Coming off a big election cycle, the Republican Party of Florida is now starting to look toward the next presidential race. GOP leaders are vowing to do anything to prevent the state from going blue in 2016, for the third time.
But first, they have to elect a new party chair.
As it stands now, three candidates are seeking a chance to be the next RPOF leader, taking the party to what could be the biggest election year in America’s largest purple state.
Clay County’s Leslie Dougher is running for re-election after succeeding former RPOF Lenny Curry, who left earlier this year to run for mayor of Jacksonville. Gov. Rick Scott also wants Dougher to remain on the job, since she was a key player in his own re-election victory in November.
Also running is Eric Miller of Martin County, who challenged Dougher in May in the election of an interim chair after Curry’s exit. Miller, defeated by a surprisingly close 106-61, remains a favorite of grassroots Republican activists. According to the Orlando Political Observer, Miller is campaigning on a “Responsible Reform” platform, calling for more bottom-up party input.
Former State Rep. Kurt Kelly, in an email to supporters this weekend, suggested he would enter the race.
“It must always be our goal to work tirelessly to elect those who serve with principles, values and virtue,” he wrote. “This is vital because as we have learned over the past six years, a failed leader can test the very fabric of this great Republic.
“In just a few short days,” he added, “I will be coming out with an announcement concerning the future of our party.”
Kelly served in the Florida House until 2010, leaving for a Congressional run against Democrat Alan Grayson. He was defeated in the Republican primary by current Congressman Daniel Webster, who would later defeat Grayson.
Another declared challenger, newly elected state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, has high name recognition as RPOF vice chairman. Although Ingoglia enjoys the benefit of a number of party successes, serving simultaneously as state representative from Hernando County and party chair could be seen as an obstacle.
One longtime contender for the leadership role, Sarasota GOP Chairman Joe Gruters, announced last week he would pursue the role of vice chair, since Scott came out in support of Dougher.
Republican committee members statewide can expect all three candidates to lobby heavily for the position, with debates to start as soon as next week. The election will be in January.
With two challengers against Dougher, there is the strong possibility of a split in party ranks, especially in light of her close victory last May. Her narrow victory highlighted the split over who should lead the party into the 2016 elections, where the GOP is under pressure to maintain its 2014 momentum. That divide prompted several challengers to step forward.
Peter Feaman, a national RPOF committeeman from Palm Beach County, is another possible candidate; but, like Gruters, he may also step aside since Scott is supporting Dougher.
In addition, Scott, the Senate president and House speaker have the ability to appoint voting members for chair. However, after endorsing Dougher, Scott would clearly be hesitant to appoint members who would cast ballots against the incumbent.
