In the News
What They're Saying: Amanda Murphy's Victory in Pasco County
Amanda Murphy’s victory in Pasco County is being called “impressive,” an “upset” by Democrats, and a key indicator of the mood of the electorate heading into 2014. Take a look at just a sample of the reactions…
Democrat Murphy wins Pasco House seat
“For the first time in nearly two decades, Pasco County will send a Democrat to Tallahassee.”
Headline: Democrat wins special election for vacant seat
Democrat Murphy wins Pasco House seat
“Democrat Amanda Murphy won a special election to the Florida House on Tuesday, claiming the west Pasco seat vacated by popular Republican Mike Fasano.”
“Between the two campaigns, more than a half-million dollars was raised, but Gunter raked in nearly three times as much as Murphy. The source of Gunter’s funding made him a frequent target in political ads and mailers that tried to link him to special interests.”
Democrat Amanda Murphy defeats Republican Bill Gunter in harbinger race for House District 36
“What makes Murphy’s win impressive is Gunter had support of the state GOP, including a full-throated voter drive by state heavyweights Attorney General Pam Bondi, House Speaker Will Weatherford and Rep. Richard Corcoran.”
Dems pick up seat in Florida House with Murphy upset in Pasco
“With 97 percent of precincts reporting, Murphy held a 297-vote lead over Republican Bill Gunter. Many observers expected the race to be close. Gunter…had the county’s most powerful leaders and a Tallahassee-funded war chest behind him.”
Rep. Mark Pafford: “That we were outspent, conservatively speaking, three to one, probably a lot higher, that you had big money coming into the campaign and we were still able to pull it out, well, that restores my faith that people still know they control their destiny in Florida.”
Chair Allison Tant: “Amanda has proven that she will be the kind of independent voice that the people of Pasco County deserve.”
Rep. Amanda Murphy: “Tonight the big battle starts. I have big shoes to fill, and this district expects someone that’s going to take care of them.”