The Republican Party of Florida’s Chairwoman is mounting an aggressive campaign to keep her job.
Florida GOP Chairwoman Leslie Dougher helped orchestrate big Republican wins in the state during the last election cycle but she’s struggling to keep her job. Tuesday her campaign released letters and statements in support of her leadership.
The comments come from the likes of previous Republican Party of Florida leaders like Al Cardenas, and Florida State University President John Thrasher. Governor Rick Scott has also spoken is support of Dougher.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater even weighed in on the party’s upcoming vote.
“We’ve heard loud and clear over the last couple years ‘hey, come down, let everyone put their best foot forward, come down, let them speak, listen closely.’ And I think that’s what we’re doing," he said.
She is being challenged by some members of the party who say the organization needs to focus more on grass-roots efforts. Dougher replaced former Chairman Lenny Curry who stepped down to run for Mayor of Jacksonville.
Party members say had Curry stayed, he too would have been facing a challenge. The discontent stems from some parts of the party who want more input from local leaders, and not a top-down approach.
