TEA Party Beats GOP in Court Again; Keeps Ballot Line in HD 34

Submitted by Anonymous on September 2, 2010 - 6:40pm

For the second time in two days, Republicans were defeated in their attempt to remove a TEA Party candidate from a state House race.

Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford denied a motion Thursday that would have disqualified TEA Party hopeful John DeVries from the House District 34 contest.

DeVries is running against incumbent Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Lake Mary, and Democrat Steve Barnes.

The Republicans' failed legal gambit was filed by Rep. Juan-Carlos Planas, R-Miami, whose law firm disclosed a retainer agreement in which the RPOF will cover all legal expenses.

"It is a great victory for the voters of Florida who are supporting the TEA Party movement and our political efforts and it is a great victory for the TEA Party," said party chairman Frederic O'Neal, an Orlando attorney who represented TEA and its candidates.

Republican Party officials were not immediately available for comment.

As Sunshine State News reported Wednesday, TEA also successfully defended its ballot position in state House District 91, though candidate John Perez was ordered to give way to a party-designated successor if he wins.

The TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party has 15 candidates running in legislative races. Three others are running for Congress and one for commissioner of agriculture.

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