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Alexander, Foe Focus On Jobs

By BAIRD HELGESON

bhelgeson@tampatrib.com

Published: October 19, 2008

TAMPA - Democrat Scott K. Thompson decided to run for state Senate when he saw friends leaving Central Florida for better jobs in Tennessee and the Carolinas.

He said the incumbent, J.D. Alexander, and other Republicans have lost touch with their constituents in favor of building political muscle and personal fortunes.

"It was aggravating that the people weren't represented," said Thompson, a former Republican.

The political newcomer has a formidable challenge in taking on Alexander in the race for Florida Senate District 17. The district includes parts of Polk, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, St. Lucie, Glades and Okeechobee counties.

Alexander had raised $479,540 by the end of September; Thompson raised $13,474.

Alexander is among Tallahassee's wealthiest lawmakers, having listed his net worth at more than $11.03 million in July 2007. He is the grandson of Florida citrus mogul Ben Hill Griffin Jr. and is the cousin of Katherine Harris, the former congresswoman and Florida secretary of state.

Alexander said he is running for another term to ensure opponents don't crush the University of South Florida's plan to build a research campus in Lakeland. USF Polytechnic would offer four-year degrees in information technology and applied sciences.

"For so many years, the best and the brightest have had to go somewhere else to find a job," he said. "I want to change that."

Alexander has pushed CSX Transportation's controversial commuter rail project for Orlando and a massive rail hub in Winter Haven that would reroute freight trains through downtown Lakeland. The plan has been divisive among residents and the local delegation.

Thompson said an overwhelming number of people he's spoken to in the district are against the project, which he said highlights Alexander's disconnect with constituents.

Thompson said he will be more engaged in reducing soaring property insurance rates, but he didn't have specific ideas on how to do that.

Alexander, who is on the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, said the state must do more to encourage competition among property insurers in the state.

J.D. ALEXANDER

AGE: 49

EDUCATION: University of Florida, bachelor's degree in agriculture

FAMILY: Married, two children

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Citrus grower; landowner; businessman.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Florida House, 1998-2002; Florida Senate, 2002-present.

WEB SITE: www.jdalexander.com

SCOTT K. THOMPSON

AGE: 42

EDUCATION: Attended Santa Fe College in Gainesville.

FAMILY: Married, two children

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Citrus grower; real estate; research and development of agricultural products.