Republicans seek open Senate seat, challenge Dudley

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

A Republican has opened a campaign account to run this year for an open Central Florida Senate seat, while another has taken the initial step to challenge state Rep. Dwight Dudley, D-St. Petersburg, according to the state Division of Elections website. Windermere Republican Peter Vivaldi opened an account last week to run in the newly drawn Senate District 15, which includes Osceola County and part of Orange County. Also in the race are Rep. Victor Torres, D-Orlando, and Kissimmee Democrat Bob Healy Jr. Torres had raised $59,987 as of March 31 and had about $45,000 in cash on hand, finance reports show. Healy had raised $3,160 after getting into the race Feb. 29. Also last week, Republican Joseph "JB" Bensmihen opened an account in state House District 68, according to the Division of Elections. Dudley is seeking a third term in the Pinellas County district. He had raised $36,212 as of March 31 and had spent $1,360, finance reports show.