The First Coast Tea Party hosted a free Straw Poll on July 19^th for all 2014 Federal and State Candidates on the primary ballot for Clay, Duval and St. Johns Counties.  This Straw Poll was open to the public and a media release was issued to encourage voters to attend. The Duval Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Jerry Holland, was the moderator of the event and provided oversight to the Tabulation Team for the ballot count.    

Voters got acquainted with candidates by interactive dialog and by viewing candidate recorded statements. This Straw Poll broke new ground by interviewing judicial candidates where previously very few voters were familiar with these candidates. Citizens’ views on the Duval Library Straw Ballot were also included to educate voters.  

An overwhelming number of attendees and candidates expressed their gratitude to the First Coast Tea Party for the opportunity to participate in this free event when so many similar events are both costly and without the benefit of the candidates recorded statements to rely on for those candidates unable to attend.  Everyone enjoyed the complementary continental breakfast. The event was held in the Auditorium of the Jacksonville Salem Center. 

Volunteers of the First Coast Tea Party offered candidates from all parties of the three counties the opportunity to record statements on their candidacy.  Some candidates chose not to be interviewed. The full candidate interviews to educate voters on their views on specific issues will be made available by You Tube links on this website soon. The First Coast Tea Party expresses our appreciation to these volunteers for the many long hours expended in this huge accomplishment that provides valuable information to voters.   

Straw ballots are intended to be an informal poll. Often, people only vote the races they are familiar with, although nothing restricts their complete participation.

The results of this Straw Poll are shown below:

Representatives in Congress

District 3

Jake Rush    36%

Ted Yoho      64%

District 4

Ander Crenshaw     13%

Ryman Shoaf          87%

District 5

Thuy Lowe        22%

Glo Smith          78%

State Senator

District 6

Derek Hankerson    86%

John Thrasher        14%

State Representatives

District 15

*Jay Fant           44%     (*See note below)

Paul Renner      56%

District 16

Charles McBurney     53%

Chris Oliver                47%

Circuit Judges (Clay, Duval & Nassau)

4th Judicial Circuit, Group 27

Anthony Penoso        25%

Michael Sharrit          75%

7th Judicial Circuit (St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam & Volusia)
Group 18

Karen Foxman         60%

Steve Sands            40%

Group 20

Steve DeLaroche        23%

Adam Warren              30%

Kathy Weston             47%

Group 23

Kellie Killebrew           46%

Thomas Portuallo       54%

Duval County Library Straw Ballot

Yes           34%

No             66%

*NOTE:  The FCTP was advised that the candidate recorded statements shown at this Straw Poll was not the intended recording.  The selected recorded statements and full interview with questions on issues will be in the You Tube video for voters.