State Government Republicans Consolidating Financial Support in Local State Races

BRADENTON – It's already January, yet all of the Republican candidates are still without challenges in our local state legislative races. However, that hasn't stopped them from stockpiling contributions, making it even less likely that challengers will emerge.

While term limits had created a couple of open races in 2010, only Mike Bennett's Florida Senate seat will be without an incumbent this time around. Several big names from Pat Neal to Ron Reagan had expressed interest in the district's seat, but after former state rep. Bill Galvano entered the race, the others, all close friends of Galvano's, opted not to run.

Galvano, who has Bennett's endorsement, got off to an early start and has been campaigning on a regular basis, drawing large crowds to fundraisers and other speaking engagements. The Bradenton-based attorney has already amassed just under $350,000, making it very unlikely that either a primary opponent or legitimate Democratic challenger will emerge in the Republican-leaning district.

In the state house races, all three local Republican incumbents are without an opponent thus far, and all are at or near the $100,000 mark for contributions, again making it unlikely that credible opponents will emerge. Below is a list of each candidate and their totals as of the most recent filing.

State Senator
District 21
Bill Galvano
Republican
$348,104.38

State Representative
District 67
W. Greg Steube (incumbent)
Republican
$74,177.13

State Representative
District 68
Jim Boyd (incumbent)
Republican
$93,096.00

State Representative
District 69
Ray Pilon (incumbent)
Republican
$80,255.31

State Attorney Earl Moreland has announced his retirement and so far, two Republicans and no democrats have filed to run for the 12th Judicial Circuit post. Ed Brodsky, who has been the Chief Assistant State's Attorney for the last year is the frontrunner, with fellow Republican Pete Lombardo, who also has worked for Moreland's office in the past, also mounting a bid.

State Attorney
Circuit 12
Eduardo Brodsky
Republican
$62,780.12

State Attorney
Circuit 12
Peter Lombardo
Republican
$22,228.00