GOP primary looms for Passidomo House seat

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

With state Rep. Kathleen Passidomo running for a Senate seat this year, a Republican primary is taking shape to replace her in Collier County's House District 106. Naples Republican Lavigne Ann Kirkpatrick opened a campaign account this week to run for the seat, joining fellow Republican Robert Rommel, who opened an account last year. Also in the race is no-party candidate Brandon Smith. Rommel had raised $47,196 and loaned $20,000 to his campaign as of Jan. 31. He had spent $9,379. Passidomo and Rep. Matt Hudson, both Naples Republicans, are running this year to try to succeed term-limited Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples.