All the rage: Florida Senate candidate attempts to tap health care fury in new TV spot
by Michael C. Bender | August 13th, 2009The first television ad in a competitive state Senate special election race in Duval County attempts to capitalize on the energy surrounding the health care debate in Florida and across the country.
In the 30-second spot above, conservative activist Dan Quiggle pulls a clip from his April speech at a local tea party. “We are up against stimulus packages, socialized health care, bailouts. My friends, freedom and liberty are under attack and our politicians are out of control.”
The election, called after the passing of Republican Sen. Jim King, will be worth watching if only for the fact that it is unfolding during such a highly-charged moment in state and national politics. Plus, the GOP primary for this seat in 2010 was already competitive: King’s would-be successors had combined to raise more than $750,000 for the race by June 30.
Now that a special election is needed, the Republican race — featuring Quiggle, former House Speaker John Thrasher, Jacksonville Commissioner Art Graham and former state Rep. Stan Jordan — will be take days, not months, to unfold: The primary is Sept. 15.
Thrasher’s campaign says it will join Quiggle on North Florida airwaves “very shortly.” today.
Meanwhile, Jordan, who only entered the race on Tuesday, said he wasn’t too concerned about the financial gap he faces: His three opponents already have six-figure campaign accounts.
“I’ve done this many times,” he said. “I’m probably the most economical candidate in the state.”
And if you thought the health care battle hasn’t reached North Florida, think again. On Wednesday, 400 people packed into a Live Oak room designed for 136 people. And while there was no violence, it wasn’t pretty: video from ActionNewsJax.com here.
Tags: Art Graham, Dan Quiggle, health care battles, John Thrasher, Republicans, Stan Jordan, Tea Party
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August 14th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Thrasher is the man to beat….the rest of these morons can’t find their way around the Capitol; especially Jordan….
August 30th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I really liked that ad.
Check out this rockin ad that families for new leadership has put out on the internet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_qONWIRIIE
Cool stuff. I think we need more people like Dan Quiggle who are principled, but still innovative.