Clawson cruises to first full term in 19th Congressional District
Republican U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson had four months to show Florida’s 19th Congressional District that he was the right person to hold the seat he filled when disgraced Rep. Trey Radel resigned following his arrest for cocaine possession.
Clawson will now get two more years after easily defeating Democrat April Freeman in Tuesday’s general election with nearly 65 percent of the vote.
“It’s about working for our district and working in D.C. (The GOP) can now pad our lead in the House and if we can get some wins in the Senate, maybe we can finally get things done and end the gridlock,” Clawson said.
Clawson took District 19, which includes Lee and Collier counties, with 64.57 percent (62.5 in Lee County) to Freeman’s 32.73 percent. Libertarian Ray Netherwood collected 2.7 percent to finish a distant third.
Clawson said he has two main goals for his first full term in office; to “make life easier for businesses so that people can get off the sidelines and working,” and to repeal and replace Obamacare with something more fair.
Clawson, who also defeated Freeman in the special election in June, may have to go against her a third time. Freeman announced after her defeat that she plans to run again in 2016.
“Freeman raised more money than any other Democrat. It’s just enrollment in the party isn’t strong enough yet,” said David Levin, Freeman’s campaign manager.
“I feel good about the campaign we ran. I want to thank the voters who made this possible,” Freeman said in a statement.
As for Clawson, he was equally appreciative the voters will give him two more years.
“A lot of people didn’t think I had a chance because I had no deep experience. I appreciate all of those who believed in us to do things right,” Clawson said.