Out-going Sen. Gary Siplin is again operating in a questionable manner, with his recent mailing of a “newsletter” to potential voters.
The Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday that, Siplin sent out a glossy, publicly funded mailer from his Senate office and mentions his wife, Victoria, six times, – including two photos.
Victoria Siplin faces Orlando Rep. Geraldine Thompson, in a tight Democratic primary race for Senate District 12, on August 14.
Thompson, who has six years legislative experience, has a track record of fighting on issues of education and job creation, around which she has campaigned. Recently, Thompson spoke with West Orlando News Online, pointing out that she is the only “true” Democrat in the race.
This race is Victoria’s first foray into elected politics and if history is any guide, she will likely follow in her husband’s footsteps.
Over the years, Gary Siplin has been embroiled in several questionable practices, including alleged campaign finance violations. As well, in the legislature he voted to cut education expenditures, voted ‘yes’ on a measure that forces public sector employees to take a 3 percent pay cut, ‘yes’ for a bill that will measure student growth based solely on test scores and assessments, ‘yes’ to prohibit insurance coverage for abortions and sided more with the Florida Chamber and the Associated Industries of Florida. Let’s also not forget, too, Gary voted for the now infamous “Stand Your Ground” law.
The Sentinel also reported that, at least one of the mailers ended up outside of Gary’s current Senate district and landed in the redrawn District 12 in which Victoria is running.
