Raulerson starts campaign to replace Glorioso

Dan Raulerson is starting his campaign to replace fellow Republican Rich Glorioso in the Florida House in the city Raulerson represents: Plant City.

Raulerson, elected to the Plant City Commission in 2007 and in the middle of a one-year term as mayor, is devoting Saturdays to canvassing Glorioso's district, starting in neighborhoods certain to remain in play after redistricting.

"We know the Plant City area is going to continue to be in the district," Raulerson said Jan. 21, which he spent walking through the 2,800-home Walden Lake community and talking with residents.

"I'm planning on walking every weekend until we cover the area."

His goal: hit 5,000 houses in District 62.

The district will change this year. Every 10 years, state lawmakers redraw the political boundaries of the areas they represent based on the decennial census.

As it's currently drawn, District 62 includes Plant City and extends west to Dover, Valrico and Seffner; south to Bloomingdale and north to Crystal Springs – just over the Pasco County line.

"It appears it's going to be going north and west, covering Thonotosassa and Temple Terrace," Raulerson said. "As the district starts to shape up, we'll venture into other areas."

"Currently, we have Valrico and Brandon, where I grew up, and I would love to keep that area in the district," added Raulerson, a certified public accountant who moved to Plant City in 1983.

Uncertainty about the redrawn district could remain in limbo for months. Also unknown is who might run against Raulerson: So far, he is the only official candidate to replace Glorioso, and he had already raised more than $75,000 as of the end of December, according to the state Division of Elections.

But Raulerson likely will face competition in what is currently a closely split district: 54 percent registered Republicans, 46 percent Democrats.

Not having to run against an incumbent also will draw interest, said Glorioso, who is term-limited in the House and running for Hillsborough County supervisor of elections.

"It's always hard to take on an incumbent because he's got a lot of backing, if he's done a good job," said Glorioso.

For now, Raulerson is focusing on what he does know.

"Right now we're trying to re-establish strong connections; we're reinforcing local support," he said. "Plant City is crucial to this race.

"The people we're targeting today are people who historically voted in the primaries," said Raulerson. "We're focusing on re-establishing those relationships and letting them know who I am. We just try to touch base with them and let them know what we're doing."

Raulerson's initial walking tour through Walden Lake suggests he has name recognition and more, at least locally.

Some, like retiree Joe McGee, recognize Raulerson's name. McGee, 86, was on a first-name basis with the mayor by the time their visit ended, even introducing him to a friend who stopped by.

At a nearby home, Richard Elwell, who moved to Plant City 22 years ago, immediately greeted the mayor by name.

A boon to Raulerson's name recognition is his daughter Jaclyn, who was crowned Miss Florida in 2010.

"I think more people know me because of that than anything else," Raulerson said.

Raulerson said he thinks voters will connect with his fiscal conservatism.

"There are a lot of conservative Democrats, so if you're running as a conservative that seems to help," he said. "I'm primarily a conservative. Party, it's important, but it's more about your philosophy, your values.

"I think everybody can agree we don't need to spend more money than we bring in. So, being fiscally responsible is something we can all rally on, agree upon and try to accomplish."

Glorioso said Raulerson is approaching the race the right way, at the right time.

"I think Dan is doing the right thing getting out and meeting the people, so when gets elected — which I believe he will — he has the contacts to make sure he's representing their beliefs.

"I've known Dan for a long time and he's got the right beliefs, morals, values."

gwilkens@tampatrib.com

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