SD 12: Jim Norman and Kevin Ambler Square Off in Conservative Showdown

With Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, retiring due to term limits, an interesting battle to replace him in this seat representing parts of Hillsborough and Pasco counties  is shaping up in the Republican primary, with two candidates both stressing their conservatism.

Commissioner Jim Norman has put in 17 years in the Hillsborough County Commission and has compiled an impressive war chest, raising almost $503,000 and spending more than $235,000 already in the race. Norman has called for reigning in state spending and has received some impressive endorsements, including that of former Gov. Jeb Bush.

But Norman faces competition for the Republican nomination from Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Tampa. Ambler has won four elections in his tenure in the House and has received some attention for pushing an Arizona-style law on immigration. Ambler is also stressing his record in Tallahassee, maintaining that it is a solidly conservative one on government spending. 

Norman does have an impressive financial advantage over Ambler. While Ambler has raised more than $303,000, he has burned through most of it, spending more than $266,000.

With no Democrat in the race, the winner of the Republican primary battle will face two write-in candidates, Derek Crabb and Kimberly Rensipe, come November.