James DeCocq Has Filed To Challenge Sen. Thad Altman
By Tom Tillison
Florida Political Press
Former Florida House district 33 Republican candidate James Decocq has announced via FaceBook that he has filed to run for the Florida Senate.
He will be challenging incumbent Republican-In-Name-Only Thad Altman in the senate district 24 primary.
Decocq stated, “To my friends and supporters, and to everyone who is disappointed with the way that government has been heading, we are very excited to announce that I have filed paper work with the great State of Florida to run for Florida Senate, District 24 in 2012!”
For those with a short memory, or who’ve been under a rock until now, Thad Altman joined hands with Democrat state Sen. Arthenia Joyner back in March of this year in an unsuccessful bid to sue Gov. Scott over his rejection of high speed rail.
Sounding very partisan Left, Altman said, “In his disdain for the president and his zeal to make him look bad, he was even willing to hurt the people of Florida.”
FPP did a feature on Altman back during this time titled ‘Meet State Senator Thad Altman‘ that highlighted an extensive list of special interests that contribute generously to his campaign and pointed out other ‘progressive‘ ideas that Altman supports, such as Smart Grid – a concept that uses digital communications to control appliances at consumers’ homes to save energy and reduce costs.
Altman is also an avid supporter of SunRail, which was just approved last week. He attacked Gov. Scott over the delayed decision on the project, saying Scott’s actions were “hurting Florida” with “decisions made by just one man who was just elected and hasn’t even been in office for more than two months.”
For tea party members and those who’ve been very vocal in denouncing the go ahead on SunRail, here is an opportunity to put your money (and efforts) where your mouth is. This is a classic big government incumbent against a true fiscally conservative, limited government challenger.
In fact, with as viable a candidate as James DeCocq, the tax payers across the entire state who are now on the hook for Sunrail should be embracing his candidacy with zeal. There’s always a lot of talk in the grassroots community of the desire to ’send a message to Tallahassee’, well… there’s now a line open. What say you?
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Aren’t the only ones on the hook , residents and owners in Volusia, Seminole, Orange & Osceola counties? I’m glad to see him declare.
Charles, as I understand, all tax payers in the state are on the hook for the first seven years, then the four counties assume all financial responsibility.
Ummm, you might want to tell him he needs to take down his house campaign stuff – aside from the fact it’s an election law violation, it kind of detracts from his “viability” score. Just sayin’.
Matt Nye
Organizer
Brevard Tea Party
- The other Tea Party guy considering filing for this seat…
And therein lies the problem with grassroots…. incapable
of getting out of it’s own way.
Tom, I’ll let you clarify your comment before posting further. Are you implying I am “in the way” for pointing out the fact the only thing I got when I googled his name were links to things with his house race info on it (which indicates a lack of planning and organization) or the fact I am contemplating jumping in that race (which you all have known for months now), or both?
Matt Nye
Organizer
Brevard Tea Party
- The other Tea Party guy considering filing for this seat…
Just as it implies Matt, the inability of grassroots to coalesce or come together in strategy, candidacy or any other action for that matter. With nearly impossible odds, unlimited money directed against it and a system rigged in every way in favor of the incumbent, the ONLY hope that grassroots has is if it can pull together and work toward a common goal.
If any other grassroots candidate enters into this race, then we might as well make plans to personally escort Thad Altman back to Tallahassee in 2013.
So, you guys knew I was interested in this race as far back as March, the bulk of the district is in Brevard, I have excellent name ID here because I have worked my tail off as a leader for the movement, I pulled 6,264 votes in a 60/40 County Commission race at a cost of $1.50 per vote compared to Mr. Decocq’s 11% and 1,730 votes at a cost of $9.25 per vote, I have the backing of the one guy who Altman is terrified of, and rather than have a sit down pow-wow to talk about who has the better chance against Altman he files with no notice to anyone in this neck of the woods, and you’re lecturing me on working together and “coalescing”? If you are worried about who is going to put Altman back in Tallahassee all you need do is look in the mirror…
Matt Nye
Organizer
Brevard Tea Party
- The other Tea Party guy considering filing for this seat…
I rest my case…
Tom,
My first time here so let me state. I have lived here all my life and went to same schools as Thad and have known his family! His father sponsored my little leauge team back in the day. I cannot stand Thad’s politics and want him out of office. He is typical of the politicans who are ripping us off while favoring special interests group. I belong to the Tea Party, 912 and ACT for AMERICA and a few other groups. I always say I lean neither left nor right but stand straight American. I favor no one and no party but look at everything with equal scrutiny and then decide what is best for America and her people. I have read all post here between you and Matt (who I have met once) and have thought about it and I just have something to say.
