Tag Archive for Victoria Siplin

Thompson, Pena, Huckeba Big Winners Tuesday. Your Primary Elections Wrap-up

August 15, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

Tuesday night brought high drama with conclusions to Mica vs. Adams, Ashton vs Lamar, and just the beginning of Todd Long vs. Alan Grayson but there was a lot of other action out there.

Let’s break it all down.

Geraldine Thompson defeats Victoria Siplin.

A lot of anger over how this State Senate D12 primary contest was going. You had former State Rep. Geraldine Thompson running against Victoria Siplin, wife of Gary Siplin, the controversial termed out State Senator. Thompson was outfront in her campaign with a strong, realistic, campaign message. She won the Orlando Sentinel endorsment and made herself available at public forums, and events. Victoria ran a shadow campaign of sorts, staying away from the voters and letting direct mail do most of the work. When her husband started allegedly using his own mail resources to help his wife, it set off alarms and the local media smelled smoke. Thompson walked to a %56 to %44 victory and faces Fritz Seide in the general.

Geraldine Thompson

Marco Pena beats Coach “P” Plasencia, Joe Saunders defeats Shayan Elahi in State House 49 primaries.

In what was a tough to call race in the days leading up to Tuesday, Marco Pena beat Rene Plasencia %52 to %48 in the GOP primary. Pena trumpeted endorsements from Governor Jeb Bush and locally important endorsements from former OC Mayor Rich Crotty and Current Orange County Commissioners Jennifer Thompson and John Martinez. Plasencia ran a fine ground campaign but couldn’t make enough noise to cover the difference. He’ll be back.

Pena will face Democrat Joe Saunders in the general election. Saunders defeated Shayan Elahi %65 to %35. Saunders had more visibility on the ground and benefited from strong fundraising from South Florida.

Marco Pena

Bow-Tie Wins. Voters choose Huckeba and platform in Orange County Tax Collector Race.

Jim Huckeba defeated two other opponents on Tuesday night. Huckeba, who says he will dismantle the office if elected won with 38%. Eliminating the office has been a popular idea with the media, and apparently voters. He’s been careful to illustrate the process to voters, he won’t be able to snap his fingers and save the tax payers thousands. It would be a process possibly subjected to a vote.

Huckeba faces 96 year old Earl K. Wood who wasn’t going to run for re-election before finding out former Mayor Crotty might seek the office. Then this happened.

Jim Huckeba

Damiani and Clarke head to November Run-Off in Orange County District 3.

In the race for Orange County Commission District 3. It will be the two top vote getters Lui Damiani and Pete Clarke. Damiani holds a heavy fundraising advantage with donations from lobbyists, attorneys, and developers and has been able to afford radio ads. Clarke despite mostly walking and talking to voters was only behind %31 to %23. District 3 is looking for it’s first elected commissioner in over two years.

Pete Clarke

Edwards beats Duncan in Orange County District 5:

Incumbent commissioner Ted Edwards was able to defeat Gina Duncan in their D5 contest. Duncan had a couple of decent talking points to go after Edwards with but not enough to convince the voters they needed a change. Edwards’ constituents would be wise to convince him to try to revive the rental car-surcharge that would bring dollars into the community and put a small additional costs to tourist.

Ted Edwards

Randolph Bracy, Bruce Antone, Jason Brodeur, Kelli Stargel and future Florida House Speaker Chris Dorworth all won their respective primary or final races.

Kelli Stargel

Thompson vs. Siplin: so far a one-sided media affair

July 23, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

When the year started, one of the most interesting races in the region was the contest for State Senate in District 12. This was the election to replace one of the most charismatic and controversial figures in the Florida State Legislature, termed-out State Senator Gary Siplin.

The main candidates in the race were termed out State Representative Geraldine Thompson, former Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart, and Siplin’s own spouse, Victoria.

Stewart checked down to run for the state house, leaving Thompson and Siplin to run in the blue district in a battle of name recognition, campaign experience, and vision for the district, that would see one of these two working within the Republican Super Majority in Tallahassee.

