Will There be a Patronis/Valimont Debate Prior to the April 1, 2025 Election for the D1 Congressional Seat?

On Friday's "Wake Up Call" morning radio show on WPNN 103.7--Democratic Nominee for the D1 Congressional Seat Gay Valimont Challenged Jimmy Patronis to a debate live on the Radio with me as the moderator.  I have texted back and forth this morning, directly, with Florida CFO and Republican Nominee for Congress Jimmy Patronis and asked if he would participate.  He asked me to email the request to his campaign which I have now done and am currently awaiting a response....

Over the last several months hosting the "Wake up Call" live every weekday 6:00AM-8:00AM  on WPNN 103.7 FM--I have had the opportunity to host dozens of interviews with political candidates for multiple offices.

I have interviewed Jimmy Patronis who is the Republican Nominee for the congressional seat vacated by Matt Gaetz.  I have now also interviewed Gay Valimont, the Democrat nominee for the same seat.

Hear the Patronis interview here, and the Valimont Interview here.

At the end of the interview with Gay Valimont, she asked me if I would be willing to moderate a debate between her and Jimmy Patronis.  I told her I would, and that I would devote an entire 2-hour show to do such a debate live on the air during my morning drive talk show "The Wake Up Call" on WPNN.  Valimont has already committed to attend if I get it scheduled with Patronis.  I texted Jimmy Patronis this morning and we exchanged texts back and forth and he asked me to send the request to his campaign email address which I have done now and am awaiting a response.

Full Disclosure:  I hope a debate like this happens but it is not likely, because as the clear frontrunner in the election---- with really nothing to gain from a debate----- Jimmy Patronis' campaign is not likely to commit to attending or participating.  That's just the way it is, but I hope I am wrong.

If he decides he will participate, we will do it live, it will be fair, both candidates will be asked the same questions, and we will live stream it in addition to broadcasting live on the radio.

We'll see what happens.

A HUGE Endorsement of the Jeff Bergosh Campaign Just Came In.....Matt Gaetz Endorses BERGOSH!

I've known Congressman Matt Gaetz for over ten years.  When he was in the Florida legislature, I worked with he and his father, Don Gaetz, on some significant legislation related to public education.  In 2007 I went to Tallahassee to support the Teacher Merit Award Plan--signature legislation from then Senator Don Gaetz who was at that time serving his first term in the legislature.

In 2018 I called Rep. Gaetz to ask his opinion on opening a "back door" out of the burgeoning NFCU campus onto a federal roadway rest stop--to ease traffic congestion in Beulah.  He looked into the matter and was happy to assist.  Unfortunately--what we tried to do could not be accomplished.

In 2020--as COVID 19 was ravaging the nation, I spoke with now Congressman Gaetz on the implications on local governments of the shut downs, beach closures, etc.  

In 2021, Congressman Gaetz came onto my Coffee with the Commissioner program on Facebook and we talked about a lot of important issues.

And recently--the chairmen of the boards of all four panhandle counties worked with Congressman Matt Gaetz on supporting the increasing of the amount of housing allowances for our military men and women in the panhandle, and nationwide.

I've had Rep. Gaetz's phone number for years--but I've rarely called him.  But he has always been receptive when I have reached out.  

And he has been incredibly helpful many times.

So when I spoke with him recently about my campaign for re-election to the county commission and potentially earning his support and endorsement--he was receptive--which was humbling.

After all--he is one of the most influential Republican figures in the United States of America.  Period.

I'm pleased to announce that as of this evening, Matt Gaetz has now officially endorsed me in the August 20th Republican primary election for Escambia County Commissioner, District 1.  

He has also made a generous contribution to my campaign account.

Thank you very much Matt for the gracious words and support----keep up the great work in DC!