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For House 9 In this GOP race, Boulware is best
Aug 4, 2008 - Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee businessman Peter Boulware will make a formidable nominee for the Republican Party to represent District 9 in the House of Representatives.

This seat, vacated by Democrat Loranne Ausley, who was term-limited after eight years in office, encompasses much of north and northeast Leon County and parts of western Jefferson County. It also takes in portions of the Florida State University campus and downtown areas that weave in and out of the downtown neighborhoods that are represented by House District 8.

Close to home

In the Aug. 26 primary Mr. Boulware is facing Jefferson County Commissioner Jerry W. Sutphin, who does not live inside of District 9, but pledges to move into it if elected. This suggests a casual lack of enthusiasm.

Mr. Boulware's accomplishments, on the other hand, include nine years as a much-honored NFL linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens and subsequent business and civic activities. Despite Mr. Sutphin's experience in government, he seem to have no more command of the issues than Mr. Boulware during an interview with the editorial board. Mr. Boulware's refreshing, pragmatic approach could be to the district's ultimate advantage.

A native of South Carolina, he came to FSU in 2003 on a football scholarship, graduating prior to his NFL career, from which he retired in 2006 to return here with his wife, Kensy, and their three children. He is currently vice president of Legacy Toyota of Tallahassee, which provides him with the business experience that would be a valuable asset in a Legislature that must deal with Florida's business-punishing tax structure.

However, Mr. Boulware's involvement in an array of civic and community organizations, many of them working with young people, is also significant. It shows a dedication to helping people who have been less fortunate than himself and his commitment to being an honorable role model, especially to struggling minority youth.

His celebrity status would no doubt bring Mr. Boulware extra attention in legislative circles, but party supporters are also counting on his standing as a Republican to bring GOP influence to this district.

In good standing

With current legislative leadership dominated by the GOP, Mr. Boulware feels confident he can capably represent state employees, boost legislative enthusiasm for education, which has been waning, and as he said, "work through our economic and homeowner-insurance problems."

"As a Republican representative I'm not out to outsource or privatize their jobs. I intend to protect jobs here," he promised. He opposes Amendment 5 "because of the uncertainty it means for businesses" moving to this community and state, and vows to find ways to stimulate the economy without raising taxes.

With term limits now fully in effect, Mr. Sutphin points out that as much as a third of the House could be brand new, making his career in law enforcement and his experience in county politics an asset.

But between the two GOP candidates, Mr. Boulware has the charisma, hands-on knowledge and ready connections to give his party a chance to prove in November that a moderate Republican is electable in a traditionally Democratic district.

In November, the Republican winner will face Democrat Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda and independent John Shaw.

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