So far it’s been only Thompson who has shown up for the fight.

It was Thompson alone who showed up for the Op-Ed board Orlando Sentinel Interview. Siplin declined the invitation. This would have been a terrific opportunity for her to showcase her knowledge of the issues and what her plans would be if elected. Instead, Thompson interviewed alone and did a fine job walking through her record and policies.

Thompson has also had a presence on local public affairs TV, hob nobs, and other public events. Siplin’s presence over the course of the campaign has been rare appearances, a few large signs on street corners and mailers vowing to stop Florida Governor Rick Scott.

Siplin’s Husband hasn’t done her any favors during this campaign with past legal troubles flaring up, causing the couple to avoid the media at all costs.

Campaigns have been won this way before. Siplin can drop a few pieces of mail in everyone’s box a couple of days before they head to the polls and hope the name does the rest. There hasn’t been a visible grassroots presence from her campaign but that’s a necessary part of the winning equation its safe to say it will be there.

Or she starts making the rounds in the media by herself and makes it about her message, and her vision. She’s got a story to tell, look at the video below. There is a candidate forum this week downtown. That’s a good place to start.

It’s not just the best thing for her campaign, but for the residents of District 12.

Wednesday Morning Political Headlines: First Lady Visits, Citrus Bowl Fix passes OC Commission

July 11, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

Lots of great video content for you today!

We’ve got plenty of coverage of the First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit to UCF. It was a scorching day at the country’s biggest university and some were turned away but the ones that did get to see the First Lady’s speech were pleased.

The Orange County Commission also passed the plan to renovate the Citrus Bowl. We’ve got some great footage on that. Mayor Teresa Jacobs asks the board “if we’re playing a game of political chicken” and “are we willing to sacrifice the project for this one issue”. This was the straight talking lawmaker that won by a landslide in 2010.

Another great interview with Orlando Sentinel Op-Ed Board. This time it’s Geraldine Thompson in the hot seat. Her opponent Victoria Siplin declined the paper’s invitation which is always ill advised.

A lot of great material. These stories lead off your Wednesday morning political headlines.

WKMG Local 6: Double Play!

(Video) Michelle Obama speaks at UCF

Orange County leaders approve Citrus Bowl renovations

Orlando Sentinel:

Michelle Obama is cheered at UCF — but will young vote this fall?

Op-Ed Interview with Geraldine Thompson Candidate Florida State Senate

WFTV 9 Eyewitness New:

(Video) Orange Co. Commission candidate forced to pay thousands in back taxes

CF News 13: First Lady Michelle Obama makes stop at UCF

WESH 2: (Video) Orange County commissioners OK Citrus Bowl plan

WOFL Fox 35: Michelle Obama campaigns for husband in Florida

The Commission approved measures to renovate the Citrus Bowl yesterday. The Girl Scouts did not have a vote

Catching up: Mica vs. Adams, Races to watch, Personal updates

February 9, 2012 Uncategorized 4 comments

Hey guys, I hope all of you are doing well and moving into February with all of your New Years resolutions in tact.

Here are just a few quick hits, to keep the cobwebs off of the blog!

John Mica vs. Sandy Adams:

Incumbents all over the country are dealing with redistricting the best they can. Some are retiring, most are running in different districts, and the kicker that Republicans and Democrats are both having to cope with….

The incumbents that aren’t going to change a doggone thing and are going to run, where ever they feel like it.

This brings us back to Central Florida where longtime incumbent John Mica is posturing for a run against popular freshman Rep. Sandy Adams.

It’s a lose/lose, divisive primary, that has pits establishment Republicans vs. the Tea Party. As if the Newt-Romney storm that passed through last month wasn’t enough. High-ranking Mica is the Chairman of the Transportation committee in Washington, Adams is a Congresswoman that’s never missed a vote and hasn’t blinked when siding with her constituents.

Okay guys, this is what needs to happen. Someone has to move from District 7 to District 6. The only candidate running in D6 is Craig Miller, who dropped out of the Senate race last week after failing to get traction, and he’s already lost to Adams in the 2010′ D24 primary.

