Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Democrat Amanda Murphy Wins

What makes Murphy’s win impressive is Gunter had support of the state GOP, including a full-throated voter drive by state heavyweights Attorney General Pam Bondi, House Speaker Will Weatherford and Rep. Richard Corcoran. Gunter had a solid fundraising session, with a total of $165,440, including $211,423 of “in-kind” contributions, with state party and House leadership funds. Towards the end, the race against Murphy became negative, especially when two groups – Florida Jobs First and Citizens for Fairness — paid for pro-Gunter negative attack ads that may have helped Murphy more than hurt. One round of television spots attacking Murphy came from Florida Jobs First, a PAC started by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, which spent $75,000 in the last weeks of the campaign. The republican stench will linger. Congratulations Ms. Murphy!

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