With Rep. Bill Proctor, R-St. Augustine, facing term limits, two Republicans have already filed to run for his seat and another candidate, who has filed for another seat, could also be in the running.
Proctor currently represents parts of Clay, Flagler and St. Johns counties --but the district could change with the Legislature tackling redistricting in early 2012.
Mike Davis filed to run for the seat back in April. Davis has deep roots in the area and his familys construction company, which the candidate currently works for, has been based in St. Augustine for more than 55 years. Evoking Proctors service, Davis stresses his conservatism and has vowed to fight for education while pushing for lower taxes and reduced state spending.
Attorney Terry Shoemaker also filed to enter the race back in April. A former assistant state attorney, Shoemaker has a wide array of experience, including stints in the Navy and as an athletic trainer with the Houston Astros. Shoemaker also stressed his conservatism during his announcement.
But theres also a wild card -- conservative activist Kim Kendall, who has helped out on a number of campaigns in the area. Kendall announced for the seat currently held by Rep. Mike Weinstein, R-Orange Park, but, as a resident of St. Augustine, she could end up running for the seat held by Proctor once redistricting settles.
Kendall has already received the backing of prominent conservative leader John Stemberger and posted some impressive numbers in her first two months of fund-raising. Having announced in early February, by the end of March, Kendall had raised more than $11,000 in contributions and loaned her campaign $10,000 -- but her burn rate seems a little high as she spent more than $5,300 of that during the same period.
Republican leaders in the area are delighted so far with the strong field to replace Proctor -- and note that there may be others joining the pack.
I wouldnt be surprised to see some more jump in, Harlan Mason, the chairman of the Republican Party of St. Johns County, told Sunshine State News on Monday. He praised the really strong field already lining up and said that any of them would be a worthy replacement for Proctor in the House.
During the 2010 cycle, Proctor drew two opponents. Businessman Alan Kelso ran against Proctor in the Republican primary which the incumbent won with almost 72 percent of the vote. Kelso has left the door open for making a second run at the House seat. Proctor went on to defeat Democratic nominee Doug Courtney in November, winning more than 65 percent of the vote as he cruised toward a fourth term.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews or at (850) 727-0859.
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