Democrats would love a long, expensive, primary between two, sure-fire Republican votes in the house. Especially, in this climate where they could find any scrub to be competitive with the President on the ballot in November.

Races to watch:

- While we’re talking about the redistricting shuffle. The three way trade between Alan West, Tom Rooney, and Adam Hasner should be a model for the Adams/Mica standoff. I thought Hasner was doing well in the Senate race, until the “Connie Mack” name showed up, he could be terrific in the house. The Allen West/Patrick Murphy race “feels personal” with Murphy vowing to follow West and run against him anywhere. It appears that Murphy is in this to beat Allen West instead of getting to Washington. It’s got DWS-DNC fingerprints all over it.

- State Senate D19 will have a Democratic primary to behold. With Rogue Gallart, Linda Stewart, State Rep Geraldine Thompson and Victoria Siplin all going for Gary “Droopy Drawers” Siplin’s seat. Victoria is the wife of current Senator Siplin.

- Orange County District 3 is going to be a fantastic race with some great candidates. It’s set against the backdrop of district that is expected to be vocal about what they want out of the next commissioner. The current candidates include Eric Lasso, Lydia Pisano, Pete Clark, and former appointed commissioner Lui Damiani.

Some personal stuff:

- Things are good at CF News 13. Make sure to watch Political Connections, Sunday at 130 and 730 on Brighthouse networks.

Political Connections Sunday at 130 and 730

- Last week, I had the chance to attend an immigration panel discussion moderated by the Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Maxwell. It was informative and at times intense. These events are gold, I can’t wait until the Orlando Mayor debate March 7th at UCF’s Metro Center. It could be the only chance the candidates get, to go head to head with Mayor Buddy Dyer. And with the personalities and followers involved, it could get “very real, very quickly”.

- My predictions that the Patriots would win the Superbowl came up short. I guess that’s why I talk politics and not football.

- I had the chance to join Crash, LT, Sloar, and Supa Dave for the WJRR Super Bowl-a-thon at Boardwalk Bowl last Saturday. It was an awesome time for a great cause!

WJRR Superbowl-a-thon. A great time and a great cause!

Till next time!

Rogue Gallart Announces Candidacy for Florida State Senate District 19

January 18, 2012 Uncategorized 4 comments

Hello readers! Things are going great at CF News 13 and here is hoping that things are even better in all of your lives.

Rogue Gallart has announced his candidacy for State Senate D19. He issued the following release, in what is shaping up to be one of Central Florida’s more exciting races.

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CENTRAL FLORIDA DISABILITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT, ROGUE GALLART ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR FLORIDA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 19

Orlando – Rogue Gallart, President of the Central Florida Disability Chamber of Commerce (CFDC), announces his candidacy for the Democratic Florida State Senate for District 19 today.

Under Gallart’s leadership, the CFDC provides information and education on business creation and growth across the entire State of Florida, specifically designed for the needs of people with disabilities.

Gallart was instrumental in developing the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, which educates Central Florida Youths on entrepreneurship as a career path. It also fosters opportunities for students to gain work based experiences in leadership, developing interpersonal skills and management.

“Innovation and growth of entrepreneurship lies with the proper education of our youth of today. Education is a progressive discovery and should never be taken for granted,” says Gallart.

Gallart’s nonprofit career began at The Center for Independent Living (CIL), as the Director of Advocacy and Legislative Affairs. He began the Business Advisory Council, a division of CIL focused on improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Under his direction, the council grew to include several hundred local businesses.

Gallart currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Beacon Network, an organization dedicated to diversity inclusion in the workplace. He also serves on the Board for the Greater Orlando Business Leadership Network. Gallart is a member of the Executive Committee for the Hispanic Office for Local Assistance.

“These are challenging times, people are downhearted about government, and too many Floridians are still out of the work. We need to focus on job creation and we need to push forward to get results. It’s time for a fresh start.” said Gallart.

Primary elections will be held on August 14, 2012. For more information on Rogue Gallart’s campaign visit www.RogueGallart.com

Rogue Gallart announced his candidacy today.


