Jim Blue (Florida)
Jim Blue (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 76. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024. The Democratic primary for this office on August 20, 2024, was canceled.
Blue completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Jim Blue was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1974. His career experience includes working in journalism.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2024
Jim Blue and Vanessa Oliver are running in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 76 on November 5, 2024. Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.General election for Florida House of Representatives District 76
Jim Blue (D) Vanessa Oliver (R) = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Jim Blue advanced from the Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 76.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 76
Vanessa Oliver defeated Steven Ceracche in the Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 76 on August 20, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Vanessa Oliver | 71.7 | 13,340 | |
| Steven Ceracche | 28.3 | 5,254 | ||
| Total votes: 18,594 | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Spencer Roach (R)
- John Strand (R)
Campaign finance
Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jim Blue completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Blue's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I have been married to Kay for 42 years. We have two children, Alex & Sagan, and three granddaughters, Charlotte, Athena, and Lyra.
I am an Emmy Award-Winning TV Journalist. I have traveled the world to cover America's servicemen and women. One month after 9/11, I boarded an Air Force cargo jet to fly over Afghanistan reporting on the opening days of . I have covered countless other stories, including hotspots in the Persian Gulf, Rwanda, Sarajevo, the Philippines, and Nepal. The Associated Press recognized me as Ohio's Best Anchor and Best Enterprise Reporter. In 2016, the year I retired from journalism, I was the only broadcaster in the Toledo TV market to be nominated for an Emmy Award for Anchoring.
Following my retirement from journalism, I joined the Charlotte County Democratic Party. I have worked as Precinct 34 co-captain and as Communications Chair from 2017 - 2020.
I love to sail my 36-year-old Sabre 34. I have participated in the citizen scientists' "Eyes on Seagrass" Survey and I am a member of Heal Our Harbor. I am a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana.
Now I'm running for Florida State House in District 76. I am working to end the politics of distraction in Tallahassee.
- The skyrocketing cost of insurance will be my top priority. This past session Tallahassee did almost nothing to bring down premiums. Governor DeSantis, when asked if he’d pressure insurance companies to lower rates said – quote – “That’s not how the market works.” The Governor has taken millions in contributions from the insurance industry. Meanwhile, the average Florida homeowner has seen premiums grow 300 percent to $6,000 per year. I urge the Governor to call a special session of the legislature to focus on lowering insurance rates. We need to recruit a panel of insurance experts to seek out long-lasting reform and dedicate Florida to a strategy of resilient and affordable housing for our citizens.
- Florida's lawmakers have passed one of the most extreme abortion bans in America. The ban is so unpopular that the Governor signed it into law late at night and then fled to Iowa to begin his ill-fated campaign for president. Now, thankfully, Florida voters will have the chance to overturn the ban through Amendment Four on the ballot this November. Even though it appears likely to pass, legislators must commit to affirming the will of the people. Other successful referenda on other subjects have been subverted by the legislature. If elected, I pledge to restore reproductive freedom so that Florida women will enjoy the same rights that their grandmothers had.
- I am committed to restoring home rule to Florida. In recent sessions the legislature has passed dozens of pre-emption laws that take local control away from the state's cities and counties. One of the most extreme of those bills revoked the right of local governments to require water breaks for laborers working outside. The abject cruelty of this law shows how much power that special interests have and how little power laborers have in Tallahassee. Other pre-emption laws have prevented coastal communities from mandating stronger building codes when rebuilding after destructive hurricanes. I am urging Tallahassee to protect local power through a constitutional amendment.
The environment.
Florida's entire economy depends on preserving our natural splendor, particularly our coasts and wetlands. I support a constitutional amendment that codifies a "Right to Clean Water."
This would allow affected interests to sue polluters and require legislators to hold powerful interests to account for their action.
Barack Obama and Carl Sagan. Obama for his incredible ability to reach out to everyday Americans. Sagan for his genius and his ability to explain complex subjects.
I would recommend "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. This book captures the essence of progressive values, the importance of hope and unity, and the need for change rooted in empathy and justice.
An elected official should embody integrity, transparency, empathy, and dedication. They must be honest and transparent with their constituents, empathetic to the needs and concerns of the people they serve, and dedicated to working tirelessly to improve the lives of their community members.
I am very curious. I am a quick study. I have a passion for fairness and the truth. These qualities make me uniquely qualified to handle the diverse demands of the state legislature.
The core responsibilities include representing the interests and needs of constituents, crafting and voting on legislation that benefits the community and state, ensuring government accountability and transparency, and advocating for policies that promote social and economic well-being.
I want to improve America's natural environment for my children and grandchildren.
I remember the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I was nine years old.
I was a broadcast radio technician in Chicago at WBBM. I worked two summers while attending college at the University of Illinois.
Godel, Escher, Bach. Because it connects science with human self awareness.
Jack Aubrey of Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander book series
This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie
Overcoming imposter syndrome.
The ideal relationship is one of mutual respect and collaboration. While there may be differences in opinion, it is essential for both the governor and state legislature to work together constructively to address the needs of the people and find common ground on important issues.
Florida faces several challenges, including climate change and its impact on our environment and economy, healthcare access and affordability, and ensuring a quality education system that prepares our children for the future. Additionally, addressing income inequality and promoting economic opportunities for all residents are critical issues.
While previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite. What is most important is a passion for public service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to representing the interests of constituents effectively.
Absolutely. Building relationships with other legislators is crucial for effective governance. It allows for the exchange of ideas, fosters collaboration, and can lead to bipartisan solutions that benefit all Floridians.
I admire the late Senator John Lewis for his unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice. His dedication to fighting for equality and his philosophy of making "good trouble" are inspiring and guide my approach to public service.
No. State Representative would be the capstone of my career.
One story that really moved me was from a single mother struggling to get affordable healthcare for her child with a chronic illness. Her resilience and determination highlighted the urgent need for healthcare reform and inspired my commitment to fight for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Floridians.
Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls 9-1-1. He gasps, "My friend is dead! What can I do?" The operator says, "Calm down. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence; then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says, "OK, now what?"
Yes, the legislature should oversee the use of emergency powers to make sure they're not abused and are used properly to protect public health and safety. This oversight is important to maintain a balance of power and protect our democratic principles.
The first bill I would introduce would focus on tackling climate change and protecting our environment. Florida is on the front lines of climate change, and we need to take urgent action to safeguard our natural resources and communities. My bill would aim to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and strengthen protections for our coastlines and ecosystems. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, we can ensure a healthier, more resilient future for all Floridians.
I am particularly interested in committees related to education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
Financial transparency and government accountability are paramount. Elected officials must ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively, and that government actions are open to public scrutiny. This builds trust and ensures that government serves the people, not special interests.
I support the state ballot initiative process as it now stands.
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Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Florida House of Representatives District 76 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 14, 2024
