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District 54: Democrat
By THE TIMES RECOMMENDS
Published October 21, 2006
Betsy Valentine Democrats don't usually bother trying to win this heavily Republican district along the coast from Clearwater to Tierra Verde. But Betsy Valentine, a retired clinical psychologist who says she can build bipartisan consensus, makes a plausible case. Valentine, 65, has experience in government and the private sector. She offers a mainstream agenda: improve education by upgrading prekindergarten, increasing teacher pay and de-emphasizing the FCAT; protect the coast from oil drilling and seek energy alternatives; provide better health care for poor children; and deal with rising property taxes in part by stopping appraisers from treating small beach motels as big condos. The Republican in this race is James Frishe, 57, who served in the House from 1984-90. His legislative experience is an asset, but some of his views are not. He wants to ratchet up the stakes on high-stakes testing, even though he supports vouchers for private schools that don't use the FCAT. His recent Christian Coalition questionnaire puts him on the outer edge of many social issues: opposing embryonic stem cell research; opposing civil unions for same-sex couples; opposing abortion even in cases of rape, incest and, possibly, risk of the mother's death. (He writes: "How do we choose which life to save?") Valentine brings a refreshing enthusiasm. In Florida House District 54, the Times recommends Betsy Valentine.
[Last modified October 21, 2006, 02:09:16]
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by Tom
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10/24/06 02:00 PM
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Betsy will work for the people, not the special interest lobbies.
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by Marie Nelson
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10/22/06 12:59 PM
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Nice to see you endorsing Betsy Valentine. She's knowledgeable, ethical, moderate, and articulate. I wish I were in her district so I could vote for her.
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by Rick
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10/22/06 12:01 PM
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I was glad to see the St. Pete Times endorsed Betsy Valentine. She is a candidate with well-considered ideas and someone who acutally will represent the constituents of District 54.
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by Michael
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10/22/06 11:58 AM
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Betsy Valentine represents the enlightened vews of Democrats and Republicans.Mr. Frishe is still in the dark ages. Go Betsy!
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by Jack
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10/22/06 10:55 AM
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Betsy impresses me with her emphasis on improvements in the quality of life for the middle class, as opposed to what her opponent is pushing for -- a rubber stamp approach to whatever the lobbyists propose.
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by Fran
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10/22/06 09:23 AM
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Betsy has taken a strong stand on the environment and energy independence as well as water conservation and clean beaches....important issues for Florida in the 21st Century.
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by Margie
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10/22/06 08:17 AM
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I am looking forward to having a rep that cares about the people in Dist 54 for a change.
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by ann
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10/22/06 04:27 AM
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I have heard both candidates speak. Thank you for endorsing the candidate I believe will represent the district best.
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by phyllis
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10/21/06 10:45 PM
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a candidate with integrity
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by Gail
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10/21/06 09:38 PM
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I have heard Betsy speak. I continue to be impressed with her focus on issues that concern us all. Her experience would serve all of us in her district well. Thank you for endorsing her. I fully agree with this choice.
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by Bob
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10/21/06 05:52 PM
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How long has Valentine been in Dist. 54? What experience dos she have in government?
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