2010 State Senate Race Heats Up

Well, the Republican contest to replace state Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, is taking shape -- for 2010.

Republican Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman filed the official paperwork Wednesday that allows him to begin raising campaign cash for the race. He was slow on the draw though.

The day before, state Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Lutz, submitted paperwork for the same race. He has also filed to run this year for the seat he currently holds in the House for a final two-year term before he is term-limited out.

"He can file for as many as he wants," Norman said of Ambler's dual campaign filings. "I'm running for the Senate seat. I'm not running against Kevin Ambler."

Norman said he wants to take what he's learned at the local level to the state. He has been saying he intended to run for Crist's seat for some time and was caught a little flat-footed by the announcement by Ambler, who has been a friend and political ally.

-- Bill Varian, Times Staff Writer

Comments

This is all a ruse. These 2 are good ole boys and buddies

Jim Norman, the guy who took gambling trips on taxpayer money? How did HE stay in office?

Good thing we took care of that whole "Resign to Run" thing, aye boys!

This is not good for the Republican party. The R's will loose this seat.

Elect Ed Homan!!!!!!

Oh for crying out loud! Would someone in the GOP please start a farm team so we can start training and electing qualified, competent, honest, descent people to higher office. Norman, Buddy Johnson, Brian Blair, Ronda Storms, these people are all such a bunch of certifiable LOSERS!!! PLEASE, people, wake up and start sending these rejects back to the holes they crawled out of. WE CAN DO BETTER! We the voters just need to demand better and not be satisfied with all these self-serving egomaniacal putzes who crave the lime-light.

2 Hillsborugh County guys and the disctrict is 50% in Pasco. Someone strong from Pasco might squeak in if these two split the Hillsborough vote. Watch for more names in this one.

As a county commissioner, Norman presided over huge tax increases. He still defends those tax increases. Ambler supported tax cuts. This decision is simple.

Hillsborough property tax revenues have gone up -- tax increases totaling over 90 per cent during the past 6 years. That will be a tough record to try and explain.

[John Donson]

Did you know there is a Presidential race in 2012? You guys might want to start covering that one now. A battle heats up over 2010 race? You have to be kidding me! Can we get thru 2008 first?

As a state legislator, Ambler voted for the passage of budgets that increased property taxes for Hillsborough schools.

Let's not also forget he is a trial lawyer who opposed tort reforms that owuld keep small businesses safe from ridiculous lawsuits.

This decision is simple.

Ambler is an a**.

[Observer]

Quit worrying about an election that is years away.

Fix property taxes and insurance!

Problem Solved!

Shouldn't we get through 2008 first.

Does that mean Ambler will be asking people for contributions to both the Senate and House campaigns.

Sounds like a good place for lobbyists to buy a member.

The district is only 37% Pasco County. You should really do your homework, because you look foolish. 63% of the vote is from Hillsborough County, this is a Hillsborough seat.

Jim Norman is living proof that every strata of society deserves representation in government--even the not so smart.

Dumberer & Dumberest!

How will Victor Crist make a living once he is out of the Legislature? I am not just talking about his Legislative salary. Will they keep the appropriations he needs to supply his real income in the budget? If Senator Fasano will allow it, maybe.

[Fernando]

Senator Fasano is my hero. He protected the rights of Gays and I will never forget that. He touched my heart and I will for ever be grateful.