NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The outcomes of Tuesday’s primary races settled out just about where I‘d anticipated. Once again, name recognition appears to be a decisive factor with Volusia and area voters.
While the success of little known newcomer Jason Davis in the race for County Council chair – coming in second to long-time local elected official Carl Persis – was a surprise to some, the bitter exchange of charges and tone of the pitched battle between Persis and attorney Ted Doran helped clear the way. Davis will face the well-funded “establishment” candidate in November in Carl Persis of Ormond Beach.
All County Council district seats, even those with incumbents, drew more than two candidates who all ran together in the primary. None managed to pull out a win of more than 50 percent of the vote, which means the top two in each race will continue fighting it out until the Nov. 6 general election.
With the exception of incumbent Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall’s decisive win against three opponents, including Volusia County Council member Andy Kelly, the other countywide races will be decided in the General Election.
Josh Wagner in District 2 and Pat Northey in District 5 garnered more votes than those running second, but not enough to meet the test of 50% plus one. They’ll be fighting to win in November. In the District 27 Republican primary, George Trovato was beaten handily by former Deltona City commissioner David Santiago, who raised enough campaign cash to have a strong ad message presence.
Another race which appeared to profit from purchased name recognition was the Congressional District 6 race. Ron DeSantis, in a crowded field of seven running for the Republican slot, overcame locally well-known former Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello and Herman Cain-endorsed Craig Miller to represent the Republicans in November.
Name recognition also surely benefited long-time Congressman John Mica, who through redistricting drew one-term Congresswoman Sandy Adams as a primary opponent. Name, age and length of time in office beat beauty, in this case.
The prize for the greatest amount of name recognition in a primary race surely goes to Connie Mack IV. Currently a Congressman, Mack father is former US Senator Connie Mack. Long before politics, however, the name was well known in the professional sports world.
Mack challenges the sitting Democrat, Sen. Bill Nelson, a familiar face in Florida politics for decades.
One race where name recognition, superior funding and incumbency did not win the day – although outside of our area – is worthy of note. Twelve-termed Congressman Cliff Stearns of Ocala lost to a Tea Party-sponsored newcomer, Ted Yoho, in the Republican primary. Many heads are spinning on that one.