Traviesa's aide picked to replace him on ballot

TAMPA -- Hillsborough County Republican officials have settled on Rachel Burgin as the replacement for Trey Traviesa in the House District 56 race.

Burgin, 26, served as Traviesa's legislative aide before he made the sudden decision this week to not seek re-election.

"Everyone is in shock,'' said former Rep. Sandy Murman, who was vying for the spot as well. "It's unfortunate with all these major issues we have that they can't use my experience. But it is what it is.''

Valrico activist Terry Kemple, another of the nine candidates who was vying for Traviesa’s spot, said he fully supports the decision, and will work to help elect Burgin.

“I think they made an excellent choice and I will back Rachel wholeheartedly,’’ said Kemple, president of the conservative Community Issues Council. “It’s time for solid, conservative, smart young people to get in positions of responsibility in our government on local, state and national levels.

Michael Steinberg, chair of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee, said Burgin is not as qualified as Murman or Proctor to represent the district, which stretches east from Davis Islands, taking in portions of Riverview, Seffner, Brandon, Boyette and Fish Hawk Ranch. Republicans edge out Democrats there 40,600 to 37,600.

"We’re concerned that she’s going to represent the interests of the party bosses and the special interests, not the constituents,'' he said. "People like Sandy Murman and Mark Proctor have shown some independence and a willingness to listen to people on both sides of the aisles.

"I don't think voters would have selected her in a primary election.’’

Reached in Dallas, Traviesa dismissed concerns about Burgin’s youth.

"She knows the district well because she has been responsible for all of the district and legislative service for two years,'' said Traviesa. "She’s very current. She’s very knowledgeable of the current players in the process. She is a lifelong east Hillsborough resident and a grassroots activist.''

-- Alex Leary and Rodney Thrash, Times Staff Writers

Comments

AWFUL PICK!

Rachel who? What a terrible terrible pick! Are the party leaders cracked out? I'm voting for the Democrat now.

Who the heck is Rachel Burgin?

Go Gorham!

Terrible, stupid, awful choice. She has no name ID, very little work or life experience....now the district is back to anybody's game once the D's pull their candidate for a big name that can surely beat a home-schooled mouse like Rachel.

wow, now we know why Trey really resigned.

And this is why I will leave the Republican Party.

Is this their pick for State House or Model UN?

You couldn't have messed this up anymore Republican Party leaders! This is just plain horrific!

Please Dems, find a solid candidate you can have my Republican vote!

Yep, I second all the above comments. I live in the district, and RPOHC, you just lost my vote.

Looks like the Dems on here are scared to death of the lady!!!

Can someone, anyone, please explain this to me and tell me what the leaders were thinking with this pick?

Did the Dems field a candidate in this race?

GOP loses another seat. This is malpractice.

Wow, I'm sure she'll bring some innovative solutions to the pressing needs of the state.

We can't have a girl who can barely handle paying her credit card on time to solve the economic worries of this state.

I can't believe I'm a Republican.

Go away Rachel and do the Party a favor.

We, the voters of District 56, deserved a lot better than this. And if Trey ever runs again, we won't soon forget it.

And now Republican seats that could've used some money will get none because they will have to defend this seat.

Brilliant leadership on the part of the HREC.

Let the Dem go up to Tally and pick out his seat on the House floor.

Will Charlie Crist please show some leadership!!!

This just makes me feel sick. There were three or four qualified, professional, experienced candidates in the mix and they chose some 20-something know-nothing whose ONLY experience is being someone's ASSISTANT??? You've got to be freakin' kidding me. So why did she get the nod? Because she knows how to use Lobbytools? For chrissakes!! Seriously disappointed, and can't wait to vote for the qualified leader the Dem's put up.

6:23 is dead on. I don't think she got the nod just because she knew how to use lobbytools either.

Rachel, I don't know you, but for the sake of this county's party, please pull your name out. You're not going to win and you will raise no money.

6:26,
So what are you saying, that maybe's she's the reason that Trey ditched out so suddenly? Or maybe she's got the dirt on why he left so this is her hush-money? Verrry interesting, and would make sense, since there's no other logical reason for Trey to push her or for her to get the pick.

WHAT... A... DISASTER...

Are you freaking kidding me?

The girl that sits on a pilates ball, changes the second floor bathroom to pink, and is pretty much a joke around the capitol, is now running for office because she was SELECTED?

If the FDP doesn't jump in and win this seat someone needs to be fired.

Agreeed. No doubt she is part of the reason Trey pulled an urgent resignation and switcheroo. You can bet the truth will come out on this just like it is for John Edwards. When will learn the real truth and who do they think they're kidding.

[The next Tom Delay]

The arrogance of the GOP is now fully coming home to roost. They pull this kind of garbage and have the chair of their party trying to hand pick everyone and you can't even meet Sansom unless you have a million dollar check. The end is near boys. Hope you enjoyed it while you could.

What a great choice! Rachel Burgin will be great in the FL Legislature

Question: Did the party do a backround check??

the members lounge can use some pink...

Can I call Sansom and get an meeting?

There has GOT to be a story behind this. His aide must have some dirt or something because this worked out too perfectly for her to take his place. I certainly won't be voting for her.

7:04/Rachel: Get off the blogs and out of the race, you big joke.

7:07, if you contribute to the slush fund...

who do i hire to get a meeting with the speaker.... and how much does it cost...

Sorry Sandy, you were the logical choice and I would have voted for you. You're right though -- they don't want your experience, or ANY experience, apparently. What a wasteful shame.

I see Sandra Murman has nothing better to do on a friday night that whine about someone half her age edging her out.

LOL

"They're like sheep in a way. They're looking for someone to tell them what to do."

Like it or not, that's a strong Republican district and Rachel will likely win in Nov.

will she have pink signs?

Ahh the peanut gallery emerges and shows it jealousy. Go forth and spew while Rachel works hard to win.

I wonder when she will move to the district. She currently lives in Rep. Glorioso's...

Nice move Republicans. Couldn't you at least picked a resident?

If a 26 year old wants to make laws, then she shouldn't break laws. I know this girl personally and she got nailed for driving without a tag on her car last year! Nice.

You guys are ridiculous. Being a legislative aide is not being someone's assistant. That would be like calling the Secretary of State just a secretary.
She knows the district well, the people know her well and she's basically been doing the job for the last year anyways since Trey was busy with his family and growing business.
She is a great choice. Truly one of the most sincere and dedicated person.

Regardless of whether or not another reason for Trey leaving comes out, only jealous and disturbed people would say it's because Rachel has dirt on him.

I want to know why they listened to Traviesa in determining who to pick...I mean, he's the one who left them in a lurch, so why should he get any say? If he's out, he shoudl be all the way out and not be involved at all.

Let's start the pool. What kind of masks will people wear on the last night of session to mock this Speaker?

[Centex Sux]

Centex Sux! How long are we going to have to submit ourselves to these also ran homebuilders who couldn't sell a house in this market if it had a 1/2 moon on the front door?

http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=CTX#symbol=CTX;range=2y

I think its a full moon tonight....

haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...

Laricchia stays in...

nobody v. nobody...

we all lose!

Say it ain't so!