In the News Press 8/25/07

News Press

By Betty Parker Originally published on August 25, 2007
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070825/COLUMNISTS01/708250413/1017/COLUMNISTS

Kreegel has a challenger

A Lehigh Acres man, Keith Richter, is challenging Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-Punta Gorda, for the Charlotte County-dominated House district 72 that includes parts of Lehigh Acres.Richter owns Computer Solutions of Southwest Florida, Inc., and has also worked as a public school teacher.

He was out of town and unavailable for comment, but Lehigh activist Robert "Bob" Anderson said he's helping with the campaign.

While it's difficult to get official party support for anyone challenging an incumbent, Anderson said they've already picked up backers in the community, and the campaign will help bring attention to Richter and to the entire community of Lehigh.

Richter supports Lehigh incorporation, Anderson said, although he's still developing details about the best way to go about that.

Kreegel angered some lobbyists and professional consultants three years ago when he filed a lawsuit over campaign fliers attacking him with what he said were false allegations. While candidates are almost always the subject of last-minute mailings that stretch the truth to the virtual breaking point, few have the wherewithal to take legal action.

Kreegel, a doctor, did. That earned him the enmity of the involved professionals, along with vows to make him regret it when he had opposition, regardless of who the opponent might be.

Anderson said they've had no contact that he knows of with those people, and Richter is acting on his own, with help from community people.

Kreegel also said he has no reason to think Richter was "put up" by those he angered, but he's taking a wait-and-see approach as to whether Richter will be used for payback."There's a lot of time between now and the election," Kreegel said. "We'll just have to see how it all works out."


Political advertisement paid for and approved by Keith Richter, Republican for State House, District 72