GOP's RJ Larizza secures third four-year term as state attorney for 7th circuit - this time unopposed

Party Lines Political Notebook / Headline Surfer®
State Attorney RJLarizza at GOP event in Volusia County with Chair Tony LedbetterState Attorney RJ Larizza / Headline SurferPhotos for Headline Surfer® /
State Attorney RJ Larizza, (inset) is shown speaking to campaign supporters at a recent Volusia County Republican Party rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, as Tony Ledbetter, chairman of the GOP executive committee, stands to the side.
 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Often times, running for elected office becomes convoluted in numbers.

Consider the candidacy of State Attorney R.J. Larizza was returned to office for a third consecutive four-year term at high noon Friday in the Seventh Judicial Circuit when qualifying ended and he had no challengers. 

Third, four, seventh -- that's a mishmash of numbers that help define the office sought, such as the length of time and jurisdiction.

But here's a number that perhaps is most impactful for this particular office: $116,379. 

That is the amount Larizza raised in campaign contributions for the 2016 election cycle, according to the Florida Division of Election - most it already amassed by February -- a virtual wall that clearly discourages competition.

It's a strategy Larizza openly embraced at that point after two previous competitive elections. 

"Having the ability to raise the funds necessary to mount a significant campaign is important and I think folks notice that," Larizza explained, especially for this elected office that is comparable and in some cases even larger a geographic territory than a statehouse seat in Tallahassee or or a congressional seat in Washington. 

But here's a number that perhaps is most impactful for this particular office: $116,379. That is the amount Larizza raised in campaign contributions for the 2016 election cycle, according to the Florida Division of Election - most it already amassed by February -- a virtual wall that clearly discourages competition.

It's a strategy Larizza openly embraced at that point after two previous competitive elections. 

"Having the ability to raise the funds necessary to mount a significant campaign is important and I think folks notice that," Larizza explained, especially for this elected office that is comparable and in some cases even larger a geographic territory than a statehouse seat in Tallahassee or or a congressional seat in Washington. 

The Seventh Judicial Circuit encompasses Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties. That's far greater than the 6th Congressional district with redrwn lines that covers all of Violusia County and slivers of a neighboring counties.

Though Larizza had no opposition for such a high-profile office that generates daily press coverage for ongoing trials, sentencing hearings, indictments and the like, he was all too pleased to announce victory in a patriotic way via social media on Friday afternoon. 

"It is a high honor to serve as your elected State Attorney," the incumbent wrote on his Facebook page, Re-elect R.J. Larizza for State Attorney. "Your friendship and support made our campaign successful. All the folks at the State Attorney's Office work hard every day to make our communities safer and better. I look forward to the next 4 years making justice a reality for the citizens of the Seventh Circuit. God bless you, your family, and God bless America!"

Qualifying for the judidiciary -- state attorneys and county and circuit judges -- in Florida is about six weeks prior to other elective offices because often incumbent judges don't have opposition.