Is Randy Perkins truly comparable to Donald Trump. How does his business background influence his political campaign. What controversies surround Perkins’ run for Florida’s 18th Congressional District. Why are Republicans questioning Perkins’ temperament and fitness for office.
The Rise of Randy Perkins: From Businessman to Congressional Candidate
Randy Perkins, a Democratic candidate for Florida’s 18th Congressional District, has emerged as a controversial figure in one of the most competitive House races of 2024. His campaign has drawn comparisons to Donald Trump’s presidential run, with Republicans employing similar tactics to question Perkins’ temperament and business record.
Perkins, the founder of disaster recovery company AshBritt, entered the political arena with a significant financial advantage. He’s largely self-funding his campaign, having received no contributions during the pre-primary reporting period. This financial independence has allowed him to run a campaign relatively free from traditional party constraints.
Perkins’ Political Evolution
Interestingly, Perkins’ political affiliations have shifted over time:
- He has a history of donating to Republican candidates, which he attributes to business reasons
- Perkins served on an advisory panel for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s 2016 presidential campaign
- He only registered as a Democrat when filing for the current congressional race
This political fluidity has raised eyebrows and led some to question his commitment to Democratic values. However, Perkins argues that his diverse political experience makes him well-suited to represent a swing district.
Controversies and Confrontations: Perkins’ Campaign Under Scrutiny
Perkins’ campaign has been marked by several controversies, most notably his confrontational behavior during an editorial board meeting with the Treasure Coast Newspapers. During this meeting, Perkins told his Republican opponent, Brian Mast, that he wasn’t “man enough to stand behind [his] own ads.”
This comment drew significant backlash, as Mast is a double amputee who lost both legs in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan. Mast, an Army veteran, has received both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his service.
Legal Threats and Ad Disputes
Perkins’ campaign has also been embroiled in disputes over political advertisements:
- His lawyers threatened to sue local TV stations that aired National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) ads accusing Perkins’ disaster recovery business of “scamming” a local school district
- Some stations pulled the ads, and the NRCC revised some of its wording
- Perkins has called on Mast to “take ownership” of ads run by the Republican Party and outside groups, despite the fact that candidates legally cannot coordinate with these entities
These actions have further fueled the controversy surrounding Perkins’ campaign and raised questions about his approach to political discourse.
The Trump Comparison: Analyzing the Parallels
The comparison between Randy Perkins and Donald Trump has been drawn by both Republicans and some Democrats. While Perkins himself rejects the comparison, there are several notable parallels:
- Business background: Both Perkins and Trump entered politics from the business world, positioning themselves as outsiders
- Self-funding: Like Trump, Perkins is largely financing his own campaign
- Confrontational style: Perkins’ aggressive approach, particularly in the editorial board meeting, has been likened to Trump’s combative style
- Temperament questions: Both candidates have faced scrutiny over their temperament and fitness for office
Despite these similarities, Perkins maintains that he and Trump are “two different people.” He acknowledges that Trump has “tapped into something in this country” but insists that his own temperament is “exactly where it needs to be.”
Republican Attacks: Questioning Perkins’ Character and Business Record
Republicans have launched a coordinated effort to undermine Perkins’ candidacy, focusing on his business record and temperament. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican super PAC, has invested $2.1 million in an independent expenditure campaign against Perkins in Florida’s 18th District.
Key Attack Points
The Republican strategy against Perkins includes:
- Labeling him as “unhinged” and “not fit” for federal office
- Scrutinizing his business practices, particularly those of his disaster recovery company, AshBritt
- Highlighting his confrontational behavior, such as the editorial board incident with Brian Mast
- Questioning his party loyalty, given his history of Republican donations and recent switch to the Democratic Party
These attacks mirror some of the strategies employed by Democrats against Donald Trump, further reinforcing the perceived parallels between the two candidates.
Perkins’ Defense: Addressing the Controversies
In response to the mounting criticisms, Randy Perkins has adopted a defiant stance. He characterizes the Republican attacks as attempts by “meanies” to distort his record and argues that his anger and frustration are justified responses to these tactics.
Perkins has attempted to take control of the narrative by:
- Challenging his opponent, Brian Mast, to a debate on the content of attack ads
- Proposing to limit campaign spending to match Mast’s fundraising if outside groups were kept out of the race
- Defending his business record and characterizing the accusations against AshBritt as misrepresentations
Despite the controversies, Perkins maintains that he values Mast’s military service, stating, “I salute him and he’s a hero in my book, but we have a race to run.”
