With Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, facing term limits, a competitive battle is shaping up between two strong candidates battling it out in the Democratic primary to replace him in representing parts of Orange County in the Florida Senate.
With a month to go until the primary on Aug. 14, Rep. Geri Thompson, D-Orlando, has a slight financial edge over Democratic rival Victoria Siplin, a businesswoman and former legislative staffer who is married to the current holder of the Senate seat.
Thompson has represented parts of Orange County in the Florida House since first being elected in 2006. She eventually rose to serve as Democratic leader pro tempore and is the ranking member from her party on the Economic Affairs Committee.
As of the end of the second quarter of 2012, Thompson has raised more than $98,000 and spent almost $46,000 -- leaving her around $52,000 for the final weeks of the primary. Thompson increased her fundraising pace during the second quarter of 2012, raising more than $43,000 but also spending almost $31,000 during that period.
Since throwing her hat in the ring in April 2011, Victoria Siplin has raised slightly less than what Thompson has brought in. In that time, Siplin has raised more than $93,000 and spent more than $64,000, leaving her less than $30,000 in the bank in the final month before the primary.
Siplin had the financial edge over Thompson until the second quarter. During that period, Siplin raised less than $17,000 and spent more than $34,000.
This is not the first time that Thompson has squared off against a Siplin. She ran against Sen. Siplin back in 2004.
Whoever emerges from the Democratic primary will be a heavy favorite to head to Tallahassee after the November elections, though there is a Republican in the race. Having tried to run for the Florida House as a Democrat and failed in 2004 -- losing to Thompson -- and 2006, accountant and real estate broker Fritz Jackson Seide is running again as a Republican.
Seide entered the race in the middle of April and, since then, has brought in almost $2,600 and spent more than $2,200.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
