And yes, she is a Republican. But you should still keep reading.
House District 31 is completely up for grabs with Nelson term limited – an open seat with 4 Republicans in the race, so there is an open primary where Republican and Democrats can vote. All current polling indicates that the race is a toss up with no candidate pulling ahead. A most curious situation, especially for Democrats in the district.
It is clear that a Republican is going to win, however, there are many different kinds of Republicans in the race. Democrats may as well put forth a little bit of effort and try to get one that is at least knowledgeable on some of the progressive issues. As a school teacher endorsed by the FEA, Grassell is at least aware of the problems facing education (which is more than many in Tallahassee) and she’s a former union organizer. Yes, you read that right – a moderate Republican who ran the Lake County teachers union for years. She is also a frequent critic of Scott. Her other issues are environment, education, economy, and health care. While she does like to talk about fiscal conservatives, she calls out Republicans as well.
It is an interesting race, to say the least.
Her website: http://www.b4floridahouse2014.com/
To be perfectly clear, I fully support the idea of beating Republicans as Republicans. With the gerrymandering, campaign financing advantages, and other state-wide support, I think that using a primary to knock off far-right Republicans is an excellent method for beating the system. It is a great way of getting a more moderate government out of Tallahassee. I do not have any evidence that B Grassell is doing anything like that, however, if she were I would applaud her efforts.
She is, however, openly courting Democrats and making sure that her outreach clearly states that all registered voters can vote for her. Although the district is heavily Republican, she is very active and well known, so there is an excellent chance for her all things considered. All of her opponents are better funded and better organized, with some heavy hitters from the local Republican party vying for the open seat, however, in each poll none of them have been able to pull ahead, so this is definitely a ground game.
Democrats are going to be outnumbered in Tallahassee for the foreseeable future, so it seems like a good idea to at least work to get some moderate Republicans up there so that there are people to work with. In an environment where you are forced to work across the aisle to get anything done,
So everything depends on August 26th – with no Republican primaries, will Republicans turn out? It will simply be a GOTV foot race. Definitely a toss-up race all the way around and Democrats have two primaries for Governor and State Attorney. Very interesting indeed.
A chance to send a moderate Republican to the house? I’ll give that 10 bucks any day.
The Florida Squeeze 
Do you know her positions on equality and a woman’s right to do make her own choices? Courting pro choice and pro equality repubs is critical.
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She is not endorsed by NOW, however, Lake County NOW hosted her at an event last week and the president is urging NOW members to vote for her. While she does not say anything about choice or equality on her website, considering the R numbers in her district she would not want to advertise those stances.
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I live in District 31 and know B. Grassell so you’re on the money on this one! If Democrats can get the word out to our primary voters to support B. Grassell not only does she have a chance to win, but she will win!
At least two of her opponents are trying to outdo each other appealing to the extreme right Tea party folks that are so active and numerous in Lake County. It certainly would be great to have one thinking, moderate Republican in the State House of Representatives!
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Sorry bit due to the imbalance of the state legislature, I will not vote for an Republican
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Usually I agree Nancy, but when there is no D, choices have to be made. Less Tea Party is a good thing for Ds.
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That is true and as long as she does not follow blindly,,, I hope she does not just walk lock step once she realizes they will make her life miserable if she wins. At first they will act very nice, then when she does what is good for the people, they will shove the knives… I wish her lots of luck.
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So you’d rather have Jennifer Sullivan (one of the Tea Party leaders in Lake County and a candidate in HD31.) added to the House. Sorry, I’m not a purist…..I’d prefer to have someone who I agree with even 25% of the time than someone who is 100% against what I support.
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Nancy….I don’t vote Republican either, but this seat is going Republican any way you look at it. I, as a Democrat would take the time to vote in this open election for the least objectionable Republican. She seems to have some progressive credentials. You know the Tea party will be out there voting.
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B. Grassell is the only option for HD31 for Democrats and since we’ve not been shut out of the race by GOP dirty tricks, let’s at least give her our support and votes on August 26th!
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She’s a good lady. There are a few moderate Rs in the House right now, mostly in the lower classes. If we can start giving them more vote cover, and turn them into an actual block, by making a conscious effort in races like this, it could pay off down the road. And make the Dem Minority Leader’s job a little easier.
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Exactly!
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It will be interesting to see how Randy Glisson does in this race. His dad is ex-State Sen. Jim Glisson who was elected as a GOPer back in the early 70s & later switched parties. He left the legislature to become Bob Shevin’s LG runningmate. A 1980 comeback bid flopped under the Reagan landslide.
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Just recently received a mailer from Glisson campaign……I was very curious to see at whom he was aiming his pitch. Most of it talked about his dad and their/his successful medical business and a few general none informational lines. At least there was no pitch of being an “ultra conservative or true conservative” as a couple other candidates (Sullivan & Seefeldt) in their mailings have done. Didn’t help me determine whether Glisson was middle of the road or a rightwinger like most GOP candidates in Lake county. Just got my absentee primary ballot so B. Grassell is the clear choice for this registered Democrat.
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Reading all of these comments, I think everyone is spot on. Having met and interviewed B. Grassell and all of her opponents, I can tell you she is the only candidate not extreme right.
Grassell seemed to be (by far) the most moderate and insightful out of all the candidates and was unfazed by Republican pressure on issues with which she disagreed with the party. I think her track record shows that…with her deep involvement in local public education and healthcare.
Grassell will get a lot of Republican votes but she will win this election if the Democrats come out and vote for her. As much as I hate voting for a Republican, you don’t often have a clear cut choice like this. I’m sending my ballot in for Grassell.
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[…] we talked about a few weeks ago, this is a Republican primary with no Democrat in the race, so the new Representative will be […]
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[…] 31 – Republican Primary OPEN to all voters. We featured B Grassell in a Ten Dollar Tuesday and talked about this odd race with 5 contestants. With all polling pointing to different outcomes, […]
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