The DCCC’s Assessment: Weighing Perkins’ Strengths and Weaknesses
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has been aware of both Perkins’ potential and his liabilities as a candidate. A leaked DCCC memo from April 2024 outlined their assessment of his candidacy.
Perkins’ Strengths
The DCCC identified several strengths that could benefit Perkins in the general election:
- His “rags to riches” personal narrative
- Experience contributing to and working with Republicans, potentially appealing to independent voters
- Significant financial resources for campaign operations
Potential Weaknesses
However, the memo also highlighted areas of concern:
- Past business dealings that could be subject to scrutiny
- Potential vulnerabilities related to his company, AshBritt
- Questions about his Democratic credentials given his recent party switch
These factors have played out in the campaign, with Republicans seizing on many of the weaknesses identified by the DCCC.
The Impact on Florida’s 18th District Race
The controversies surrounding Randy Perkins have significantly shaped the dynamics of the race for Florida’s 18th Congressional District. This highly competitive seat has become a focal point for both parties, with national organizations investing heavily in the outcome.
Key Factors Influencing the Race
- Perkins’ ability to self-fund his campaign, potentially offsetting Republican spending advantages
- The effectiveness of Republican attacks on Perkins’ character and business record
- Voter perception of Perkins’ confrontational style and recent party switch
- The impact of national political trends on this swing district
As the campaign progresses, both Perkins and Mast will need to navigate these complex issues while appealing to a diverse electorate in this crucial Florida district.
Analyzing the Broader Implications for American Politics
The Randy Perkins campaign and its parallels to Donald Trump’s political rise raise important questions about the changing nature of American politics. Are voters increasingly drawn to confrontational, outsider candidates with business backgrounds? How does this trend impact the traditional party structures and campaign strategies?
Emerging Trends in Political Campaigns
The Perkins-Mast race highlights several evolving aspects of modern political campaigns:
- The growing influence of self-funded candidates in competitive races
- The impact of social media and viral moments (like Perkins’ editorial board confrontation) on campaign narratives
- The blurring of traditional party lines, as exemplified by Perkins’ political evolution
- The increasing focus on candidates’ temperament and character, often overshadowing policy discussions
As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, political analysts will be closely watching races like Florida’s 18th District to gauge the broader implications for American democracy and the future of political campaigning.
The Role of Media and Public Perception in Shaping Political Narratives
The Randy Perkins campaign serves as a case study in how media coverage and public perception can shape political narratives. The comparisons to Donald Trump, while rejected by Perkins himself, have become a significant part of the story surrounding his candidacy.
Media’s Influence on Campaign Dynamics
Several factors contribute to the media’s role in this race:
- The amplification of controversial moments, such as the editorial board confrontation
- The framing of Perkins’ business background and political evolution
- The coverage of attack ads and legal threats, which can overshadow policy discussions
- The impact of national political narratives on local race coverage
As voters in Florida’s 18th District evaluate their choices, the media’s portrayal of Randy Perkins and his opponent Brian Mast will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
Lessons for Future Candidates: Navigating Controversy and Building Credibility
The Randy Perkins campaign offers valuable lessons for future political candidates, particularly those entering politics from the business world. How can aspiring politicians effectively transition from the private sector to public service while maintaining credibility and avoiding damaging controversies?
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Politicians
- Transparency about past political affiliations and donations is crucial
- Developing a thick skin while maintaining composure in the face of attacks is essential
- Building a strong policy platform can help offset criticisms focused on personality and background
- Understanding the legal and ethical boundaries of campaign communications is vital
- Cultivating authentic connections with voters can help overcome negative narratives
As the political landscape continues to evolve, candidates like Randy Perkins serve as both cautionary tales and potential roadmaps for navigating the complex world of modern campaigning.
The Future of Florida’s 18th District: Beyond the Perkins-Mast Race
Regardless of the outcome of the 2024 election, the race between Randy Perkins and Brian Mast will have lasting implications for Florida’s 18th Congressional District. How will this contentious campaign impact future elections and political discourse in the region?
Potential Long-Term Effects
- Increased national attention and funding for future races in the district
- Shifts in voter attitudes towards outsider candidates and political party loyalty
- Changes in campaign strategies and messaging based on the successes and failures of the Perkins and Mast campaigns
- Potential impacts on local political party organizations and their candidate recruitment efforts
As Florida’s 18th District continues to be a key battleground, the lessons learned from the Perkins-Mast race will likely influence political strategies and voter engagement for years to come.
