seliger's concern over the state of our local economy, the incumbent's lack of leadership and the direction in which Lee County is headed under the current board of county commissioners.

"We are committed to turning our local economy around and making Lee County better.  I care and understand that Lee County families are struggling because of high taxes, record gasoline prices and a 7.5% local unemployment rate.  The generous contributions that I have received from concerned citizens will help us take to Lee County voters our positive message of reducing county spending and taxes, stimulating our local economy, and easing traffic congestion.  By working together to build consensus, we can grow the economy, preserve the environment, and improve our quality of life.  The residents of Lee County deserve to have a county commissioner who is ready, willing and able to work everyday to turn our local economy around and promote a smart and responsible approach to county government and economic growth, "Seliger said.