Don't forget to vote August 24, 2010
This is my take and observations on the candidates on my ballot. I include links where I can but really this is an exercise to help ME decide who to vote for. Hope it helps those others out there researching
United States Senator:
William Escoffey III- a doctor no one has heard of, may have a website but hard to find
William Billy Kogut - (My Pick) Would be a great candidate if he had a prayer and some funding. A founding member of "Judicial Watch", wants to repeal Obama-Care, focus on the constitution.
Marco Rubio - (Almost as good) Has served in the FL House of Rep for 8 years part of that time as Majority whip. Really the only one of the three that has a chance. I have liked most of what I have heard from him in interviews etc. this past year. He is a solid conservative candidate.
US 2nd Congressional District: (lots of good candidates hard to go wrong)
Eddie Hendry - I like Eddie Hendry I've met and talked with him, and listened to some interviews with him. He knows his constitution and is a strong advocate for limited government.
Ron McNeil - An inventor with several small businesses and patents focusing on environmental issues. Ran for this congress seat during and supported by Ronald Reagan. A solid conservative.
Barbara F. Olschner - I agree with most of what she has spoken about but I have 2 criticisms. 1. she is open to tax increases to lower the deficit. 2. she thinks that being a lawyer makes her better qualified.
David Scholl - (My Pick by a hair margin) Retired Air Force pilot with a strong conservative background, good sense of humor, well spoken, has a strong understanding of the constitution and current politics.
Steve Southerland - Funeral Director, has lived in NW FL for a long time. I pretty much agreed with all of his issues as stated on his website. Is against off-shore drilling in FL. A solid conservative.
FL Governor: (this is a tough decision)
Mike McCallister - Ret. Colonel. Can't find a website or any real information on him.
Bill McCollum - (My Pick by a hair margin) Current FL Attorney General, retired-Navy JAG corp., 20 years as US congressman. I haven't liked his total focus on negative campaigning. Very little talk of his position on the issues. On a positive note is endorsed by Jeb Bush, Dick Army and Steve Forbes. In the end I think he will have an edge over Rick in winning the general election.
Rick Scott - Ex-Navy, Lawyer, Founder of two health care companies. I like that he is a political outsider and a self made millionaire. I like his stances on the issues, i.e. limited government, supports Arizona immigration law. I had written off Rick because of accusations about a "Playboy" connection, but after research have realized are not true. Accused but not convicted of fraud.
FL Attorney General
Holly Benson - Secretary of Health Administration, Former head of Dept of Business and Professional Regulation. Was FL House of Representative for 6 years. endorsed by Newt Gingrich. Will continue State law suite against Obama Care, supports AZ immigration law. Strong 2nd amendment and pro-life.
Pam Bondi - (My Pick) Was registered Democrat until 2000. Has worked as an Assistant State Attorney for 18 years. Has served on several councils and chairs as a prosecutor. Endorsed by Sarah Palin. She is my pick because she has the most experience as an Attorney and not a politician.
Jeff Kottkamp - Current Lt. Governor. Was FL House of Representatives for 3 terms. Endorsed by FL Right to Life.
FL 9th House District
Kirk Headley-Perdue - (My Pick) Long term clinical social worker, current owner of a graphic design business. Seems fairly conservative. Has a strong focus on personal responsibility. Seems "level headed"
Ann Yarko - A young recent FSU grad. Wants to "protect state workers." A strong conservative wants to pass stricter illegal immigrant laws and supports lower government spending and tax cuts. I like her ideas but I think she is a little too young and inexperienced.
Circuit Judge, 2nd Circuit Group 9 (Check out this Site)
Eddie Evans - (My Pick) 18 years as district state attorney for Leon, Gadsden, Franklin, and Wakulla Counties, former Mayor of Sopchoppy, auxiliary state trooper. A hard choice but my pick because I tend to lean toward the Prosecutor mind set.
Karen Gievers - strong child advocate and has won several awards because of it.
Barbara Hobbs - liberal judge - admits that her "life experiences" makes a difference in the quality of judge. Has had a lot of different jobs as an attorney, both as a prosecutor and advocate.
Bruce Leinback - VP of Jefferson Historical Society, served as Special Assistant US attorney, US attorney working with Panama Canal, City Attorney for Monticello, Adjunct Professor at FSU, private attorney.
J. Layne Smith - public defender, over 22 years private practice trial attorney
Leon County Commissioner at Large Group 2
Nick Maddox - Former FSU and NFL football player. Real estate Degree. Current VP of Development for Bowden Foundation for Ethical Leadership. Considers himself "a conservative Democrat", is OK with raising taxes, focus on affordable housing in the county.
Rick Malphurs - Former Marine, currently works at family owned CJ Malphurs Septic Service. Has served on local citizen committees. A focus on growing and encouraging small business and limiting county spending. I like Rick definately not a politician.
Scott Matteo - (My Pick) Registered professional engineer. 2nd term Ochlochonee River Soil and Water District Chairman. Favors term limits for commissioners. Promised to not raise taxes. Wants to streamline County permitting. Registered Democrat. Would like a Arts center but not willing to raise taxes to build it.
Cliff Thaell - Has been county commissioner for 16 years. Radical environmentalist. anti-business. Pushed for a Leon County based Health Care program which of course would have had additional taxes.
Tallahassee Mayor
Larry Hendricks - He wants less development and fewer roads. The video interview is entertaining. I'd pick Marks before him.
John Marks - Our current mayor whose main focus has been on trying to get awards for having the "greenest" city. Works full time as a lawyer, part time mayor. Has refused to be interviewed by WFLA and avoids questions at town hall meetings. On a positive note has made Tallahassee parks a priority.
Steve Stewart - (My Pick) Electrical Engineer, realtor, business owner that does marketing and printing. Has focused campaign on reducing Utility rates, making City spending more transparent, and making doing business easier.
Tallahassee City Commissioner Seat 3
Stephen Hogge - Considers himself a political moderate. Silver Life member of the NAACP. Has done a lot of volunteer work for city, even won some awards for it.
Nancy Miller - (My Pick) I met Nancy she seemed very well informed, was well spoken, and has been active in the community and a small business owner.
Bill Rollins - Wants to focus on improving the South side of town. I met Bill, he seems like a nice guy that is fairly well informed and would be OK at this position just probably not as good as Nancy.
Tallahassee City Commissioner Seat 5
Erwin Jackson - (My Pick) I met Erwin at a debate. Not a politician, but very well informed and has a passion for saving money for himself and the city. A poor dresser (a plus in my book) and a OK speaker.
James Moran - FAMU professor of pharmacy. Served in Army. Supports lower taxes, but also a county wide Health Care Program. (how are you going to fund that).
Gil Ziffer - I met Gil at a debate. The current stand in commissioner for someone that quit early. He is smooth well spoken but definitely a politician.
