- March 27, 2024
Loading
The 2012 election was merely days ago, but for some local officials the 2014 election season has already begun.
For instance, seven incumbents in the Florida Legislature have already filed paperwork to run again for state House seats in 2014. All seven won unopposed elections for the 2012-2014 term in party primaries earlier this year, according to the Florida News Service.
Three of those officials are from the Gulf Coast: Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres; Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg; and Rep. Dana Young, R-Tampa.
Other officials statewide are looking at 2014, too. Republican Jeff Atwater, the state's chief financial officer, has already filed to retain the seat. Florida Gov. Rick Scott has also indicated he will run for re-election.
The strategy behind the super-early announcements likely goes deeper than mere publicity. Turns out candidates can't collect campaign contributions until reelection paperwork is officially filed with the Florida Division of Elections.