BRADENTON — Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Longboat Key) has drawn both a primary and general election challenge. Eddie Speir, the co-founder of Inspiration Academy, a Christian charter school in Bradenton, has filed to seek the Republican nomination for the 16th district seat. Multi-time Democratic candidate Jan Schneider has also filed to run.
Speir was appointed to the New College Board of Trustees in 2023 when Gov. Ron DeSantis reshaped the board in an effort to turn the liberal arts school into the "Hillsdale of the South." However, Speir failed to gain confirmation by the Senate after suggesting that all of the faculty be fired. Speir alleged that current New College President Richard Corcoran used political machinations to keep him off the board because he wouldn't be "controlled." Speir authors a substack blog that can be viewed here.
Schneider is an attorney from Sarasota who first ran against Buchanan as an independent in 2006, earning 5.5% of the vote. Schneider tried for the seat again in 2016, running as a Democrat and losing by 20 points in a two-person race. In 2022, Schneider ran for a third time, losing by a slightly wider margin.
Buchanan has served as the U.S. representative for Florida's 7th and 16th congressional districts (7th was redistricted into 16 following the 2010 census) since 2007. With a net worth of $157.2 million, Buchanan is the 6th-wealthiest member of Congress. He currently sits on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Joint Committee on Taxation.
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WTF
Vern has been in office far to long and has joined the swamp mentality.
RINO Vern is a poor choice for the citizens of Florida. Eddie Speir is a far better choice.
Friday, March 22 Report this
Smartins
I've sent several respectful emails to Vern asking for responses. To date, his office has never responded to me. Vern has lost sight that he works for us. I think it's time for Vern to retire.
Sunday, March 24 Report this
rjckeuka4
Buchanan's weekly poll of the voters is a joke. The questions are "loaded" toward the answers he wants to hear and folks aren't smart enough to differentiate. But Speir is far worse! Like Smartins, I have also emailed Buchanan and received no response. Anyone who doesn't have the courage to challenge the former President doesn't pass my smell test!
Sunday, March 24 Report this
Cat L
A VAST turnover of representation is called for. Enough with the
"for purchase only" politicians, they're destroying life for anyone whom the current marketing plan vilifies, and self interest is the rule in that crowd, not the exception.
Monday, March 25 Report this