Scott Powers
The first three days of pre-qualifying for state Senate races in Central Florida show four of the 10 declared candidates in three races fell short of submitting enough valid signatures for the ballot by petition.
So far, only an Aug. 30 Democratic primary in Senate District 11 would be assured, based on those candidates who appear to have enough verified signatures.
The Florida Department of State will not officially start qualifying candidates until next week. Those who do not qualify by petition may pay filing fees of $1,781.
In SD 11 covering west Orange County, two Orlando Democrats, former state Rep. Bob Sidler and former state Sen. Gary Siplin, each turned in more than the 1,552 required valid petitions signatures to qualify. Late Wednesday, Chuck O’Neal also crossed the threshold.
But Democratic primary opponent state Rep. Randolph Bracy Bracy, of Oakland, turned in 264 on Monday, while O’Neal fell just short, turning in 1,544.
There are no Republicans running in the heavily Democratic district.
In SD 13 in north-central and northeast Orange, Republican Dean Asher and Democrat Rick Roach, both of Orlando, appeared to have cleared the petition threshold.
Democratic former state Rep. Linda Stewart of Orlando turned in only 1,154 verified signatures, and former state Rep. Mike Clelland of Longwood has not yet turned in anything.
In SD 15 in south Orange and north Osceola County, Democratic state Rep. Victor Torres of Orlando turned in enough valid petitions, but Democrat Bob Healy of Kissimmee is short, with just 645 so far. Republican Peter Vivaldi of Windermere has not yet turned in anything.
All three districts are represented by senators not seeking re-election. In SD 11, Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson of Orlando is running for Congress, as is Democratic state Sen. Darren Soto of SD 15. In SD 13, Republican state Sen. President Andy Gardiner is term-limited out of office.
