On September 23, 2014 at 5:45p.m. the Florida State University, Board of Trustees announced the new President of the Florida State University, Florida State Sen. John Thrasher.
Thrasher’s appointment must be approved by Florida’s Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s universities. His nomination most likely would come up at that board’s next meeting in November.
Thrasher’s name is currently on the ballot for reelection in the upcoming November general election. Considering that now Thrasher has been selected as FSU President, this leaves the voters in St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties in a dilemma.
Thrasher confirmed this evening that he will remain on the ballot and if he is elected he will resign and Gov. Scott will call for a special election in St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties. The cost of this special election to the taxpayers could run in excess of $1,150,000 per officials.
However, there are rumors to the effect that Gov. Scott has already chosen Thrasher’s successor. So do not be surprised if Thrasher resigns from the Senate just prior to the General Election on November 4th.
If Senator Thrasher resigns before the general election on November 4, Thrasher’s name would remain on the ballot. However, all votes for Thrasher could go to the person GOP leaders or Gov. Scott choose to replace Thrasher. The alternative is for Gov. Scott to call for a very expensive special election.
EITHER WAY, THE VOTERS WOULD BE VOTING FOR A GHOST CANDIDATE IF THEY VOTE FOR THRASHER.
DO NOT LET GOV SCOTT MAKE YOUR CHOICE FOR YOU
THERE ARE TWO OTHER CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT
Also Thrasher, if reelected and selected as the President of the Florida State University and his appointment does not become effective until December 1, 2014, could continue to hold his seat in the Florida Senate until the first of December. In the meantime, as a Florida State Senator he would be able to participate in committees, budget hearings and make recommendations which would or could affect his constituents and possibly the Florida State University. Governor Rick Scott will then call a special election which costs could possible run far in excess of the above proposed $1,150,000 due to an increase in the potential number of candidates and “vote by mail” ballots and early voting (if permitted by the Governor and Secretary of State).
WAS THRASHER REALLY RUNNING FOR REELECTION TO THE SENATE SEAT OR FOR FSU PRESIDENT?
Documents indicate that Thrasher has only $52,000 left in his current campaign chest. It also appears Thrasher has not raised any money in 6 out of the last 10 reporting cycles. Senator Thrasher has only raised $18,000 since April. Thrasher didn’t spend any funds in his last reporting cycle.
In 2012, John Thrasher spent over $500,000 against Kathleen Trued. It appears he was seriously seeking reelection then as he raised almost $325,000 between April and September 2012.
Was Thrasher counting on becoming FSU president? He WASN’T even concerned about this race. Did John Thrasher know he was a shoe-in as FSU president?
It appears the only candidates truly running for office are Kathleen Trued, St. Augustine and Greg Feldman, Palm Coast.
DO NOT LET GOV SCOTT MAKE YOUR CHOICE FOR YOU – VOTE KATHLEEN TRUED, FLORIDA SENATE, DISTRICT 6
By
Dr. Eddie Fleming
St. Augustine, FL
EddieFleming.com