On Tuesday Rep. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, endorsed political consultant Chris Latvala, son of Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, to replace him in the Florida House representing parts of Pinellas County. Hooper faces term limits in 2014.
Speaking to Sunshine State News on Tuesday, Chris Latvala, noted he served on Hoopers staff as a legislative aide and said, if elected to the Florida House, he would follow his old bosss and his fathers example, especially in terms of constituent services.
Looking back on his experience as a legislative aid, Latvala said it was eye-opening and provided him some experience he hopes to use in Tallahassee. Its not all about pressing the green and red buttons, he said. Its about constituent services.
Latavala told Sunshine State News growing up he had not been very politically active until the 2000 presidential election and he has remained engaged ever since. Being around my dad helped cultivate that, Latava said about his passion for politics.
Turning to issues he hopes to address on the campaign trail and if elected, Latvala praised Gov. Rick Scotts handling of the economy and said he hoped to support the Republican majority on economic issues and job creation.
I think Governor Scott is doing a wonderful job in bringing businesses to the state, Latvala said, contrasting the governors record with President Barack Obamas. I think the Legislature is doing a wonderful job here.
Pointing to his mothers experience as a teacher, Latvala also promised to focus on education. He also pledged to improve public safety if elected, once again citing the example of Hooper, a former firefighter.
Latvala said Florida should not repeal the Stand Your Ground law. Calling the death of Trayvon Martin a tragedy, Latvala said much of the opposition to Stand Your Ground was partisan. I very much support Stand Your Ground, Latvala said. There is no need for a special session.
While Latvala has the support of his father and Hooper, he does have two rivals in the Republican primary. Despite losing to Hooper in the Republican primaries last year, Christopher Shepard, a college student and Army veteran, is back. Frederick Thomson is also running in the Republican primary.
Shepard is a conservative, standing against President Barack Obamas health care law, defending the 10th Amendment and opposing abortion.
Speaking to Sunshine State News on Tuesday, Shepard said, Theres too much overreach going on. He pointed to the new Common Core education standards which he opposes. If Common Cores not stopped, it needs to be put on pause. Shepard said, at the very least, citizens and educators need to be given more opportunities to shape the standards. Shepard also called for more vocational training in high school.
Shepard also told Sunshine State News he opposed repealing the Stand Your Ground law. Its a law that protects citizens from wrongful prosecution when citizens refuse to bow to criminals.
So far, Latvalas rivals have not shown much ability to raise funds. Shepard entered the race on April 1 and raised $200 in the second quarter of 2013. Thomson jumped in the contest in July 2012 and has repeatedly filed waivers with the state instead of reporting his financial numbers.
Sunshine State News left a message for Thomson on Tuesday but he did not return it before the story was published.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.
