Former Republican Party of Florida Chairwoman Leslie Dougher is looking to return to Tallahassee, this time as a member of the Florida House of Representatives.
Despite the support of Gov. Rick Scott and a good year for Republicans, earlier this year Dougher was defeated by Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, to take over the RPOF. Still at her post as chairwoman of the Clay County GOP, Dougher will now run for the seat currently held by term-limited Rep. Charlie Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, which represents parts of southern Clay County and all of Bradford, Putnam and Union counties.
“Today I am excited to announce my candidacy for House District 19,” Dougher announced on Tuesday night. “Hard work and determination will set our campaign apart and deliver a new voice in Tallahassee that will fight for the principles that Floridians value: job growth, lower taxes, and an exceptional education system.
“Effective leadership in Tallahassee can only be accomplished after earning the trust of your constituents,” Dougher added. “I plan to earn that trust face-to-face as I listen to the concerns of voters across the district and voice those concerns on the House floor in Tallahassee.”
Besides her work with the RPOF and Clay County GOP, Dougher, a Realtor, has been active with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and Scott appointed her to chair the Small Business Development Center Board.
Dougher does not have an open shot at the Republican nomination in this conservative district. Katherine Van Zant, wife of the current incumbent, entered the race back in December and, at the end of May, had more than $19,500 in the bank. Palatka native Bobby Payne, who worked for the Seminole Electric Cooperative for almost three-and-a-half decades, entered the race in March, and by the end of May had more than $28,000 on hand. Currently, there are no Democrats or minor party candidates in the race.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
Comments
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