With Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, leaving the Senate, voters in this Miami-Dade district will see a familiar name on the ballot -- his brother, Miguel. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, who has served on the Miami-Dade County Commission, has put together an impressive campaign so far -- raising almost $491,000 and spending more than $121,000.
But there is another serious Republican candidate in the race -- Rep. Julio Robaina of Miami. After eight years in the House and service as mayor of South Miami, Robaina is no pushover though he trails Miguel Diaz de la Portilla in fund-raising. Robaina has raised almost $232,000 and has spent more than $122,000.
Jenny Nillo, a former aide to Alex Diaz de la Portilla, filed to run in the Republican primary at the last minute and paid the qualifying fee, but has not raised any funds yet. Robaina supporters insist this is a dirty trick set up to split up any voter sentiment against the Diaz de la Portilla family.
Whoever wins the Republican primary will take on two write-in candidates, Luisa Artilles and Alberto Flores, in November. There is no Democrat in the race.
