by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Angela Corey and Jay Plotkin spent Tuesday at the Ch. 4 studios fielding viewer questions from host and anchor Tom Wills in the first live debate between the two candidates for State Attorney. Wednesday, both felt they topped the other.
“I think we won over a lot of voters,” said Corey, who is on a leave of absence as prosecutor in the 7th judicial circuit to campaign.
“I believe we won,” said Plotkin, the Chief Assistant State Attorney under Harry Shorstein. Plotkin is also on a leave of absence to campaign. “What ultimately matters is the court of public opinion and we’ll see how that goes Aug. 26.”
Both candidates felt the debate went well and without surprises. The testy relationship between the two came across only slightly during the debate. However, Wednesday both spoke their minds.
“I was very pleased with how last night went. My intention was to draw the distinction between me and my opponent and I think I drew a clear distinction,” said Plotkin.
“We stayed very positive and I think we did very well,” said Corey. “Our campaign has continued to grow in proportion and in a positive way. The debate was one more positive step. There’s no other way to describe it.”
The scene shifts tonight as the two will square off again, this time at Florida Coastal School of Law. Instead of live TV, the setting will include law school students and many of Corey’s and Plotkin’s peers.
“I expect to deliver the same message,” said Corey, adding neither candidate will be furnished the questions beforehand.
Plotkin believes his relationship with the Jacksonville Bar Association will give him the edge tonight.
“I would suspect the lawyers in attendance will want to see and hear what we have to say,” he said. “I would suspect the lawyers will ask about our qualifications to run and how we will handle the largest law firm in Northeast Florida.”
Wednesday also marked the last chance before the Aug. 26 primary for candidates to get in front of the Fraternal Order of Police as a group. In addition to the usual menu of fried fish and shrimp, Wednesday’s luncheon drew a good crowd of police officers, elected officials, judges and, of course, candidates.
Jill Smith, an At-Large City Council candidate, attended her first FOP lunch and used the opportunity to meet with officers and several former and current Council members. Her race includes four others, including two former Council members.
FOP President Nelson Cuba said while he certainly expects some last-minute politicking, he doesn’t expect any of his officers to vote against any of the candidates the FOP has officially endorsed. He said a committee of 11 analyzed all of the candidates and the endorsements are made as an organization.
“We are united,” said Cuba, adding the interview process is rigorous and thorough. “We are united and you will not find officers that break rank.”
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