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Broward Democrat Operative, State Rep. Aide Join State House Races

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Sajan Kurian, right, at last week's fundraiser for Congressman Alcee Hastings

Sajan Kurian, right, at last week’s fundraiser for Congressman Alcee Hastings

Two Broward State House races just got a bit more crowded. Robert Lee Lynch is seeking the Democrat nomination for the District 95 seat currently occupied by Rep. Hazelle Rogers. Lynch will face off against Roxanne Valies and Patrick Jabouin.

Lynch and his wife Ruth Roman Lynch are local Democrat consultants. In 2011, BrowardBeat.com exposed how Lynch and his wife, “Asked a judicial candidate last year for $1,000  to escort him through churches, give him ‘access’ to the black community and send out an e-mail blast to 2,500 voters.” At the time, Ruth Roman Lynch was the first vice chair of the Broward Democratic Party.

Sajan Kurian of Pompano Beach is seeking the Democrat nomination for the House 92 seat held by the term-limited Rep. Gwyn Clarke-Reed. Kurian is no stranger to Florida House politics. He serves as the district secretary for Rep. Shevrin Jones. His only opponent is Whitney Rawls of Pompano Beach.

Chief Judge Peter Weinstein and State House 92 candidate Sajan Kurian

Chief Judge Peter Weinstein and State House 92 candidate Sajan Kurian

 

Gwyn Clarke-Reed To Battle Perry Thurston For FL Senate Seat

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Rep. Gwyn Clarke-Reed

Rep. Gwyn Clarke-Reed

FL House Rep. Gwyndolen “Gwyn” Clarke-Reed has entered the race for the Florida State Senate District 31 seat currently occupied by Chris Smith. Plantation resident Perry E. Thurston, Jr. jumped into the race two and a half years ago. Term limits prevent Sen. Smith from seeking another term.

Unlike his House seat, Thurston may actually live in this Senate district. Two years ago, this reporter exposed Thurston’s residency games: he claimed to live in a small house in unincorporated Broward, while his wife and children lived in a two story home in Plantation. Thurston’s Plantation home was outside the boundaries of his House district.

The Florida Constitution requires an official to reside in the district as of election day. The Broward County Property Appraiser called Thurston’s residency scheme a violation of the law and removed his homestead tax exemption.

Official records indicated Rep. Clarke-Reed followed the Florida Constitution by actually residing in her House district.