Leon County Democratic Party Chairman Rick Minor announced today he’s resigning to challenge freshman Democratic Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda of Tallahassee in a primary for the District 9 state House seat.

Minor, who is pledging to run an eco-friendly campaign, said Rehwinkel Vasilinda’s vote to support offshore oil drilling in Florida waters was “the last straw.”

“There were only two Democrats that voted for that – and she was one of them,” he said. “That had a tremendous impact.”

The other was Rep. Debbie Boyd of Newberry. But Rehwinkel Vasilinda was the only Democrat who spoke – passionately – on the House floor this spring about her decision to vote yes.

“It did have a big impact on my decision,” Minor said. “But there were other things, too.”

The political consultant-turned-candidate noted a few other reasons he is challenging Rehwinkel Vasilinda, such as her opposition to adding the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. “That’s a major component of the Democratic platform.”

Rehwinkel Vasilinda did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

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