© 2024 90.7 WMFE. All Rights Reserved.
90.7 Orlando • 89.5 Ocala
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Central Florida Republicans cheer wins in governor's race, Legislature

Scott Plakon was elected to the Florida House. Photo by Amy Green
Scott Plakon was elected to the Florida House. Photo by Amy Green

Central Florida Republicans are cheering Gov. Rick Scott's re-election in Florida's hard-fought gubernatorial race.

They say Republican voters were motivated by the state's rebounding economy and a rejection of President Barack Obama's policies.

The governor's re-election was among the good news for Central Florida Republicans. The GOP here defeated Democratic incumbents in four state House races.

Central Florida Congressman John Mica was among the Republicans who gathered for a reception in Altamonte Springs. He also was re-elected.

"People have made the choice not only in Florida but across the nation for a more conservative direction in public policy. They've seen that bigger government isn't necessarily better government."

In the state House Bob Cortes beat Karen Castor Dentel. Mike Miller won over Linda Stewart. Rene Plasencia defeated Joe Saunders. And Scott Plakon overcame Mike Clelland.

Plakon says Floridians feel the state is moving in the right direction.

"These are four Democrats being replaced by four Republicans. So the impact on Central Florida and the rest of the state is profound, from changing these seats from Republican to Democrat in one fell swoop."

He says the results are significant in this critical swing state as attention now begins to turn toward the 2016 presidential election.

Florida's gubernatorial race was the most expensive on record. Scott narrowly defeated Democratic challenger Charlie Crist.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam also won re-election, meaning Republicans retain control of the governorship, cabinet and Legislature.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.