Election Guide: Republican Primary, State Senator District 8

This guide is for the Republican Party Primary, State Senator District 8.

The two candidates and their platforms:

1) Charles Perniciaro.

• "Has never run for political office."
• A medical doctor for the Mayo Clinic.
  
• Currently serves as Director of Dermatopathology at Bernhardt Laboratories.
  
• Member of Beach United Methodist Church.
  
• Has lived in District 8 for 20 years.
  
• "Raiding the transportation trust fund to keep from having to balance the budget has to stop."
  
• Supporter of Jaxport.
  
• Against FCAT.
  
• "Businesses that intentionally use illegal labor should be prosecuted."
  
• "State government has to stop imposing unfunded mandates on local governments."
  
• Supports the state's efforts to block national health care.
  
• 2d Amendment supporter.
  
• "Central Florida's proposal to siphon 260 million gallons a day from the St. Johns River has to be stopped."
  

Sources: http://www.charlesperniciaro.com/index.htm


2) John Thrasher.

• Currently represents District 8 in the Florida House of Representatives and has since 1992.
  
• Championed legislation such as "Three Strikes, You're Out," "10-20-Life," "A+ Education Plan" and the largest tax cut in Florida history.
  
• Grew up in Jacksonville.
  
• Army Veteran (awarded two Bronze Stars).
  
• Law degree from the Florida State University College of Law.
  
• Served as general counsel for the Florida Medical Association for 20 years.
  
• Member of the Clay County School Board from 1986-1990.
  
• The "driving force" behind the Florida teacher merit pay bill.

Sources: http://www.electthrasher.com/
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Members=View+Page&District_Num_Link=008&Submenu=1&Tab=legislators&chamber=Senate&CFID=225906607&CFTOKEN=92365485
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=154826&catid=3