On Friday June third, I sat down with Justin Grabelle and Nick Catroppo (Grabelle’s Campaign Manager) at the Starbuck’s in Coastal Landings Shopping Center. Grabelle is meeting with local media to discuss his candidacy. He is running against Daniel Webster in the Republican primary for US Representative of Florida’s 11th district. Mr. Webster has served as a Representative in Congress since 2010. Mr. Webster is currently representing the 10th district, but is moving to the 11th district, because of redistricting. The 11th district contains about a third of the former 10th district.
Justin Grabelle has spent the last 10 years serving in various capacities for two congressmen. He first served Representative Ginny Brown-Waite as a veterans policy advisor, legislative director and chief of staff. He currently serves as the chief of staff for Representative Richard Nugent. Justin is endorsed by his former boss Richard Nugent in the current race.
Justin stated one of the biggest problems facing the current Republicans in congress is a lack of direction and messaging. The Republicans try to do to many different things at the same time and this leads to getting nothing accomplished. He believes that they need focus on a few issues and accomplish those. He mentioned repealing Obamacare, defunding Planned Parenthood, increasing accessibility and accountability within the VA system, establishing an effective strategy for the Middle East, and improving the economy.
He would like to see something similar to the “Contract with America” which the Republicans put forth during the 1994 Congressional election campaign. He wants the Republican representatives to clearly state their goals and promise to vote on specific legislation.
He also recounted how he played soccer at George Mason University. He learned that what was important was team success not individual glory. He sees Congress in a similar way, it is not about individual success, but helping the Congress succeed in helping the people.
CORRECTION: Justin no longer serves as Rep. Nugent’s chief of staff – he resigned back in early November before announcing his candidacy for Congress.