The contested Republican primary race in Florida’s 2nd congressional district could eventually turn out to the actual general election, as redistricting is expected to make the already Republican-leaning seat even more favorable for Republicans in 2016.
Rep. Gwen Graham (D), who barely beat incumbent Rep. Steve Southerland (R) in 2014, but could be forced to run for the U.S. Senate, or run in another Democrat-friendly seat, if the expected Republican-favoring congressional district map makes it all-but impossible for Graham to win reelection.
There are two Republicans, Attorney Mary Thomas and Dr. Neal Dunn, who currently running to win the GOP nomination in this district.
Dunn, a 25-year Medical Doctor has been a long time Republican, but several black marks on his donation record bring into question is loyalty the Republican Party. While Dunn was predominantly donated to the state Republican Party and Republican candidates over the years, his donation to then-Republican Charlie Crist over Marco Rubio could ding him, as well as his support for liberal Democrat Senator Bill Nelson, and former Congressman Alan Boyd (D), who supported expanding Medicaid under Obamacare.
According to Dunn’s GOP opponent, Mary Thomas, who spoke to the Shark Tank about her candidacy via telephone, Dunn not only supported Democrats over Republicans, but “supports liberal causes and liberal ideals” as was the case when he lobbied support to expand Medicaid under Obamacare.
Thomas, like Graham is a wife, mother and attorney, but in a head-to-head match-up, could have an advantage over Graham in the general election, if she wins the GOP primary, and if Graham doesn’t jump ship for another federal race.
Thomas, who believes that she appeals to a broader base of the American electorate, and whose parents “legally” immigrated from India, could become the first Indian-American woman elected member of the U.S. Congress.
Again, Thomas must first need to win both the primary and general elections for that to happen.
In asking Thomas about the recent revelations that have come out about Planned Parenthood and that their baby body parts meat market, she stated that she was “totally disgusted” with that organization’s practices, and said that she has openly called on Gwen Graham to return the $5,500 she received from the Planned Parenthood PAC.
Thomas added that the actions of Planned Parenthood “do not reflect the views” of the Floridians living in the 2nd congressional district.
What are Thomas’ views on immigration and “Anchor Babies?”
Her position on immigration is that of every Republican running for elected office, in that the believes U.S. needs to enforce existing immigration laws, and that “Sanctuary cities” needed to be abolished.
Thomas goes a bit further in saying that all illegal immigrants need to be deported, regardless of their situation. Illegal is still illegal.
Women that come her illegally to have babies in the United States are breaking our laws, and that was not the intent of the 14th Amendment. It was not the intent of the founders to allow these babies to become U.S. citizens.- Mary Thomas