'Beltway Bandit' Congressional Candidate Goes Negative on Haridopolos in CD 8 Race

The Republican primary race in Florida’s 8^th Congressional District is over. Former State Senate President Mike Haridopolos is the odds-on favorite over his other two opponents, having garnered the endorsement of just about every Republican congressman in the state, not to mention the support of Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.

Stick a fork in it. It’s over.

But even though Haridopolos is on the verge of becoming the next congressman from Florida’s Space Coast, its important to look at all “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” candidates in the race.

John Hearton, who is running on a “GOD, COUNTRY, FLORIDA” agenda, has gone all negative against Haridopolos and has only been able to raise less than $20,000 according to the last FEC filing report.

Why not? Hearton has nothing to lose by trying to take down Haridopolos a couple of notches.

Hearton, like many other Americans, has a “colorful” past.

The self-styled successful businessman from Virginia once bankrupted a $9,200,000 company and was sued by investors.

According to Hearton, Haridopolos is a “Swamp” creature, but his business background was selling the federal government equipment while living in Virginia as far back as 2022.

Hearton’s business prowess was highlighted in a 2017 news article, where he was dubbed a “Beltway Bandit.”

Closer to home, Hearton was recently stopped by Indian Harbor Beach Police where he was hit with a citation for driving with an expired tag for more than 6 months.

According to police bodycam video that The Floridian obtained, Hearton appears to have affixed the registration of a trailer he has in his possession to the actual car he was driving.

The vehicle he was driving did not have a valid registration.

You have to hand it to Hearton when it comes to trying to get out the vote.

According to the video, Hearton is heard telling the police officer, “I’m actually running for Congress,” as she was handing him the citation.

Was Hearton trying to get her vote, or was he hoping his status as a candidate for Congress would get him out of the jam?

The police officer politely said,” Good luck, I’m just out here doing my job.”

Florida’s primary election is August 20. The winner of the Republican congressional primary race is all but assured to win the general election in November.

The District 9 is considered a “Strong Republican” seat.