Chiles Wins Fla. Primary for Governor
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MIAMI — Former Sen. Lawton Chiles, who quit politics after saying he was burned out but then started a comeback that attacked big-money campaigns, swept to easy victory Tuesday over Rep. Bill Nelson in Florida’s Democratic primary for governor.
On the Republican side, Gov. Bob Martinez overwhelmed four challengers to win nomination to a second term.
With 83% of precincts reporting, Chiles had 579,418 votes and Nelson had 245,558.
“Tonight, I can tell you I can’t believe the numbers,” an elated Chiles told supporters.
Nelson called Chiles to congratulate him and pledged to support him in the fall campaign.
Among Republicans, Martinez had 348,887 votes, state Sen. Marlene Woodson Howard had 105,459 votes and the three other contenders divided the remainder.
“I’m real happy and, of course, I appreciate the voter confidence the Republicans have given me on this night,” Martinez said from his Tampa victory party. “I’m prepared now, with their support and the support of the conservatives of the state, to move ahead in the general election.”
In Sarasota, voters decided by a 73%-27% margin not to order a two-year moratorium on growth.
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