After an open seat in Florida Senate, former state Rep. Bill Galvano looks to be smooth-sailing his way to a Tallahassee return in November.
Galvano has an open shot at the Republican nomination for SD 26, to represent parts of Charlotte, Highlands and Hillsbrough counties and all of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee and Manatee counties. The Brandenton Republican is well-known in Tallahassee for his eight years in the Florida House. First elected in 2002, he represented parts of Hillsborough and Manatee counties until he faced term limits in 2010.
While he never moved into the top tier of leadership in the House, Galvano, who was on the Full Appropriations Council and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, led the Rules and Calendar Council and the committee tasked with reviewing the states compact on gaming with the Seminoles. Galvano also led the Healthy Families Committee and the Committee on the Future of Floridas Families, where he helped launch Medicaid Reform.
Even before leaving the Florida House, Galvano had his eyes set on running for the Florida Senate. He jumped in the race in June 2009 and has established an impressive fundraising operation over the course of that time. So far in the election cycle, Galvano has raised more than $418,000 and relied on more than $3,750 through in-kind donations. By the end of the second quarter, Galvano had burned through more than half his war chest, spending almost $233,000 so far in the campaign.
Galvanos spending has increased in recent months as the election draws closer. In the second quarter of 2012, Galvano spent more than $68,000 -- easily more than double what he had spent in any other single quarter. He raised more than $40,000 during that period.
Standing in Galvanos way of another stint in Tallahassee is Paula House, an attorney and activist who had stints as a journalist and a teacher. She also once led the Highlands County Democratic Party. Like Galvano, House does not face any opposition in the primary come August.
House entered the race in June, giving her little time to catch up to Galvano in the money chase. Since jumping in the race, House has raised more than $6,850 and has keep most of it in the bank. So far, she has spent more than $1,865, leaving almost $5,000 on hand as she continues her Senate bid.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
