Domino is going back to a concept that helped Republicans in the early 1990s but one that has faded in recent years as the GOP has often controlled Congress: the need for citizen legislators in Washington. Calling for eight-year term limits in Congress and lowering congressmens pay, Domino is pushing to end congressional perks, have more transparency and for a lifetime ban on lobbying.
Its not a bad card for Domino to play. While he did serve four terms in the Florida House, Domino has distinguished himself outside politics, working as an investment manager and serving in the armed forces, eventually rising to the rank of commander in the Naval Reserve.
Domino has thrown a few jabs Murphys way but he is keeping his fire focused on other targets like Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi. This week, Domino appeared on Newsmax TV and went after Obama, talking about his performance in the White House, portraying the president as a disappointment to America. Murphy remained, at best, in the background.
Continuing to try to claim the center, Murphy has pretty much ignored Domino. Instead, Murphy has been using his fundraising advantage to run TV commercials early and often, presenting himself as a moderate working against the extreme elements on both sides. Domino hasnt run any general election commercials yet but his call for congressional reform is a nice counter to Murphy presenting himself as a centrist problem solver.
Still, Domino has his work cut out for him. Murphy has proven a hard worker in the district and on the fundraising circuit. Even though Murphy barely beat out Allen West in 2012, Republican and conservative groups have been downgrading their chances to flip this seat in November. Murphy will be hard to dislodge in the general election.
But Domino has been willing to put his money where his mouth is, relying on his own cash to win the Republican primary. Domino has also shown considerable perseverance. Big names like West, Adam Hasner and others were brought up as possible Republican candidates in this race, but Domino remained focused on the race. He outlasted the other Republican candidates even as West threw his support behind Ellen Andel who quickly pulled out of the race.
Despite losing a state Senate primary in 2010 and a state House primary in 2012, Domino bounced back nicely last month, taking 38 percent against five other Republicans to win the nomination to challenge Murphy. While he wasnt exactly facing a field of political heavyweights, it was a surprisingly strong showing from Domino who, as the nominal front-runner, drew the most fire in the primary.
The rest of September is crucial for Domino as he attempts to convince Republicans that he has a shot against Murphy. That means positioning and grassroots efforts will be crucial as he tries to get the GOPs attention. So far, he is off to a good start but he has a long way to go. Still, Domino is at least on the radar for some national Republicans even if Murphy is still a heavy favorite.
Tallahassee-based political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis exclusively for Sunshine State News.
