Rep. Scott Randolph: Thank You. It’s Been An Honor
Today I announced that I will not be seeking re-election to my final term in the Florida House. I will instead focus my efforts on ensuring the Orange County Democratic Party plays a vital role in the many races in Central Florida–as well as ensuring a victory for President Obama and Senator Nelson–and preparing to run for the statewide office of Chair of the Florida Democratic Party in January 2013.
For six years, the residents in the heart of Orange County have honored me with their trust and support. During that time, I have fought back against a radical agenda that continues to unfairly shift the tax burden to the middle class, that has left public education 15% lower in per pupil spending than six years ago, and which has led an unrelenting attack, not only on Florida’s women, but all of Florida’s families.
Thank you to all those who supported Susannah and I with your volunteer time, your financial support and your many well wishes thoughout the last six years.
While intense gerrymandering left us in the minority, I am proud of our years in the legislature. Before Rick Scott was elected, I led the efforts to defeat several voter suppression bills and attacks on women’s health, as well as nearly all attempts to undermine Florida’s protections for our water and beaches.
My decision has not been made lightly, and comes after close consideration of the new legislative boundaries. Three-fourths of the residents in the district where I reside are people I have not previously represented. As someone who would be termed out after two more years, I feel it is unfair to these new (and current) constituents to be so focused on non-legislative political party activities, as well as unfair to the Florida Democratic Party–should I be elected Party Chair–not to be exclusively focused on positioning the Party to defeat Rick Scott in 2014.
I do not leave, however, without a superb candidate waiting to take on many of the same battles. In such a competitive seat, we have recruited an excellent candidate that I know will continue to fight back against Rick Scott’s gutting of public education and the rewarding of political donors with special-interest tax breaks and government contracts.
This candidate will continue our fight to protect women’s rights and bring equality to everyone in Florida. This candidate shares my history of commitment to protecting Florida’s environment and recognition of it as an economic engine for Florida.
That is why today, as I announce my departure in November, I am endorsing Linda Stewart as the Democratic candidate in House District 47.
Both Susannah and I will work as hard to put Linda Stewart in the Florida legislature as we have done for the last six years with many candidates in Central Florida. I look foward to helping her campaign to victory in November.
Thank you, again, for the years of support, and I hope we can count on all of you as Susannah and I work towards moving the Florida Democratic Party forward into 2014!
Sincerely,
Scott (& Susannah & Hillary Eleanor)
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