Harrell plans return to Florida House
by Michael C. Bender | May 29th, 2009
Former state Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, announced this morning she’ll make another run for District 81. The seat, which Harrell held until term limits forced her out last year, is currently held by Rep. Adam Fetterman, D-Port St. Lucie.
“I’ve worked to pass major legislation dealing with a wide range of issues, from seaport and homeland security to education accountability and flexibility; I’ve fought hard to improve our community. We still have a lot of work to do, and that’s why I’m looking to go back to Tallahassee and get our state back on track,” Harrell said in a statement.
Harrell made her announcement at Port St. Lucie GOP headquarters. Speaker designate Dean Cannon attended the event.
UPDATE: Reaction from Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff:
“At a time when Floridians desperately want change in Tallahassee, the Republican Party is offering only more of the same career politicians. While it is not surprising that a professional political like Gayle Harrell be having withdrawals from politics coming up on the one year anniversary of her failed Congressional run, but it is shocking how anyone who was so involved in the many Republican failures of Tallahassee thinks they can win.
“Representative Adam Fetterman has distinguished himself as a true leaders fighting against the Republican excess in Tallahassee. Fetterman showed moral courage leading the fight against Republican tax increases and stood up for police officers, fire fighters, and teachers, working against Republican efforts to force lay offs. Over his few months in office, Fetterman has delivered on the change he promised, which is why his constituents will be re-electing him in 2010.”
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May 29th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Um, does anyone else think that she is skirting the term limit rule.
Really Gayle, Really.
May 29th, 2009 at 10:27 am
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May 29th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Mike, how is it skirting the term limit rule when she did run for her seat in the last election?…term limits doesnt’ mean you can’t come back forever…it just means you have to give up the advantage of incumbency…if the people of her district still like her, then they should have the right to vote for her…and Fetterman is a do nothing, so I’m glad she’s coming back…
May 29th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I meant to write “did not run”
May 29th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Fetterman has been a joke, working for his fellow trial lawyers and doing nothing for those of us who elected him. He profits from the misery of others. I don’t think he passed one bill the entire session. At least with Harrell, we have a known commodity. We know she always worked hard for the district and passed a lot of legislation important to us working folks. Change, for the sake of Change, isn’t always good. In this case, it wasn’t…
May 29th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Republicons have always thought they’re entitled to occupy any seat of power based on their wealth and social status. The wife of a successful doctor and already having served the maximum term limit, why on earth does she feel she should be entitled to return to Tallahassee to pick up with the country club set. Surely there is plenty she can do for the poor in Martin County and enjoy some satisfaction for having contributed something. Representative Adam Fetterman has done a superb job representing his legislative district and it would be to the county’s detriment to vote him out to make room for an “old war horse!” These are times that require principle, dedication and forsight by a bright and energetic young man less concerned with status and hob nobbing with the well connected. Lets not change horses in mid stream. Tallahassee needs to change and change for the better–Adam Fetterman is that change we can believe in.
May 29th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
looks like Eric Jotkoff is also a regular blogger on The Buzz and other websites, plus he might have written Fetterman’s campaign message that was released earlier today…because it all looks like the same rhetoric.
Fact: Fetterman passed zero of the bills he filed this session.
Fact: Fetterman only got one of his bills even out of committee.
Fact: Fetterman didn’t do anything this past session. And despite what Jotkoff says, Fetterman didn’t stop any bills from passing either. He had no impact on the budget, legislation, or even the floral arrangments in the building.
Facts: Gayle Harrell passed comprehensive legislation that reformed seaport security in Florida, she passed legislation that reformed Florida’s certificate-of-need procedures - literally saving lives in counties like Martin & St. Lucie, and most importantly she always put the constituens of her district first.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Ike said: “He profits from the misery of others.”
So Ike the Genius do you even know what type of attorney Fetterman is? I bet you’re guessing trial lawyer. Wrong!
He’s the General Counsel to St. Lucie County Sheriff. Get your facts straight and maybe you’ll be credible.
Adam is doing a fantastic job. Gayle and her lunatic fringe views are not welcome. Wrap your little head around it, if you can.