Two South Brevard County's House District 53 candidates talk politics
In South Brevard County's House District 53, two candidates are hoping to represent the Republican Party on the ballot in November: incumbent Randy Fine, and political newcomer Marcie Adkins.
Adkins said, after much discussion about whether she should run, she decided she's ready to go in a race that puts her against current District 53 State Rep. Randy Fine.
"I saw the incumbent handle a bill, really badly in February of this year, and it outraged me," Adkins said.
Adkins said she took issue with a bill about schools.
"So I've committed and I've been running since the end of March," Adkins said.
Fine, who has battled health issues from the coronavirus for weeks, is now out of the hospital, saying he's confident about the upcoming challenge to the office he's held since 2016.
"I don't anticipate it's going to be close. I'm not running against a serious challenger in the primary and I think it'll be a clear win next week," Fine said.
Both told WESH 2 News about what they want to accomplish.
"We're a strong Second Amendment advocate family so that's turned into a really big issue and one of the things that I'll push a lot," Adkins said. "We keep talking a good talk about bringing money to restore the Indian River Lagoon, but we're not doing it. Just a little bit here and there. We need to really work collaboratively and well to protect our water resources."
Fine said he would like to build upon what he says he has accomplished in office.
"I've brought back millions of dollars for the lagoon. I've passed legislation that has a dramatic effect on improving it," Fine said. "I think the next two years is really going to be focused on two things: It's going to be managing our budget in the wake of COVID and I also think it's going to be focused on how do we get the economy moving again?"
Both were asked if will they still support the Republican on the ballot if they lose. Adkins said yes, while Fine said no and he's not sure yet who he would vote for, or how he would vote in the general election if that happened.