One of the most crowded Republican primary races in the Tampa Bay area was the House District 47 seat, and it appears that Jamie Grant, son of former state legislator John Grant, looks as if he will take the race, and face Democrat Michael Steinberg in November.
With 43 of the 47 precincts reporting, the very young Grant (who has just turned 28), Grant has 37% of the vote, with former Verizon lobbyist Irene Guy battling with former Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair battling for second place with 24% of the vote. Keystone Civic Association president Tom Aderhold is bringing up the rear with 14% of the vote. Until recently, Rich Reidy was also in the race, but departed to concentrate on helping his boss, Hillsborough Commissioner Ken Hagan.
The question CL readers may have is: whither Brian Blair? The former professional wrestler is now dealing with his second consecutive loss, after being defeated for re-election for Hillsborough County Commissioner by Democrat Kevin Beckner in 2008. Blair had notably high negative ratings, but also high name recognition, which is why analysts gave him an outside chance in today's contest.
This article appears in Aug 19-25, 2010.
