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The closest race in Florida is neither for governor nor senator, but for agriculture commissioner, where Democrat Nikki Fried, medical marijuana lobbyist, beat Republican Matt Caldwell Thursday by 565 votes.
The race, which was already scheduled for a long story, and the race in the US Senate between Bill Nelson and Rick Scott, could be the best opportunity for Democrats to get a job across the country. On election day, it appeared that Democrats could make a score of 0 to 5 for all races held at the state level, including cabinet meetings.
Democrats have not been excluded from Florida state offices since the Reconstruction. The Florida governor's race also appeared at the automatic recount.
"Since the first polls came on the night of the elections, we have declared that this process should be completed, ensuring that each vote is counted so that the Floridians' voices are heard and their wishes respected. , is the top priority, "said Fried. in a report. "We are confident that as of Saturday, when the final results are certified, our lead will be strengthened and the choice of voters in the race for the Commissioner of Agriculture will be clear."
Thursday, on Twitter, Fried wrote: "BREAK: we are now ahead. … If you vote in the provisional ballot, make sure your vote is counted. Contact your Election Supervisor ** as soon as possible ** before 5 pm deadline. We will ensure that all votes are counted. "
The Florida agriculture commissioner has presented two candidates with very different views on how the office they are looking for should work and whether they should take over the regulation of marijuana for medical purposes in the state.
The position oversees the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an agency comprising 3,650 employees tasked with a multitude of tasks, ranging from the issuance of weapons licenses to inspection. service stations, reviewing roller coasters for safety and inspection of grocery stores.
And although it does not directly monitor water management districts or the Ministry of Environmental Protection, it works with these groups to set standards for farmers to ensure the quality of the water. water.
Fried believes the ministry should take responsibility for managing the state's medical marijuana industry, making it one of the key platforms of his campaign.
When asked if she had ever smoked marijuana by the Tampa Bay Times, she replied, "Of course, if."
Caldwell also stated that he had used marijuana in the past, but although he co-sponsored a 2014 medical marijuana bill for some patients, he was skeptical about the possibility of smoking marijuana in the past. marijuana for medical purposes.
Fried and Caldwell also deferred on firearms, another case handled by the department.
Caldwell was endorsed by the National Rifle Association at the primary and vaunted his "A +" rank with the group, while Fried attacked Caldwell for these positions and echoed Democratic calls for more firearms reform measures.
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