The announcement comes right before a holiday and as a surprise to both allies and those who have worked on the opposite side of Adams throughout the years.
By Jacob Engels
Former Congresswoman Sandy Adams has announced a suspension of her campaign due to health-related developments. Earlier this afternoon she sent out this brief press release to friends and supporters…
“I recently discovered a significant health issue that demands my focus and attention. I decided to run in Florida’s 6th District because I care deeply for our country and my family’s future. With very young grandchildren, I fear for the direction of our nation and what we are leaving future generations if we don’t make the necessary choices when it comes to our national security and our spending decisions.
I know that together we can make a difference and that’s why I became a candidate. Over the next several weeks, I will be focusing on my health and will reassess my campaign to determine if I can give it a 100% commitment. I owe that to my family, and to the residents of the 6th District.”
Adams deciding to suspend her campaign comes after her being named to the NRCC’s “Young Gun” program which grooms and provides potential nominees with the tools they need to win and increase communication to voters in their district. The former congresswoman had garnered strong support…including the endorsements of Congressman Trey Gowdy who lead the House Select Committee on Benghazi, Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz who chairs the House Oversight Committee, and nearly every female Republican member of congress.
Doug Kaplan, a nationally known pollster and consultant, who is the owner of Gravis Marketing, said that his thoughts and prayers are with the congresswoman and her family.
“Whatever the health issues are my prayers are with the congresswoman and her family. Speaking politically, this shocking development really opens the seat up. The New Smyrna Mayor is now the obvious favorite, though I have predicted for months that Congressman Daniel Webster would run in that district. I think he would do even better with the absence of Adams in the race.”
Democratic State House candidate Sean Ashby, who had Sandy Adams as his State Representative for years when she represented the East Orlando and Avalon Park area described Adams as a fighter in both life and politics.
“I’m saddened to hear that former Representative Adams has suspended her campaign. She is a fighter, both in life and in politics. As we enter the holiday season, I pray that she will be back soon.”
With the Adams campaign officially in suspension, longtime GOP consultant and anti-tax advocate Doug Guetzloe said it leaves quite the opportunity for one or more right of center candidates to carve out a space in the Republican primary.
“This sudden departure leaves plenty of opportunity for one or more right of center candidates to throw their hats into the ring. Adams had some residual name ID from her previous service and that was a plus, but in a crowded field with a regionally based candidate, this primary is wide open. The national “Twilight Zone” has spread to Florida politics.”
As someone who “made their bones” working for Congresswoman Adams during each of her congressional campaigns, I feel as if we have lost our best hope for CD6. Not only was she a great mentor to myself and so many others, but she taught us all that a no-nonsense and methodical approach to governance is the best route.
She was not and is not afraid to stand up to the “good ole boys” and party leadership for the good of the people. I hope she recovers and remains healthy… cause the people of Florida and this nation need more people like Sandy Adams.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
