CD-10 Candidate Willie Montague Receives Boost From G.O.P. Star Kim Klacik

    Local Republicans rallied round the flag as allies of CD-10 candidate Willie Montague flooded Church Street in an overflow of enthusiasm in his bid to defeat incumbent Val Demings in 2022. Visiting GOP star Kimberly Klacik, a former candidate to replace the late Congressman from Baltimore Elijah Cummings, gave the keynote speech. Along with Klacik, Rob Smith, an outspoken veteran in support of former President Donald Trump, roused the audience. Lines for the event stretched out to the parking lot as bystanders listened from near and far. The rally was hosted at the Lab, a Parramore District organization whose purpose centers on utilizing and advocating opportunity zone policies established by the Trump Administration.

    Prior to the keynote speakers, Ag. Commission candidate Matt Robinson and several other GOP officials addressed the crowd. Prior to the event, The Orlando Local News interviewed both Montague and Klacik. When we inquired as to how she believes the GOP must reach out to black voters, Klacik replied: "In my campaign... the biggest issue was going in and educating people and explaining [the things] Republicans stand for."

    As to whether she will run again, Klacik said she won't discount that from her future. Montague relayed harsh criticism of his opponent, stating "as for her record, she's a career politician with 527 excessive force accusations [during her time as chief]," which Montague says speaks for itself. Montague agreed with critics who claim Demings spends too much time on politics and not enough on legislating: "Absolutely, you can drive down the street and see that in Orange County we have 2000 homeless people and a major problem with human trafficking.... she's pouring out poison and we need someone to step up and look at what we can do from a local level as well as a Federal level." Montague also argued Deming's racially charged use of the words "habitual offender" were wrong and that "she is the offender." Though redistricting is not yet under way, Montague can be expected to face off against Val Demings in 2022 pending the outcome of any potential Primary challenge.