November 10, 2008

ISSUE 1244

Agriculture-friendly, pro-business candidates prevailed in the Florida Legislature in this year’s general election. All Senate candidates endorsed by FFVA’s state political action committee won their races, and only two of the PAC-endorsed House candidates lost their races.

Three newly elected members of the Florida House have strong agricultural backgrounds, and with our members’ help, FFVA PAC was able to back the candidates who will support agriculture. FFVA welcomes Republicans Brad Drake (District 5) and Steve Crisafulli (District 32), and Democrat Leonard Bembry (District 10) to the Florida Legislature. FFVA appreciates our members’ support of our political efforts.

The Democrats gained one seat in the state House, while the Senate makeup stays the same. Before this general election, the Florida House of Representatives had 77 Republicans and 43 Democrats. Now the makeup is 76 Republicans and 42 Democrats. Two House races remain too close to call. In District 9 (currently a Democratic seat), Michelle Vasilinda (D) holds a 403-vote lead over Peter Boulware (R). In District 11 (currently a Democratic seat), Rep. Debbie Boyd (D) currently holds a 42-vote lead over Elizabeth Porter (R).

Democrats gain one spot in Florida’s congressional delegation. Before the general election, the Florida’s delegation was made up of 16 Republicans and nine Democrats. Now, the makeup is 15 Republicans and 10 Democrats. Challenger Alan Grayson (D) defeated Rep. Ric Keller (R) in District 8, challenger Suzanne Kosmas (D) defeated Rep. Tom Feeney (R) in District 24, and challenger Tom Rooney (R) defeated Rep. Tim Mahoney (D) in District 16.

Incumbents Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R), Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R) all successfully retained their seats in very competitive races. State Sen. Bill Posey of District 15 (R) won the only open congressional seat.