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Gallart joins former Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart, termed out State Rep Geraldine Thompson, and Victoria Siplin, wife of current incumbent Gary Siplin.

Linda Stewart Kicks Off State Senate Campaign at Lake Eola

October 8, 2011 Uncategorized 2 comments

Friday afternoon, in front of loyal supporters, Linda Stewart kicked off her campaign for State Senate District 19.

Conditions were perfect for an announcement at Lake Eola and with her family by her side, Stewart declared her candidacy and vowed to bring jobs to the district as well as put education first and protect the environment. Here is her speech.

Stewart and I had a few minutes to talk and she told me that she was ready to take the same issues she fought for here in Orange County to the next level in Tallahassee. When asked about working with the Republican super majority in the state’s capital, she spoke of her accomplishments working side by side with former Republican Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty.

She joins a crowded field of fellow Democrats running in district 19 which includes Victoria Siplin (incumbent Senator Gary Siplin’s wife), as well as current State Rep. Geraldine Thompson who is leaving due to term limits, along with several other candidates. No Republicans have filed to run in the “blue” district.

We’ll keep you posted on her and the other candidates as the race moves forward.

Linda Stewart and her family at a perfect afternoon at Lake Eola

Stewart emphasized jobs, education, and the environment during the kickoff

Stewart brings a loyal base of support to the race.

Thank you to Stewart and her supporters for the invite! I cover events on both sides and if you’re running for office, I want to talk to you.

Former Commissioner Linda Stewart running for State Senate 19

September 30, 2011 Uncategorized One comment

The State Senate 19 Race is going to be fun to watch.

As reported by the Orlando Sentinel earlier today, Former Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart has decided to run for the Florida State Senate in District 19. Gary Siplin is currently serving his final term there.

It was first reported by this blog that Linda Stewart was building a campaign team for a run at higher office but, did not disclose what office that was going to be.

Now entering, what is bound to be one of the more competitive races in the region. The two term Democrat joins a crowded field with members of her own party, that include Siplin’s wife Victoria and termed out State Rep. Geraldine Thompson.

Stewart came in 3rd in the Orange County Mayoral primary last year. Underfunded and running a grassroots campaign that saw her “Getting Out The Vote” on her caravan, Stewart did better than expected narrowly missing the cut for the runoff last November.

She’s an advocate for the environment and LGBT rights, as well as a favorite in the Hispanic community. Stewart brings a built in supporter base that should keep her competitive in this race.

Stewart has made the call to run for State Senate

Pam Powell Running for State House D39

September 21, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Yesterday, The Orlando Sentinel reported that the Rev. Pam Powell has entered the race for the Florida House District 39.

Her entrance is the latest political shuffle taking place in within the region, with termed out incumbent Geraldine Thompson running for also termed out State Senator Gary Siplin’s seat. Siplin’s wife Victoria is also running for her husbands job in Tallahassee and Victoria isn’t alone. There are at least 2 others that have filed.

Powell is a minster and media businesswoman with a long list of achievements and community involvement. Here are some of the highlights from her announcement.

“Be it also known, that I am fully committed to ensuring that your interests (the esteemed constituency of District 39) will be served and that your voices will not only be heard, but that you will also be vehemently represented and respected.”

“I am acutely sensitive to the issues which adversely affect us, which include, but are not limited to: the overall declining economic climate of our communities; the need for more jobs and small business opportunities; the growing unemployment rate (particularly affecting our district); drastic cuts in the education budget; voter suppression efforts prompted by altering election laws (harboring the potential to adversely affect our working people)”

“My campaign for The State house is to make a positive difference in and for my community and to work with other policy makers in a bipartisan way as to safeguard the prosperity and liberties of the constituents of the 39th District.”

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The Republican stronghold in Tallahassee means that Democrats in D39 have to nominate not only a candidate that can win the election but, a potential lawmaker that can work within a minority and create legislative victories for his or her’s constituents.

Minister, Businesswoman and now candidate for FL House D39, Rev. Pam Powell