Florida state Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-Cape Coral, announced on Thursday he will run for the congressional seat that Republican U.S. Rep. Connie Mack will be leaving to run against Democrat incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.
Throughout my life, I have been a leader, said Aubuchon, who represents parts of Charlotte and Lee counties, in a statement. From growing a homebuilding business in the living room of our home into a diversified team of companies and from volunteer roles in our community to a position of leadership in the Florida House of Representatives, I have a proven ability to get things done. Now I want to bring my passion, work ethic and leadership skills to Washington to make a difference. I love our community and our nation and the current path we are traveling on is wrong. Washington needs leaders willing to confront the status quo, hold true to their convictions and still effect positive change. I believe that I am such a leader and that if the people of Southwest Florida elect me to Congress, I can and will make a difference.
First elected to the Florida House in 2006, Aubuchon, who had chaired the Charlotte County legislative delegation and currently heads the Lee County delegation, has risen to lead the Rules and Calendar Committee. He also sits on the House Appropriations Committee.
Aubuchon is not alone in seeking the seat, which currently contains all of Lee County and parts of Charlotte and Collier counties. Besides Aubuchons base of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples and parts of Port Charlotte are included in the district.
A crowded field of Republicans is lining up to run for the seat Mack currently holds.
Earlier in the week, Chauncey Goss, the son of former CIA Director Porter Goss who held the seat before Mack won it in 2004, announced he is entering the race. Goss, who worked in the Office of Management and Budget and as the deputy staff director for the U.S. House Budget Committee, will run in the Republican primary.
Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall has also filed to run in the Republican primary. So has conservative attorney Joe Davidow. Timothy Rossano, who had been very active in running for office as a third-party candidate in Rhode Island, has also filed to run in the Republican primary.
Other possible Republican candidates include Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah and former state Sen. Burt Saunders. Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, has filed to run for another congressional seat but, after redistricting, he could run for the seat Mack currently holds. Kreegel currently represents all of DeSoto County and parts of Charlotte and Lee counties.
James Roach, who lost to Mack in 2010, will face Thomas Scherer in the Democratic primary.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
