Beaches Democrats are hoping to gain insight into the August primary race for Northeast Florida public defender, even though they don’t have a candidate running.
A forum about the Distrct 4 public defender will be held at the Beaches Democratic Club Tuesday night.
Because of Florida’s closed primary system and the lack of Democratic opposition, Northeast Florida Democrats won't be able to cast votes for public defender in August.
But Beaches Democratic Club President Billee Bussard said it’s still constructive to hear about the race from experienced Republicans.
“One of the speakers is Bill White, a former public defender who was defeated in 2008 by current public defender Matt Shirk who is seeking the office. The other one is Al Chipperfield who actually worked in the Jacksonville Public Defender’s Office,” she said.
The two have a combined 68 years of legal experience and are huge supporters of Shirk’s challenger, Charles Cofer. Bussard said Shirk is welcome to join the forum too, but she warned him it wouldn’t be a breeze.
“We’ve had Republicans come speak before. A lot of them don’t like to show up because we do ask tough questions,” she said.
Shirk was not offered a formal invitation, though.
Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenging another closed primary — for state attorney — is tied up on appeal. The public defender forum is Tuesday night at 7 at the Neptune Beach Senior Activity Center.
