Ric Keller

Richard Keller (born September 5 1964) is an American politician, and has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing the 8th District of Florida (map). He was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, was educated at East Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University, and was a lawyer before entering the House. Noted in the 2000 campaign for commercials that were anti-gay and pro-life.

Ironically, Mr. Keller is the author of "The Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act". The so-called "Cheeseburger Bill" prohibits lawsuits by obese customers who blame restaurants, supermarkets, and grocery manufactures for their own overconsumption of food. The bill passed the house in 2004 but the Senate didn't vote on it and Mr Keller resubmitted it in 2005.

On October 18, 2005, Keller was hospitalized in Orlando, Florida, after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia although many people at the scene attest that he was drunk. He was driving his car and blacked out and hit another car in a parking lot. He has been told by his doctor not to drive for 6 months. He recovered, though he missed the vote on his Cheeseburger Bill. The bill passed anyway, 306-120.

Campaign History

Richard Keller has successfully campaigned for and held his seat for 3 terms.

2000 was a very competitive race. Early on Keller came in second place during the primary with 31% of the vote vs. fellow Republican Bill Sublette's 43% but he went on to capture the Republican nomination with 52% during the run-off election. In the 2000 General Election he won with 51% of the vote against Democrat Linda Chapin.

After the 2001 Congressional Re-apportionment Floridas 8th District was redistricted from a near equal representation to one which includes 7% more Republicans than Democrats.

Rick Keller readily won the 2002 Congressional Race against Democrat Eddie Diaz with 65% of the vote.

In 2004 Keller held his seat with 60% of the vote against Democrat challenger Stephen Murray.

Qualifications for the 2006 race won't close until noon on July 21st, 2006 but at least one other Republican, Elizabeth Doran. Charlie Stuart and 2 other Democrats have filed to compete for Keller's spot as well.

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