Broward Commissioner Chip LaMarca “Looking” At Florida House Race
BY BUDDY NEVINS
County Commissioner Chip LaMarca will almost certainly run for the northeast Broward’s beachfront Florida House District 93 when it becomes an open seat next year, according to numerous political sources.
Chip LaMarca
District 93 is currently held by George Moraitis Jr., R-Fort Lauderdale. Moraitis is term limited in 2018 and the seat is the Republican’s most consistent district in Broward, which makes it perfect for LaMarca, a Lighthouse Point Republican.
All LaMarca would say is, “I’m looking at it. George will be term limited next year and it makes sense for me to look. Lots of people in the district and the Republican leadership in Tallahassee have suggested I consider it.”
LaMarca, 49, has been one of heavily-Democrat Broward’s few Republican success stories. First elected to the Lighthouse Point City Commission in 2005, LaMarca move up the County Commission in 2010. He was also chair of the Broward Republican Party.
My opinion:
LaMarca would be formidable candidate to beat in District 93, which includes sections of Deerfield Beach, Oakland Park, Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale, plus Hillsboro Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lighthouse Point and Sea Ranch Lakes. The Democrats currently have no potential candidate who would have LaMarca’s fund raising abilities, name recognition and districtwide contacts.
March 22nd, 2017 at 11:53 am
Chip is very beatable if he decides to run. He’s not personally wealthy, and he has a fragmented GOP base. Plus, he can finally legally get that Lobbying gig that caused him so much heartburn at Broward health.
Of course in that seat the wildcard is somebody who can stroke a $100,000 check without flinching.
March 22nd, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Moraitis’ wife wants the seat too. Should make for an interesting primary.
March 22nd, 2017 at 4:00 pm
@1The only person who can beat Chip LaMarca is a Republican. @2LaMarca potential has much deeper pockets than Moraitis’ wife because he is a commissioner.
March 22nd, 2017 at 9:34 pm
Judge Dale Ross is the candidate to beat. He will exceed Lamarca’s fund raising abilities, name recognition and districtwide contacts. Ross had lived in Broward his entire life. Wins easily.
March 23rd, 2017 at 12:18 pm
So, if LaMarca runs for Moraitis’ seat, who runs for LaMarca’s open commission seat?
George Moraitis?
March 23rd, 2017 at 12:31 pm
The real question will be, who will run for the County Commission seat?
March 23rd, 2017 at 8:34 pm
Chip LaMarca would make a solid State Representative. Shari McCartney will make a great County Commissioner … if that is what they decide to do.
FROM BUDDY:
I agree!
March 25th, 2017 at 3:32 pm
County comm.Lamarca should go no where. Go for a third term. The county district likes him and he has done well. To run for state rep and give up his county seat no way Chip/ Stay put. As far as Moratis being termed limited then as some of you point out have his wife run. Again stay put Chip…Then after your third term is over than go over your options..
March 25th, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Although it would be an honor to serve, I have never considered running for state representative. I support Chip and Shari if they decide to run for the house and commission.
Heather Moraitis
FROM BUDDY:
Heather Moraitis is much more than State Rep. George Moraitis’ wife. She has been involved in Fort Lauderdale community for decades.
March 28th, 2017 at 9:25 am
She is running to replace Bruce Roberts in Dist 1 in Ftl.