MELROSE, Fla. — Watching the Gators struggle against Missouri in the Blue Water Bay restaurant, a Florida Libertarian governor candidate ate fried fish and waited.
Adrian Wyllie hoped to meet with potential voters, but few were found at about 3 p.m. Saturday.
“We’re the underdog, no doubt,” Wyllie said. “And, quite frankly, winning the election is a long shot, but it’s a realistic one.”
Earlier that day at the 1890s Day Festival in McIntosh, about 30 miles south of Melrose, 500 people listened to his plan to protect Florida from an overbearing government.
With nearly 800 volunteers and a goal of 1,000 who are dedicated to his cause, Wyllie said he has hope, even though his rumored opponents, like incumbent Gov. Rick Scott and former Gov. Charlie Crist, can outspend Wyllie, he said.
Joté Thompson, who has campaigned for Wyllie, said personal interaction is key.
“You can’t win without going door-to-door,” he said.
Wyllie’s platform includes an economic plan that would lower taxes, slash regulations claimed to stifle small business and bar the federal government from interfering with the state’s economy. He is one of two Libertarian candidates registered in the gubernatorial race, which has 21 candidates registered in total, according to the Florida Division of Elections website. Voting in the governor’s race will begin in the August 2014 primary election.
A version of this story ran on page 4 on 10/21/2013 under the headline "Governor hopeful visits North Florida"
