Florida House 69: Fitzgerald vs. Pilon
After successfully fending off Republican challengers in two elections, can a Sarasota Democrat hold onto his seat in such a decidedly conservative area?
Incumbent Keith Fitzgerald (D) is seeking his third two-year term as a representative for state House District 69, which encompasses the northern half of Sarasota County and a small section of Manatee County. He was first elected to represent this district in 2006. Fitzgerald holds a Ph.D. in political science from Indiana University. He moved to Sarasota with his wife and two children in 1994 to teach political science at New College of Florida. Starting with his first term, Fitzgerald has been most concerned with affordable housing, election reform, smart growth and environmental conservation.
Fitzgerald was named “Best Politician Who Keeps it Real” in October 2009 by “The 941,” a Creative Loafing blog centered around the Suncoast. The article attributed Fitzgerald’s success in a largely Republican district to his “no-nonsense style of speaking truth” and his ability to “criticize or praise anyone and everyone, including himself.”
His only challenger in this race is Republican Ray Pilon, a former Sarasota County commissioner.
Pilon prides himself on his background of community involvement, with a career in law enforcement and public service. He served on the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners from 1996 to 2000. He is running on a general platform, promising to fight tax cuts, reform the school system and “remove government-created obstacles to prosperity,” according to his campaign Web site.
Pilon made news in December when he was endorsed by Florida House Majority leader and fellow Republican Adam Hasner. While a Republican supporting another Republican seems insignificant, it’s important for Pilon because it shows that the GOP is taking this race seriously, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Political Insider blog.
– Erin Jester
2 years ago • 0 notes