PBCGOP Chairman with Election Preview
Posted by Fred Scheibl on September 25, 2024 · Leave a Comment
Our September meeting featured county GOP Chairman Kevin Neal.
Starting with a discussion of the six statewide amendments on the ballot, he focused in on the Marijuana proposal (Amendment 3) and some comments from Governor DeSantis at a recent event. If passed, this amendment will be a large economic boon to Trueleive, the company that runs most of the medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. Contrary to popular belief, this amendment (if passed) would not allow you to grow your own, nor would it open up the market to a lot of competition – instead it will provide a bunch of new customers for Trueleive, the company that is largely funding the drive to pass this amendment.
On amendment 4, what the Governor calls the “abortion until birth” amendment, it is interesting that the text does not use the term “physician” and implies that anyone could legally perform an abortion if passed.
Kevin pointed out that both of these amendments (3 and 4) are funded by George Soros.
On another topic, vote-by-mail (VBM), Kevin shared some interesting statistics. It is important to request a VBM ballot for a lot of reasons, but specifically those that receive one are 2-6 times MORE likely to vote in the election. Since Democrats typically outpace us by large numbers in VBM, the implications are clear. He also asked people to vote early, either with VBM or at early voting – the longer you wait, the more the candidates need to spend to push you to do so. Vote early and most of the political text, mail, emails and calls will stop.
Several county races are of particular interest. HD89, a D+13 open seat, is a potential pickup (although long shot) for Daniel Zapata. We also have a shot at Anne Gerwig defeating incumbent Katherine Waldron in D+6 HD93. R+3 HD91 (Peggy Gossett Seidman) and R+1 HD94 (open – Megan Weinberger) are tight and we need focus to hold on to these Republican seats. We also have a shot at SB5, also an R+1 open seat that Gloria Branch could win and end a several decade hold by the Dems.
Also at the meeting were candidates Michael Gauger (D+5 Sheriff), Page Lewis (R+17 SB1), and Ted Sarandis (D+9 Port of PB group 2).