advertisement

SSN on Facebook SSN on Twitter SSN on YouTube RSS Feed

Politics

Marco Rubio, Rick Scott and RPOF Keep Eyes on 2016

December 5, 2014 - 6:00pm

For the first time since their victorious election in November, the Republican Party of Florida met in Tampa Saturday, vowing to press forward with a renewed push to invigorate voters to turn out for the 2016 elections.

The state GOP heard remarks from its stars, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. and Gov. Rick Scott, both of whom lauded the RPOFs leadership as a key part of the partys success during this years election.

I think we should be pretty proud of the leadership we have at the state level, said Rubio, who explained Florida has become an attractive place to move, due in part to low tax rates. Everywhere I go in America ... I run into people who tell me one of two things: They either are in Florida ... or theyre on their way here.

Scott lauded the accomplishments of the party, but said despite the partys big wins this year, the work for the 2016 election would begin immediately. The governor emphasized a need for more registered Republicans as well as more volunteers to get out the vote.

People believe in us, he told the party.

Scott also offered high praise for Leslie Dougher, who took over the position as RPOF chair in June after former chair Lenny Curry stepped down from his position to run for mayor of Jacksonville.

You want somebody who will show up. She did. You want somebody who's going to be a good servant. She was. You want somebody whos going to stay on message, said Scott. Leslie did a great job.

Dougher is up for re-election as party chair and has already received the endorsement of Scott, but that doesnt mean her bid will be smooth sailing. Dougher wont be running unopposed -- vice chair Blaise Ingoglia, who has served in the party since 2011 (and just recently won his bid for a seat in the Florida House), announced at the end of November he will be running for chairman.

Ingoglias decision might not be so eyebrow raising, however. There have been rumors that a not-so-insignificant portion of the state party is dissatisfied with Doughers performance during this years election.

Nor is Ingoglia alone in challenging Dougher for the job. Well-respectedMartin County Republican State Committeeman Eric Miller and businessman and former Rep. Kurt Kelly of Ocala both said theyd be challenging Dougher. The four candidates spoke at length about their visions for the party at the candidate forum Friday night.

The election will be next month.


Reach Allison Nielsen at allison@sunshinestatenews.com.

Comments are now closed.

politics
advertisement
advertisement
Live streaming of WBOB Talk Radio, a Sunshine State News Radio Partner.

advertisement