Drake won't seek re-election, endorses Coley

PANAMA CITY — In November, Rep. Jimmy Patronis predicted a legislative session characterized by political infighting brought on by territorial battles in the redistricting process.

But one potential battle was resolved this week when Rep. Brad Drake announced he would not seek re-election this year and threw his support behind district newcomer Rep. Marti Coley.

Coley, R-Marianna, was zoned out of House District 7, which she has represented since 2005. Coley’s home was moved into District 5, which has been represented by Drake since 2008.

By avoiding a contentious primary election, the district has the potential to benefit from a continuum of experienced, conservative leadership, Drake said in a news release.

“I am stepping aside for the next two years because it is in the best interest of our community,” said Drake, R-Eucheeanna. “I am confident that Marti Coley can effectively represent our district.”

Coley said she is honored by Drake’s faith in her.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue working to get our economy back on track,” she said in the release. “I look forward to campaigning hard to earn the voters’ approval for another term in the Florida House.”

If she is re-elected this year, Coley would reach her term limit. Drake said he plans to run for the District 5 seat in 2014.

In the reshuffling, District 7, which had stretched into Okaloosa County, was moved to the south and east and now will include Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Jefferson, Lafayette, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties, along with part of Leon County.

District 5 was moved to the south and east, as well, and now covers Washington, Walton, Jackson and Holmes counties and the northern part of Bay County.

Patronis’ District 6 moved west and now only is in Bay County.

The new district maps, approved by the Senate on Thursday, already have precipitated lawsuits challenging the Republican majority and accusing leaders of gerrymandering to protect and create conservative constituencies.

Patronis defended the maps and the leaders who were charged with drawing them.

“I’m incredibly proud of the House maps. They fit all the constitutional requirements,” he said. “Will Weatherford had a tough, incredibly tough, job and he did an outstanding job.”