Democrat David Vogel, who is running for House District 67 in the state House of Representatives, said elections are never really about voting for the candidate, but rather the stances that candidate is taking.
Vogel, 49, has worked as an attorney for more than 20 years. The Clearwater resident earned his law degree from the Roger Williams University School of Law in 1998. Vogel has little political experience. He ran unsuccessfully in 2012 for a seat in Congress representing Rhode Island.
Age: 49 Education: Cornell University, B.A. Economics; University of Rhode Island, M.B.A.; Roger Williams University School of Law, J.D. Occupation: Attorney (Business Law, Corporate Litigation, Eminent Domain Defense) Political Experience: Ran for the U.S. House of Representatives (2012) in Rhode Island
“I’m running out of a sense of responsibility,” Vogel said. “I feel that people have to change their voting patterns in Florida.”
About those voting patterns, he said: “For 21 years Tallahassee has voted Republican. I’m hoping that I can steer that in another direction this year.”
Vogel is running against incumbent Chris Latvala, a Republican.
Gun control is an issue important to Vogel. Although he said he supports the Second Amendment, he feels a lot of people take it out of context.
“The problem is, a lot of people who fully support the Second Amendment don’t support the First Amendment.” Vogel said. “The Second Amendment is not sacred. None of the amendments are.”
Vogel said he supports allowing certain firearms in homes and concealed weapons for people in vehicles who are licensed strictly for protection. However, he said he sees no reason why anyone should own any kind of assault weapon, and believes the only way true gun control can be achieved is through a uniform law.
“Gun control laws cannot be different between, say, two cities,” Vogel said. “Picture someone with a concealed weapon license is driving in an area with a firearm where that’s acceptable. However, that same person driving enters a new area where concealed weapons aren’t allowed, not even with a license. Now that person is, unintentionally, breaking the law.”
Education is the primary focus of Vogel’s campaign. He said he believes every child must have access to equal learning and basic schooling. Furthermore, he would like to see more people reaching levels of higher education, such as college.
Vogel shared a favorite quote from his father regarding education:
“Propaganda teaches you what to think. Education teaches you how to think.” Vogel said.
Vogel said he doesn’t just want to make sure children are attending school, he wants to make sure they are being schooled properly.
“For starters, teachers need to have their wages increased, that’s for sure,” Vogel said, “Not just that, but the problems in teaching kids need to be thoroughly investigated and improved upon. We can’t just throw money at them and expect them to fix themselves.”
Vogel had received $4,674 in contributions as of Oct. 21, according to state campaign finance reports. The majority of Vogel’s financial support has come from friends and family.
Colin Whitlock is a student journalist attending the University of South Florida Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications. This story was produced as part of the school’s Advanced Reporting or Public Affairs class this semester, under the leadership of instructors Wayne Garcia and Wendy Whitt.
