2002 Orange County, Florida Chairman election

none January 2025 September 2023 2002 Orange County, Florida Chairman election Florida Flag of Orange County, FL.png presidential no 1998 Orange County, Florida Chairman election 1998 2006 Orange County, Florida mayoral election 2006 September 10, 2002 150x150px Rich Crotty Nonpartisan candidate 100,689 72.79% 150x150px Diana Vazquez Cook Nonpartisan candidate 37,589 27.16% Chairman Rich Crotty Nonpartisan Rich Crotty Nonpartisan The 2002 Orange County, Florida, Chairman election took place on September 10, 2002. Following the resignation of Chairman Mel Martínez to become U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 2001, Governor Jeb Bush appointed County Property Appraiser Rich Crotty to serve out the remaining two years of Martínez's term.Maxwell Scott Crotty tapped for Orange job Orlando Sentinel January 9, 2001 Orlando, Florida A1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176081096/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 In 2002, Crotty ran in the regular election for a full term. He was opposed by nonprofit executive Diana Vazquez Cook and write-in candidate Timothy Devine. The election was held on September 10, 2002, the date of the statewide primary. Crotty defeated Vasquez Cook in a landslide, winning 73 percent of the vote. Following a 2004 amendment to the county charter that changed the name of the position to "Mayor," this was the last election for "Chairman."McKay Rich Orange approves 3 charter measures Orlando Sentinel November 3, 2004 Orlando, Florida B2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176082171/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 Primary election Candidates Rich Crotty, incumbent ChairmanMaxwell Scott Crotty takes over but has little to say on his 1st day Orlando Sentinel January 25, 2001 Orlando, Florida D1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176083010/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 Diana Vazquez Cook, nonprofit directorSteinman Jon Crotty gains competition for Orange job Orlando Sentinel June 25, 2002 Orlando, Florida B2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176081511/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 Timothy Devine (write-in)Steinman Jon 3-way race forces primary in Orange Orlando Sentinel August 1, 2002 Orlando, Florida B1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176081344/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 Declined John Ostalkiewicz, former State Senator, 1998 candidate for County ChairmanPolitical Pulse: Speaking of diamonds . . . Orlando Sentinel December 2, 2001 Orlando, Florida K1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176083095/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 Campaign When Crotty was sworn in as Chairman, he immediately announced that he would run in 2002 for a full term. His only challenger on the ballot was Diana Vazquez Cook, an executive at an affordable housing nonprofit. However, shortly before the filing deadline, a write-in candidate, Republican Timothy Devine, filed to run. Had only two candidates appeared on the ballot, the election would have been scheduled for November 5, 2002, but Devine's candidacy required that a primary election take place. During the campaign, Vazquez Cook struggled to raise money and had little name recognition.Steinman Jon Her goal: The top job in Orange Orlando Sentinel September 2, 2002 Orlando, Florida B1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176081464/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 Polling in the race indicated that Crotty would easily win a majority of the vote, with Vazquez Cook attracting comparatively little support.Harris Melissa New poll shows Crotty with big lead over Cook Orlando Sentinel August 30, 2002 Orlando, Florida B3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176082292/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 The Orlando Sentinel endorsed Crotty for re-election, noting that he had "no serious competition in the race." It criticized Vazquez Cook for "offer[ing] no meat in her campaign beyond vague assertions that the county needs stronger leadership." The Sentinel praised Crotty for having "some notable achievements since being appointed," and observed that he "has the potential to be a strong voice for change."Crotty for chairman Orlando Sentinel August 11, 2002 Orlando, Florida G2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176083587/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 Crotty ultimately defeated Vazquez Cook in a landslide, which he claimed gave him "a strong mandate to lead."Steinman Jon Crotty celebrates landslide win Orlando Sentinel September 11, 2002 Orlando, Florida B1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel/176083745/ Newspapers.com July 6, 2025 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesizekey Key:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersCV – certain votersV – unclear Marginof error RichCrotty DianaVazquez Cook Other /UndecidedMason-Dixon Polling & Strategy August 26–28, 2002 800 (CV) ± 3.5% 59% 12% 29% Results 2002 Orange County, Florida, Chairman election2002 Primary by Precinct Orange County Supervisor of Elections http://www.ocfelections.com/Results/2002%20Election%20Results/2002.TXT dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110725065634/http://www.ocfelections.com/Results/2002%20Election%20Results/2002.TXT July 25, 2011 July 6, 2025 Rich Crotty (inc.) Nonpartisan candidate 100,689 72.75% Diana Vazquez Cook Nonpartisan candidate 37,589 27.16% write-ins 123 0.09% 25,656 100.00% Notes References Category:2002 United States county executive elections Orange County Category:Mayoral elections in Orange County, Florida