Florida GOP gubernatorial candidates should debate in Jacksonville

Cindy Graves, president of the Florida Federation of Republican Women, issued an official statement on Wednesday, calling for a statewide debate between the two frontrunners in the governor’s race. Graves said, “The members of the Florida Federation of Republican Women respectfully call upon our GOP candidates for Florida governor to work out the details necessary to hold a statewide televised debate for the benefit of the voters.”

At present both Democrat and Republican candidates for the Primary in the nation’s fourth largest state are locked in duels that at times make the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral look like a water pistol fight.

Graves issued the statement because at present, Attorney General Bill McCollum and businessman Rick Scott are set to debate on TV in only two local media markets. Graves pointed out Scott declined the invitation of two organizations to debate in Orlando on Aug. 11, and she asked that “an alternative be worked out for the benefit of all Republican voters.”

She also pointed out FFRW has not issued an endorsement in the Primary to determine the gubernatorial candidate because there is support among members for both candidates.

Thus far, the only candidate endorsed is former speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio who is the presumed GOP nominee for the US Senate race after Governor Charlie Crist exited the GOP. It’s likely Crist realized he could not win the Primary because Rubio is wildly popular among all sectors of the Party. Republican women, independent of FFRW, were among the first to call attention to Rubio’s potential because of his charisma, intellect and solid platform for bringing about meaningful change to what Rubio calls the ‘Obama Agenda.’

Alci Maldonado, chair of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, spoke at the opening of the GOP Minority Headquarters in Jacksonville in 2009. The club has been cited as a model by the national party. [Photo by Kay B. Day]The most logical location for a gubernatorial debate is Jacksonville. The First Coast City is home to the national winner of ‘Large Club of the Year’, an award conferred upon the Jacksonville Young Republicans by the National Young Republican Federation. The Jax club has undertaken numerous community projects such as HabiJax, a fundraiser for a charter school and a blood drive. The national award topped off a string of state and other awards.

Jacksonville is also home to the nation’s first GOP Minority Headquarters. The opening of that headquarters drew a culturally diverse crowd so large people were standing in the hallway.

Jacksonville’s Duval County Republican Club is a driving force in the community and in the state party. Graves and Duval GOP chairman Lenny Curry also host a popular radio talk show, ‘What’s the Buzz,’ each Thursday on 1530-WBOB.

Jacksonville also has a large military population and holding the debate here would permit those serving the country to attend without hardship.

Graves said, “As grassroots leaders in the majority of Florida’s counties, we understand the importance of public debate in America - most especially in choosing a candidate for such an important post as governor or US president to represent our ticket. Voters are eager to see the political process in action and deserve the opportunity to make an informed decision. ”

(Commentary by Kay B. Day/Aug. 4, 2010)

Comments

[Addie]

Scott probably doesn't debate well, because he doesn't the command of the issues McCollum has. But then McCollum is such an "estblishment" sort, he is suffering from the anti-incumnetfeelings. I would like to see them side-to-side bearing the above in mind.

[Kay B. Day]

I'd like to see a debate like this as well. We're a big state and the race is commanding national interest. We'll see what happens! Thanks for reading. KBD

[fl homes for sale]

I had also like to see debate.I like this post, very informative about Florida.