Matt has laid out a factual case and makes a lot of sense in what he says! You have laid no facts or data that would win my favor! You just talk and act about the very thing you rail against. I belong to a group of friends who bring great thought and dialogue to conversations along with facts and data. They always present a good argument or debate to the table. You have done neither! IN FACT you have shown that you seem to be in James DeCocq’s back pocket sort of to speak or have a grudge with Matt Nye. It shows blatantly and you have acted like a liberal!
Please bring a little better case to bear rather than hidden (but plain to see in your writings) irritations espoused in words! Give me something better than
one or two liners! Because as I see it now you appear to be part of the problem of which you speak! My words here, I understand might not mean anything to you particularly since I don’t agree with you. But again if that is the case then you are part of the problem for sure! Are you here for name recognition or truly for the cause of saving America? I know which I am here for and I never seek any recognition for all the things I do! That would make me as bad as the politician’s I rail against! It is nice that DeCocq is an expert on beach preservation and marine affairs (whatever that is?). The Orlando area is much different than the Brevard County! We here in Brevard want none of Orlando type thinking here! We have seen where that gets you! SO I ask you what can you show me that says or proves DeCocq is a better candidate for a area he may or may not not anything about? Maybe until you do YOU should open your mind before opening your thumbs on the keyboard! It might get you farther in life! But again, what do I know? I am just a country boy who doesn’t like the big city!
GatorDon
Pro Deo et Patria! “Donec Mors Non Separat ”
God Bless America…
Whether the ACLU, Illegals, Obama, Jihadist or Osama like it or not.
Don, it’s interesting that there’s an effort here to draw me into a debate on the qualifications of candidates – or potential candidates as Matt is still noncommittal about running – based on an opinion that two grassroots choices in this race is a non starter. I have not shared my personal thoughts on either and I assure you that I have no interest in indulging in that conversation.
Nor do I have an interest in the politics of confrontation that others seem to thrive on.
I suspect my crime is to state that DeCocq is a ‘viable’ candidate. That is not to suggest that anyone else is not, yet I’m accused of being a liberal and told that I am part of the problem? That in and of itself is a trademark tactic of the Left – you have a right to an opinion as long as that opinion in consistent with what we believe.
I stand by my common sense statement that to unseat an establishment politician, grassroots must come together behind a single choice.
As for keeping my thumbs off the keyboard… I don’t see that being a winning suggestion for you, I own the web site.
I’m so excited to hear that James is running. I know that the disappointment with the way that the government has been heading and send it in the right direction. It is a great move that James filed the paper work to run for the Florida Senate, District 24 in 2012!
I know James will make a difference!
Where’s the first grassroots candidate? What were the numbers in the D33 hose race?
2010 House District 33 Primary Results
Brodeur , Jason ——7,888 - 51%
Sterling , Alice ———5,719 - 37%
DeCocq , James —–1,730 - 11%
I am glad to see someone step into this race. I believe James is a viable candidate with a message that voters can support in this district. I look forward to a primary where the issues that are important to Florida can be debated and we can select a candidate to best represent the District.
The tone of some of the comments on this announcement is very surprising. Rather than address specific concerns about the direction of the Republican party or to have a reasonable debate on issues the comments seem to suggest that one poster feels he would be a better candidate, if he was a candidate, and his feelings are hurt that no one consulted him before the announcement. Other comments are attacking the messenger and name calling.
I realize I’m probably only adding gasoline to this fire but, can’t we all do better than this? How about some dialogue on what James stands for that sets him apart from Thad? Maybe other potential candidates will officially file so we can hear where they stand on the issues and make a rational selection. Until these things start to happen we are all just acting like spoiled children throwing rocks at each other while complaining that the other guy is throwing rocks. We become what we claim to hate about politics and the left…I hope we can behave better.
Glad to see that James is in the game, we need more true conservatives in office. He will bring a host of unique strengths to the race; just wish I were in his district.
I will vote for James. I did last time.
It surprises me that anyone considering running for office would publicly display such an immature attitude. James has our family’s complete support.
James had my support last time and will again. James is a no nonsense, highly intelligent and true conservative candidate. Had the house race been built on knowledge and skills, James would have won. Instead it was good old boy politics as usual.
Matt might be trying that tactic but I can assure you I am not. If noting personal is forthcoming from your comments then all the better! Nor was I trying to be confrontational and maybe I may have come across that way!
The only reason the liberal slant was thrown was because I was observing words with no data. It seemed to me you were attacking a person or the party. It is hard to tell true intentions when just reading words and not loking a person in the eyes.
