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Weatherford takes commanding lead in House 61 race
Aug 24, 2010 - St. Pete Times

Will Weatherford took another step in his quest to become the 2012 speaker of the House of Representatives by trouncing tea party activist and newcomer Kevin Wright.

Weatherford took the GOP primary with about 80 percent of the vote in the district that includes central and east Pasco and part of New Tampa.

"I’m just honored by the show of support from the community and the district," Weatherford said. "For three and half years we’ve worked for lower taxes and family-friendly issues and to represent the people of the district in the way they should be."

Weatherford, 30, campaigned on a platform that included not raising taxes and supporting an amendment to allow school districts more flexibility on class size. He has raised more than $500,000 toward his re-election. If re-elected, Weatherford is on track to become Pasco’s first House speaker since 1893 and the youngest since 1957.

Wright, 55, who owns a T-shirt printing business, focused on the need to find sources of renewable energy and to upgrade highways. He opposed government funding for high-speed rail, and said more should be done to improve roads and other forms of mass transit.

"We were self-funded and got more than 20 percent of the vote," Wright said. "I think that shows there was an interest in my candidacy."

Weatherford faces another first-time candidate in November: Democrat Elena McCullough of Wesley Chapel.