MIAMI — It’s “achievability,” not “achieveability,” but that was the typo on a sign that was on display when U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds recently unveiled his new “Read to Succeed” education initiative in Jacksonville.
The embarrassment for the Republican gubernatorial candidate who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement comes as the Republican Party of Florida’s political debate rules only qualify him.
“I wouldn’t have qualified when I ran in ‘18 for what they were trying to do,” Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said in West Palm Beach.
The Florida’s Voice reported the 10/10/10 rules: The candidate has to reach at least 10% support in the RPOF poll, raise more than $10 million, and secure more than 10,000 donors.
The RPOF’s poll results: Donalds had 38.8%, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins had 7.6%, James Fishback had 4.1%, former House Speaker Paul Renner had 2.2%, Bobby Williams had 1.9%, and 42.9% were undecided.
Byron’s campaign statement in response: “There are not participation trophies in politics.”
On Tuesday, Collins, a combat-wounded U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who served for over 23 years, responded during a news conference in Milton.
“That participation trophy line is a bit of a slap in the face,” said Collins, who removed his prosthetic leg, placed it on the podium, and added, “This is my participation trophy.”
The Sunshine State Showdown was set for June 27 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.
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