I do not know who or who is not a viable candidate. Whether someone is in it for personal gain and recognition or because they are truly wanting to turn our country around! All I can do is look and analyze at the information available and if given the opportunity question a candidate. It seems by the numbers posted here that Decocq was either inadequate at getting his message out or not a viable candidate. A very poor showing and bad job at best. I do commend him for jumping into the fray now though. As for Matt Nye I do not know where his heart is or if he is in it for the glory or personal gain. I do agree though if you are going to jump the jump. The sooner the better for all who wish to run so we can figure their game out.
I do agree with your statement that to unseat an establishment politician, grassroots must come together behind a single choice. I would still liked some information that says or proves DeCocq is a better candidate. If anyone who post here can supply that then I would be happy to take a look at it.
I never said for you to keep your thumbs off the keep board what I did say was:
“Maybe until you do you should open your mind before opening your thumbs on the keyboard! It might get you farther in life!“
And yes it is YOUR website and thank you for having it so we may share ideas and thoughts and all come together with a clear understanding and unity that is needed to accomplish our goals of bringing America back to the place she and we deserve in the world.
I’d like to clarify a couple of things.
I don’t know Mr. DeCocq but I have heard good things about him. I have nothing but the utmost respect for underdog candidates who have the courage to challenge the establishment – I was one in 2010, and I have become fast friends with Bart Carmichael who ran against Altman in the last cycle. I want to apologize to Mr. DeCocq for my opening comments – I could have said it better and/or done it privately.
Having said that, the reason I sound confrontational is because I see “kingmakers” popping up all over this movement, and it’s always the same modus operandi: don’t look at the facts, just do as I (we) say because we know better; if anyone objects it’s their fault the grassroots will never win because they’re so “confrontational”.
I’m here to fight for the truth and clean up our government, and I don’t care if I have to plow through dishonest or clueless Republicans, Democrats and Tea Partiers to do it. If you make claims with no basis in reality, you will be called on them.
In this case Mr. Tillison pointed out that Mr. DeCocq was “viable”, yet when I posted objective stats and indicated I might be entering the race I was basically called a spoiler by Mr. Tillison.
My question (as a Tea Party Organizer, not a prospective candidate) is simply: if we as a movement have to coalesce around one candidate, how did Mr. DeCocq earn that distinction? Because he was simply the first to file? Or because Mr. Tillison tells us so? I think these are reasonable questions to ask, and I look forward to learning the answers.
I assure you, Matt, I am no king maker, nor am I delusional about my role in this movement.
In a perfect world, where the important priorities take precedent over egos and self interest, we could have multiple candidates running against an incumbent. However, experience tells us that rarely do those who have failed to distinguish themselves accept it and do the right thing – put cause before self and step aside.
With this in mind, having more than one grassroots candidate on the ballot come election day negates any hope of victory, The real victory being not the personal success of any challenger as much as the critical message delivered to the political elite.
You can take solace in my thoughts that the tea party is beset with the same human frailties that we see in both political parties and for this reason, I’m learning to temper my expectations. The tea party has done a miraculous job of waking a snoozing citizenry to the problems this country faces, yet, I’m beginning to fear that it may require some other phenom to actually solve these problems.
Hi Matt.
Speaking for myself (not Tom, James, or anybody else), I’ll elaborate a little on Tom’s concerns:
In 2008, those of us who lived in Congressional District 8 (Alan Grayson) had the unfortunate experience of having way too many candidates who claimed Tea Party sympathies. As a result, the “Tea Party” vote was split, and we ended up with an establishment candidate. A 30-year politician, thank you very much.
Because the division among the candidates’ supporters ran so deep, several of us local Tea Party gang-bangers decided it was best not to ‘endorse’ a candidate lest we ended up with a losing candidate and made the movement look weak and divided, which is exactly what Grayson would have exploited.
Thus, we withheld our endorsement.
In hindsight, if there could have been a way for Tea Partiers to coalesce around one Tea Party candidate, chances are we would have a brand new, on-fire representative burning the halls of Washington right about now.
But it is what it is.
I think the message here is that if the above-mentioned scenario can be avoided, then all the better. HOW that can happen is a question for another day, but I’ve heard talk of maybe having a Tea Party caucus or something like that.
Personally, I think it’s time for yet another Eat’n Greet, but I’m not in your district.
I’m not questioning who’s the better candidate, you or James. I’m just simply pointing out past experience.
And for the record, I’m not bashing my current congressman. So far he’s held steady under the circumstances.
I understand all of the above. I really do. The reason I am so perplexed – and one of the reasons I haven’t filed yet – is because I was trying to avoid a scenario just like this one.
