Linda Ivell
The past state president of the Florida Republican Women’s Clubs and current Polk REC committeewoman, Linda Ivell of Lakeland, ended her campaign for the Florida House seat from District 64 today.
“Ironically, the difficult business environment that has wreaked havoc on others, now directly impacts my family,” Ivell said in a message to supporters and volunteer staff on why she is dropping out of the race.
She said that her husband, David Ivell, who works for PegasusTSI, which filed for protection during re-organization under Chapter 11 a week ago, will be fully focused on helping his company through the reorganization process and that she and her family will devote their time to giving him support.
“This is a very personal calling for our entire family,” Ivell said. “The engineering community in Polk County is a small one. These are not just jobs at stake; these are families that we know personally who are affected.”
Her announcement leaves former Polk County Commissioner Neil Combee, for whom the county administration building is named, as the only Republican candidate and the favorite candidate. Democrat Carol Castagnero is also running for the post.
Linda had lots of factors going against here in this race. She is a sitting member of the grievance committee which basically kicks Republicans out of the party for not being Republican enough.
The race is to fill the seat of Rep. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, who is leaving the post to run for the state Senate seat from District 15 left vacant by Sen. Paula Dockery, another Lakeland Republican, who is running for governor.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Good riddance. She’s a very unpleasant woman anyway.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
I am sorry that she leaves.
January 30th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Thank you for letting people know what is going on in the House District 64 race. I really do appreciate all of the calls and emails being supportive of this tough decision.
I know, Heath, that you are a little biased on this issue of the Republican Party Grievance Committee. But the Republican Party Grievance Committee responds only to complaints that are filed. To even be heard there has to be more than reasonable expectation that a rule has been broken. Those rules are only those voted on by the state-wide organization, not made up at the whim of someone on a power trip. These rules relate to honestly, integrity, and presenting only factual information. They only apply to Republicans. I consider it an honor to be onen of the 5 people in the state chosen to sit on this committee because I feel it is our “watchdog” for truth and integrity. As far as philosophy – the Republican Party is a work in process and determines its own destiny. But, if we are to be involved in that process, we need to do so honorably. I know that you believe that, too. Thanks for letting me respond on your blog here. Linda
January 30th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Why on Earth would anyone who is not dead allow the Bocc to name a buiding after him?