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In a Florida primary surprise, 12-term Congressman Cliff Stearns was ousted out of office and into retirement. Congressman Stearns finally conceded defeat Wednesday to veternarian and Tea Party candidate Ted Yoho in Florida’s Congressional District 3 Republican primary.
And with Stearns’ departure, there is a great opportunity to elect the first Haitian American to Congress. Democrat J.R. Gaillot is already positioning himself to take the seat.Â
“The voters’ rejection of Cliff Stearns sends a message that people are tired of career politicians looking out for themselves and not for those they represent,” said Michael Berg, campaign manager for J.R. Gaillot. “We look forward to taking on Ted Yoho in an issues-oriented campaign. These are serious issues that we disagree about. We support protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security at all costs. We are also intently focused on bringing jobs back into our district and protecting the ones we have. These are the priorities of the people in our district and they will be J.R. Gaillot’s priorities every day he serves our hard-working people in Washington.”Â
Gaillot was gearing up to take on the long-time incumbent who recently inflamed the “war on women” with his investigation into Planned Parenthood that led to the Susan G. Komen controversy. Stearns also led other investigations, including one that involved Solyndra. Now, Gaillot will take on political newcomer Yoho, a Tea Party candidate.
Gaillot will focus his campaign on bringing a new voice to Washington and one that understands the problems of ordinary people here in Florida. He will protect Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security so our seniors do not have to split their pills in half or wonder if their retirement check will disappear. He plans to make it easier to get access to small business and agricultural loans.Â
With no incumbent, this seat has now become a golden opportunity for Democrats to elect a new voice to Congress in November.
