Sometimes, politicians can find some success when they leave one office for a smaller one. While he does not rank as one of the great presidents, John Quincy Adams is remembered for his service in the U.S. House as one of the leading foes of slavery after he was booted from the White House in the 1828 elections. After losing his U.S. Senate to George Smathers, Floridas own Claude Pepper served decades in the U.S. House. Even Jerry Brown served as mayor of Oakland and attorney general of the Golden State in-between gubernatorial terms and presidential bids.
While not quite as dramatic as, say, Andrew Johnsons election to the U.S. Senate that almost removed him from the White House a few years before, Florida state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, is facing term limits and is looking to move back to the other chamber of the Legislature. Based on financial reports, Fasano is the odds-on favorite to win the Republican primary and stay in Tallahassee to represent parts of Pasco County.
Fasano is no stranger to the Florida House. He was elected to it in 1994 and rose up the Republicans ranks. becoming majority leader. In 2002, facing term limits, Fasano ran for his current Senate seat which represents parts of Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, eventually becoming president pro tempore of the chamber.
Since entering the race in early April, Fasano has compiled an impressive war chest that gives him the financial edge over two rivals for the Republican nomination. In the first two months of his campaign, Fasano has raised more than $103,000 and spent more than $18,800 leaving around $84,000 for the final weeks before the Aug. 14 primary.
Attorney James Mathieu is also running for the Republican nomination and he is hoping to appeal to GOP stalwarts, reminding them that Fasano backed the U.S. Senate bid of then-Gov. Charlie Crist, who was running with no party affiliation, over Republican nominee Marco Rubio. Mathieu has been active with the Pasco County GOP, rising to serve as vice chairman.
Mathieu has not been able to keep up with Fasanos fundraising pace. Since entering the race in October, Mathieu has raised almost $12,700, loaned his campaign $7,500 and spent more than $11,500.
Michael Kennedy of Hudson is also seeking the Republican nomination. Since entering the race in April 2011, Kennedy has raised $460 and spent $172.
Whoever emerges with the Republican nomination should be headed to Tallahassee with ease as no other parties, including the Democrats, have fielded a candidate. Joseph Antimo Verola is running for the House seat as a write-in candidate.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
