Updated: The Republican congressional primary in congressional district 26 is on and first out the gate with an attack piece is Omar Blanco, the firefighter competing with Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez for the chance to go up against Democrat U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in November.
“Donald Trump needs to step down,” Gimenez told Jim Defede on his Sunday morning TV show on CBS4 in 
2016. “I don’t think he’s viable as a presidential candidate. You can’t say the things that Donald Trump has said and be a viable presidential candidate.
“I am not going to endorse anybody either, but between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, obviously I’m not voting for Donald Trump so obviously, you know, I would be voting for Hillary Clinton,” he said.
DeFede had to ask for clarity: “So, you’re voting for Hillary Clinton?”
Said Gimenez: “I’m voting for Hillary Clinton, yes.”
The 45-second web video circulating on Facebook and paid by Blanco’s campaign also uses clips of Clinton talking about her support for Planned Parenthood, Roe vs. Wade and universal healthcare — the GOP’s trifecta of scare tactics. Released on Friday, it already had 28 shares by Sunday morning.
While it’s a good reminder, Blanco has come under fire for having helped 
David Perez, a Democrat and fellow firefighter, in his failed senatorial run against Republican Manny Diaz Jr. in 2018 — which is what caused the GOP led legislature to hold the firefighter cancer bill hostage last year — because it would have be shameful not to support a brother in the service. It was his union who endorsed Democrat Andrew Gillum for governor, but Blanco personally supported former Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam — who he had a longtime relationship with — and Gov. Ron DeSantis in the general.
“I am 100% with DeSantis,” Blanco told Ladra Sunday. “He supported our cancer bill and I am very appreciative,” Blanco told Ladra, adding that he has always supported Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nuñez since her first election to the Florida House in 2010.
Gimenez campaign spokeswoman Nicole Rapanos did not return two texts seeking comment.
But Blanco never voted for Clinton.
“As a proud Republican for 30 years, the thought of voting or Hillary Clinton’s agenda and the effect it would have had on South Florida families is unimaginable,” Blanco told Ladra.
“Carlos Gimenez’s public statements supporting Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump is a clear indicator he is not worthy of the Republican vote in the primary. I voted and supported Donald Trump for President. Carlos Gimenez voted and supported Hillary Clinton.”
Omar Blanco reminds CD26 voters that Carlos Gimenez voted Hillary Clinton added by Ladra on
View all posts by Ladra →
