04/01/2024
To those of you who are new to the Panhandle, or NW Florida, even in the last 10 years, let me explain why we elect Republicans the way we do here with the understanding that we are overwhelmingly Republican.
The FL Peninsula from Jacksonville to south of Ocala have many more voters than we do. South Florida is as big as 30 states! NW FL and coastal Florida here to that point is mostly rural land. We only have 4 Congressmen/women, few state Senators and few state Representatives. Those we elect in these positions MUST understand how the government works prior to hitting those offices in order to bring support and funds to our areas or we have no chance.
Therefore, we elect good solid Rs and those who already have a community base of support so that they can learn the process and move our agenda forward when elected to higher positions. Only when they have built relationships and respect within the government process will they retain a voice. At that point they earn leadership positions where they can “bring the money home”. Otherwise we give it all up to South Florida unless there is someone in a high position of authority with integrity to work with the entire state. Same with state Senators and Congress. Only in leadership do we gain attention. The higher we go the better for us. Once in a blue moon we have a future Senate President, State Speaker, US Senate and Congressional elected officials whom we MUST support for the above purpose.
We cannot be replacing people when they are rising unless they do something extraordinarily wrong. That’s why we go with incumbents most of the time.
Rule 8 of the Republican Party of Florida rules, does say that we can endorse. Only in a state or federal race is this advised. Rick Scott is the state Senate incumbent with opportunities ahead which can help our state, that’s why the state endorsed him. Donald Trump had already received enough votes that we knew he would win enough to be our nominee. That’s why the state party endorsed him.
On a local level endorsing is a different story. Learn before you speak! These are our friends going against each other which can cause complete division within our local parties. We must work together or kindly work for the candidate we support without endorsing. On another note, there are STATUTES which work simultaneously with our party rules. If some of the candidates pay the fee to gain ballot access instead of by petition, the percent of the county’s part of that fee is forfeited if they endorse. Read that again! Should there not be fees paid, RECs believe this to be an open door to circumvent rules.
No business or organization can properly work well if all under their umbrella does not follow the same rules. Think military!
Just an explanation that I hope you all read and find helpful. 25 years of experience is not for naught.
Mitzi Prater
Candidate for State Committeewoman, Bay