With the 2012 election still days away, 16 candidates have filed paperwork to run for state House seats in 2014, notes the News Service of Florida.
The list includes seven incumbents who were unopposed this year or clinched re-election during the Aug. 14 primary elections. Those incumbents are Rep. Clay Ingram, R-Pensacola; Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights; Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne; Rep. Dana Young, R-Tampa; Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg; Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres; and Rep. Daphne Campbell, D-Miami.
The list also includes newcomer Victor Torres, D-Orlando, who ran unopposed for a House seat this year, and newcomer Ray Rodrigues, R-Ostero, who locked up a seat in a primary.
Among others planning to run in 2014 are Rep. Brad Drake, R-Eucheeana, and Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, R-Orlando, who are not on the ballot this year after being drawn into new districts with other incumbents. They will seek to return to the Legislature after those incumbents are term-limited in 2014. By filing the paperwork with the state Division of Elections, the candidates are able to collect contributions for their campaigns.
