Rand Paul-Backed Millionaire Wins GOP Primary For Coke Congressman’s Seat

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Businessman Curt Clawson won the Republican primary for former Rep. Trey Radel’s (R-FL) congressional seat, putting him into a good position to win the general election and succeed the congressman who was ousted from office for cocaine possession.

The Associated Press called the race for Clawson less than an hour after the polls closed. When it was called, Clawson had about 36.8 percent of the vote while Sarah Palin-endorsed Lizbeth Benacquisto, the Republican majority leader of the Florida state Senate, came in next with 27 percent of the vote. Former state Rep. Paige Kreegel came in third with about 25 percent of the vote.

Tuesday’s election ended a tense primary in which Clawson, Benacquisto, and the other candidates traded attacks over Clawson’s record and connections to a convicted sex-offender.

Clawson won, notably, was endorsed by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and throughout the race styled himself as the outsider tea party candidate who had a strong background in the business.

The race was also notable for the spending. Clawson spent $2.65 million of his own money into the campaign while super Pacs for the candidates also poured millions into the race.

Clawson moves on to face Democrat April Freeman in the general election on June 24.

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