For more than 20 years, liberal Democrat Corrine Brown has represented parts of conservative North Florida in Congress and, as 2014 looms, she looks set for yet another term.
Part of Browns success has been the fact she has represented a gerrymandered district with high numbers of African-Americans and Democrats. Republicans in Tallahassee have been content to leave those voters with Brown instead of bringing them into Ander Crenshaws or Ted Yohos or other districts.
Brown has been more than happy to play ball with Republicans. When the GOP-controlled Legislature tried to shoot down the Fair District amendments in 2010, Brown was on their side and one of the most vocal opponents of those measures.
Even her fiercest critics have to admit the congresswomans motto of Corrine delivers has some truth to it. Browns been able to stay in power with strong constituent services and sending federal money to North Florida. There have been more than a few controversies circling around her, including using her influence for her lobbyist daughters clients, but voters have kept Brown in office. When she faces opposition, Brown usually destroys them in either the primary or the general election. Shes easily bested the likes of Alvin Brown, who went on to become mayor of Jacksonville, and Jennifer Carroll who served in the Florida House and was lieutenant governor.
A year to go until the election, Brown appears to have nothing to fear from whoever wins the Republican primary. Browns drawn two opponents so far in business owner Thuy Lowe and Glo Smith who worked as an aide to both Rick Scott and Carroll.
Based in Sorrento, Lowe is new to the race. She has an interesting story, especially as her family members were some of the last refugees to leave Saigon in 1975. While she is starting to make the rounds, Lowe has miles to go before she can catch Brown.
The same holds true of her primary opponent. Despite her credentials, Smith has raised less than $6,000 so far and will need to ramp up her fundraising to prove to Republicans she has a prayer of defeating Brown. Smith has been in the race since July and is starting to pick up the pace. But, like Lowe, she has major work to do if she wants to make it a contest.
Conservatives would love to defeat Brown who remains the only congressional Democrat representing North Florida. But for 20 years, Brown has easily dispatched Republican opponents. Dont expect that pattern to change in 2014.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis piece exclusively for Sunshine State News.