I floated my name as far back in March to leaders of the C4L, Central Florida Tea Party Council and Florida Liberty Alliance with the expectation someone would have contacted me to confirm/deny, just as I would have if the shoe were on the other foot. Unfortunately, I had never heard Mr. DeCocq’s name mentioned for this seat until he actually filed. The only name I had heard floated from over there was Craig Miller.
Now that the proverbial horse has left the barn, some of those same leaders are bemoaning the fact that there might be two competing grassroots candidates that would effectively split the vote against Altman – something they have known for *months*.
If there are no kingmakers here, the questions I would be curious to see answered are:
1) Did the folks around DeCocq NOT know or convey I was looking at the seat? With the list of consultants and players I see on his finance reports combined with our mutual acquaintances I cannot believe he did not know I was a contender.
2) If he did, why no contact or phone call from him or anyone else? I’m a relative newbie, but this is politics 101 stuff. I know for a fact he didn’t reach out to Bart, and that should have been step one – to see if he could pick up Bart’s base over here as this isn’t his home turf, just as Mr. DeCocq’s area isn’t mine (Bart pulled 30% of the vote against Altman for those who don’t know).
In summary, I don’t take issue with Mr. DeCocq filing for the seat – it’s his God given right to do so, and I applaud him for it.
What I take issue with are self described leaders of the movement whining about a lack of coordination and chalking this up to a failure of the grassroots when they had the requisite information and facts to sort this out ahead of time and they either:
a) Chose to ignore it or
b) thought this would cement in the guy they liked for the seat, regardless of whether there might be a better candidate out there.
I constantly hear people say that we need to unite and work together, but the reality appears to be that nothing could be further from the truth.
Matt, as I said previously, I have little interest in the politics of confrontation, yet, I’m growing weary of the ad hominem attacks here and the attempts to redirect blame.
Just to be sure I understand, the reason you haven’t filed for this race yet is not because you’re indecisive, procrastinating or don’t have the funds, it’s because you want to avoid a scenario where there are multiple candidates? That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever! Did it ever occur to you that had you filed early on, others would stay out?
As for you mentioning that you were thinking about running, that is correct – several months ago. And since I am being criticized for “ignoring it”, exactly what was I expected to do? Just curious, since that point when you ‘floated’ your name, you’ve done exactly what to make your aspirations known to the public?
And now that you feel you’ve sufficiently staked out your ground by ‘floating’ your name, all others are expected to confer with you first? Dude, a suggestion… get your ego in check.
For the record, DeCocq never discussed his decision with me beforehand, nor did he make me aware of it before announcing. You can continue to attack my character and question my motives all you want, I could not care less. In fact, I’ve come to expect as much from the right, just as I do from the left. What is certain is that there is no further doubt on my part about who I’ll not be supporting in this race.
”Glory is not a conceit. It is not a decoration for valor. Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you in return.” (Congratulations James)
Perhaps DeCocq’s people knew all along Mr. Nye was entertaining the idea of running and they just didn’t consider him a serious contender. What doesn’t Nye run for? Or consider running for? James has the courage and determination to run and he jumped in. To suppose that he somehow needed to ask permission or run it by anyone first, is incredulous.
I’ve got no problem with multiple Tea Party candidates running against each other but to watch one tear down another and whine because they were not consulted is not helpful.
I feel the need to note that with redistricting, District 24 stands to have new boundary lines drawn. Until then, however, I’m not liking what I’m hearing in these earlier posts. Potential candidates using words like “us” vs “them”, his “turf” vs. my “turf”. Coming from someone who is expressing the want to represent the entire district, I’m very put off.
Since when have candidates been required to contact people who have floated their names? My mom is upset and thinks she can do a better job than Obama. Should Obama call her when he decides to rerun?
For anyone interested in James DeCocq’s qualifications, if you google him, information for him extends as far back as page 24 (I stopped looking after that). Aside from his political platforms, you’ll find information for his government consulting firm, his tenure as city manager, his work with local and state government, his affiliations with local groups, even some of his published work. But more importantly, you’ll find everything you need to know regarding where he stands on issues. I’m sure I don’t need to detail with links because it’s all pretty easy to find, but for those who don’t have the time to read – you can watch is video messaging and debates on youtube.com
James DeCocq has our full support. We congratulate him for this decision.
In a word what has been discussed is called, “politics”. The fact that all of these remarks are published kinda negates the implications that there is a conspiracy to elect.
James will be speaking at the East Side Tea Party monthly meeting on August 8th at Peppino’s on Alafaya Trail. (100 Carrigan Way) in Oviedo at 7 p.m.. Come find out for yourself if he is the candidate you are looking for! All speakers are required to submit to audience questioning.
The East Side Tea Party, by the way, was never contacted by Matt Nye about running or speaking to our group. We would be glad to host him should he announce his candidacy.