Conclusion: The Randy Perkins Campaign as a Mirror of American Politics
The Randy Perkins campaign for Florida’s 18th Congressional District encapsulates many of the tensions and trends shaping contemporary American politics. From questions of party loyalty and the role of money in politics to debates over temperament and the impact of personal attacks, this race reflects broader national conversations.
As voters prepare to make their decision, they must weigh Perkins’ business acumen and outsider status against concerns about his temperament and political evolution. The outcome of this race will not only determine representation for Florida’s 18th District but also provide insights into the direction of American politics in the post-Trump era.
Ultimately, the Randy Perkins campaign serves as a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing American democracy in an age of heightened polarization and unconventional candidates. As the political landscape continues to evolve, races like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of governance and civic engagement in the United States.
Is Randy Perkins a Democratic Donald Trump?
Politics
Is Randy Perkins a Democratic Donald Trump?
Republicans question Florida candidate’s temperament to serve in Congress
Republicans are using similar language to attack Randy Perkins’ temperament and business record as Democrats are using against Donald Trump. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
A super PAC is attacking a candidate as “unhinged” and “not fit” for federal office and is going after his business record. In another group’s ad, a Vietnam veteran says the candidate’s behavior “sickens him.”
The candidate in question isn’t Donald Trump. He’s Democrat Randy Perkins, who’s running in Florida’s 18th District, one of this year’s most competitive House races.
Perkins made headlines last month when he told Republican opponent Brian Mast in an editorial board meeting with the Treasure Coast Newspapers that he wasn’t “man enough to stand behind [his] own ads.
”
Mast is a double amputee who lost both legs in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan. The Army veteran received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Republicans have been attacking Perkins’ business record, trying to question his temperament and character in a way that’s reminiscent of Democratic attacks on Trump, the GOP presidential nominee.
The Congressional Leadership Fund launched its first TV attack on Perkins this week as part of a $2.1 million independent expenditure campaign in the district.
“They’re being meanies,” Perkins said in an interview this week about the Republicans attacking him. “And the problem is I know so many of them.”
[Now a Democrat, Once a Republican?]
He has a history of donating to Republicans (for business reasons, he says), and joked about asking them to return his donations now that he’s under attack. Perkins didn’t register as a Democrat until filing for this race, and he served on an advisory panel for former Texas Gov.
Rick Perry’s 2016 presidential campaign.
A Democratic Donald?
Even some Democrats compare him to Trump.
Perkins’ behavior during the editorial board meeting was one of the “worst displays” in recent American politics, said a Democratic strategist who works in Florida politics and volunteered the Trump comparison.
“Were they saying that in a good way or bad way?” Perkins asked when told of the comparison.
“We are two different people, I can assure you that,” he said of Trump. “But he’s clearly tapped into something in this country.”
“My temperament is exactly where it needs to be,” Perkins said. “I’m angry and I’m frustrated,” he added, referring to GOP attacks that he said distort his record.
Before the editorial board meeting, Perkins’ lawyers threatened to sue local TV stations that didn’t pull National Republican Congressional Committee ads accusing Perkins’ disaster recovery business of “scamming” a local school district. Some stations pulled the ads and the NRCC revised some of its wording.
[Self-Funders Fight for Florida’s 18th District]
“What I’ve asked Brian to do is take ownership of the ads that the Republican Party and outside groups are running against me,” Perkins said. By law, Mast cannot coordinate with the NRCC or tell the committee what to do.
There’s a backstory to the editorial board exchange, Perkins said. Several days after Florida’s Aug. 30 primary, he called Mast to suggest they keep outside groups out of the race.
“I’ve told them from Day One to stay out of this race,” Perkins said about the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which backed him in the primary. Perkins received donations from top House leaders like Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer and Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra.
But Perkins doesn’t need financial help. In fact, he received no contributions during the pre-primary reporting period. He’s almost entirely self-funding his campaign.
If Mast agreed to his proposal to limit outside groups’ attacks, Perkins said he promised to spend only what Mast was able to raise.
Asked about the proposal on Wednesday, Mast said he immediately distrusted Perkins, who has since run negative hits against him.
As for Perkins’ comments during the editorial meeting, Mast said, “You know, look, I’m a big boy. You’re not going to ruffle my feathers, but I would certainly say it was distasteful.”
Perkins says he values Mast’s service. “I salute him and he’s a hero in my book, but we have a race to run,” the Democrat said.
Strengths and weaknesses
National Democrats knew much of what they were getting when they rallied behind Perkins before the primary.
An April DCCC memo leaked in this summer’s cyberattack outlined Perkins’ strengths: his “rags to riches story” and his experience contributing to and working with Republicans would play well in a general election.
