Three GOP candidates spoke to The Villages Straight Shooters Club on Monday evening at the Eisenhower Recreation Center.
U.S. Congressional candidate Justin Grabelle was the first to speak during the night’s program and gave the audience a brief background on himself.
With a master’s degree in healthcare policy, Grabelle expressed his passion for veteran’s affairs after his experience in VA oversight under an internship with Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite. The former chief of staff to Rep. Rich Nugent promised the crowd that he would sit on the VA committee.
He also answered questions related to the Second Amendment. He proclaimed his support for national concealed carry laws and promised to stand up against a “liberal Supreme Court” that would try to repeal gun rights.
Grabelle discussed topics dealing with supporting term limits to stop career politicians, “killing Common Core” and being pro-active in fighting against ISIS.
State Senate District 12 candidate Dennis Baxley gave a speech that told the stories of his Floridian roots, family and experience in upholding two values of “life and liberty” through his service as state representative.
Proclaiming his NRA “A+” rating, Baxley stated, “This is not about guns, it’s about freedom.” He also mentioned that he is the only candidate in the Florida Senate District 12 endorsed by the NRA.
The state representative reminded the crowd that he championed the state’s “Stand-Your-Ground” law and gave reasons for its creation. Though it became controversial among gun opponents, Baxley reasoned that the law offered the “freedom to take responsibility for your life.”
He called gun-free zones a joke and stated, “If guns are outlawed anywhere, only outlaws will have guns.”
Baxley ended his presentation by assuring the crowd that he would serve the people and work to offer the life and liberty for future generations in America.
Last to speak was state Senate District 12 candidate and Villager David Gee.
Gee gave a PowerPoint presentation to explain his Christian beliefs, early life and family and successful entrepreneurship.
Though he has never held public office, Gee shared his concerns and how he would tackle a list of issues. Regarding Veteran’s Affairs, Gee claimed, “We take care of illegals more than our veterans,” a little after taking a swipe at Baxley by explaining that the representative “helped give” illegal immigrants amenities such as drivers’ licenses through bills.
Gee also discussed other pressing concerns to address such as ending Common Core and the water-bottling permit that would affect local aquifers.
Receiving an “A” rating by the NRA, he affirmed his support for the right to bear arms and encouraged the crowd to “never ever give up” their guns.
“Both of my opponents have received special interest money,” said Gee, asserting that he was not beholden to any groups but only to the citizens he would serve.
All three candidates will vie in their respective races in the Aug. 30 primary.
