Seeking to distinguish himself from Democratic primary opponent Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, candidate Rick Minor this morning held a press conference in which he vowed not to take any contributions from organizations or lobbyists representing the push for offshore drilling.
"I believe it's important to demonstrate the type of leadership I will bring to the capital," said Minor, running against Rehwinkel Vasilinda for the district that includes Leon and Jefferson counties.
Minor, who was until recently chairman of the Leon County Democratic Party, said a 'cursory look' at his contributions so far doesn't show any donations tied to oil. But statewide, Democrats have received tens of thousands from oil and related interests. Among those Democrats: Rehwinkel Vasilinda, who voted last session for the last-minute proposal to drill offshore (it passed the House 70-43 but died for lack of Senate support, and is being pushed again for the 2010 session).
Holding a press conference gave Minor a chance to remind the press of Rehwinkel Vasilinda's voting history, which he called "irresponsible." She maintains she voted yes because the bill included millions for universities to research clean energy alternatives
"I actually worked hard as party chairman to get her elected," Minor said. "I gave her the maximum $500 contribution. But the last straw was her vote. I said, 'This is too much.' ...You can't sell your soul for something that has such a high cost."
Campaign finance records show Rehwinkel Vasilinda has raised over $40,000 toward her re-election, with donations coming from drilling proponents including Southern Strategies and its lobbyist David Rancourt and his wife -- along with public relations company owner Ron Sachs and his firm, Ron Sachs Communications, hired by oil drilling proponents.
So many people worked hard for Michelle Vasilinda only to have her vote against the district on a number of issues, with oil drilling support as the final straw. Rick Minor will actually listen to his constituents and that's why he is quickly gaining so much support. Check him out at:
http://www.rickminor.com/
Posted by: Tallahassee wants change | October 27, 2009 at 03:05 PM
Thank you for your steadfast dedication to the environment Rick! Why is it that Rick Minor is the only politician who can see that drilling for oil off our coast will not only do incredible damage to our environment and the tourism industry, but also be a fruitless venture which will not(even if everything goes exactly as planned) yield results for another 10 years? Florida's future depends on people like Rick!
Posted by: KWD 4 Rick! | October 27, 2009 at 03:08 PM
The Democratic Party has always gone above and beyond to protect our environment. Now we have a candidate who is opposing one of only two of the Democrats that voted for off-shore drilling. Please join me and support a Real Democrat!
Posted by: Protect our Environment | October 27, 2009 at 05:18 PM
We need a Democrat like Rick in the Dist 9 seat. I feel really duped by Michelle Rehwinkle-Vasilinda's representation. Let's protect our beautiful state, not destroy it.
Posted by: ETM | October 31, 2009 at 05:49 PM