[Leaked DCCC Memo Offers Window Into Committee’s Candidate Research]
But the DCCC also called attention to his weaknesses, namely his past business dealings and his campaign’s tendency to make “sometimes erratic decisions.
”
The memo, written well before the Aug. 30 primary, specifically warned that Perkins could be in for a tough race if Mast won the GOP nomination.
“He will be vulnerable to character attacks and will likely see a lot of outside spending,” the DCCC said of Perkins.
Mast has endorsed Trump but paints himself as a moderate Republican who will not join the Freedom Caucus and believes in man-made climate change.
He said he’s received vocal support from some northeastern congressional Democrats who have said they look forward to working with him. Mast did not feel comfortable specifying names because he feared hurting those members with their own party.
Hurricane Matthew postponed the first televised debate between Mast and Perkins. They will now meet on Oct. 17.
Our Team | Lauren’s Kids
Lauren Book, M.S.Ed. – Founder, CEO
Lauren Book, M.S. Ed, is an author, educator and internationally respected and renowned child advocate. As founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, Lauren seeks to create a world where the exploitation of children is not tolerated.
She has been named a PEOPLE All-Star Among Us, L’Oreal Woman of Worth and is the recipient of a Congressional Medal of Merit for her tireless work to protect childhood as well as a member of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.
Ronald L. Book, P.A. – Chairman
Ronald L. Book is a specialist in government affairs and administration law, with a Juris Doctoral degree from Tulane University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida International University. An active participant in South Florida’s professional arena, Book is a trustee of the Council of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Legislative Affairs and State Affairs committees. In addition to serving more than 20 community organizations, Book is a founding member of Lauren’s Kids. Mr. Book currently operates his own lobbying practice in Aventura and Tallahassee.
Board Members
Randal R. Perkins
Randal “Randy” Perkins is the founder of AshBritt, a Florida-based, international rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor.
He is an invaluable part of the Lauren’s Kids team, providing and powering the “Walk in My Shoes” campaign bus and enabling us to reach tens of thousands across Florida with our message of prevention, hope and healing. Randy holds seats on the Board of Directors of several national charitable organizations including Lauren’s Kids, and is very active in state and local charitable endeavors.
Manny Kadre
Manny Kadre is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MBB Auto Group, a premium luxury retail automotive group consisting of Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo dealers in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Kadre also serves on the Board of Directors of two publically traded companies, Republic Services, Inc. and Mednax. In addition to serving as a member on the board of Lauren’s Kids, Mr. Kadre serves as a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees (member of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Finance Committee and a member of the Presidential Search Committee).
Charlie Fernandes
From honored Army veteran to founder of two businesses – which have since been acquired – to serving as officer and Vice President of a bank to valued Lauren’s Kids board member to dedicated husband to lovely wife Lisa, Charlie Fernandes has worn many hats in over the course of his life and career. Two things that have remained constant? His signature smile and sense of humor.
Keith Kenner
Keith Kenner is a managing member of Dade Media, a Coral Gables, Florida-based, diversified Out-of-Home Media Company with many nationwide media relationships. Keith is a graduate of CW Post College of Long Island University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA). Keith is passionate about helping others and is proud to support Lauren’s Kids’ varied education and awareness efforts throughout the year.
Beth Rosenstein
Beth Rosenstein is the Trade Area Vice President of Bloomingdale’s for Florida and Georgia.
Beth’s business acumen, kind heart, and eye for beauty have made her an invaluable member of Lauren’s Kids team, and she always makes sure Lauren looks – and feels – her best. In addition to serving on the board of Lauren’s Kids, Beth is an active fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Boca Helping Hands.
Rochelle S. Matza
Rochelle Matza is the President and Owner of Rochelle S. Matza, CPA, P.A., and the Vice-President of Treasury Management and the Director of Human Resources at Automated HealthCare Solutions LLC & Affiliates. In addition to being a tax and compliance wiz, Rochelle is an avid South Florida sports fan and serves on the board of several charitable entities including the United Way of Miami-Dade and PRIDE Enterprises.
Stanford Blake
Stanford Blake is a Circuit Judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami, Florida (1995-present), currently assigned to the Family Division. Judge Blake has received numerous awards since being on the bench such as the Justice Gerald Kogan Judicial Distinction Award, The Thomas Davison III Memorial Service Award 2012, Florida Council of Crime and Delinquency Distinguished Service Award, 2012, League of Prosecutors 2010 Justice Award and many more.
