Phil Ammann
As Alan Grayson launches a campaign for the U.S. Senate, Republicans and Democrats are floating plans to replace the contentious Orlando liberal in Congress.
One such possible candidate, State Rep. Mike La Rosa, cracked open the door on Thursday to a possible run for Florida’s 9th Congressional District.
In a prepared statement, the two-term St. Cloud Republican, whose Florida House District 42 includes parts of Osceola and Polk counties — with many of the same voters as in CD 9 — said Grayson’s “disruptive” style resulted in failed leadership.
“As a family man and a small business owner here in the 9th Congressional District,” La Rosa said. “I know firsthand that the people of this district have had failed representation on the federal level under Alan Grayson.”
“Grayson will not be missed,” he said.
During the next several weeks, La Rosa, a native Floridian, said he will “pray with my family, and discuss with my supporters” the possibility of running for Grayson’s open seat.
“As I have in the state Legislature,” he said, “I want to represent the good people of Osceola and Orange County with a middle-of-the-road approach and fairness for all the people who deserve much better than Grayson and his failed representation.”
La Rosa has represented the slightly Democratic-leaning HD 42 since 2012, and was named majority deputy whip in 2014. He sits on the State Affairs Committee, Highway & Waterway Safety Subcommittee, Energy & Utilities Subcommittee and is vice chairman of the Regulatory Affairs Committee and Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee.
