GOP special election primary candidates David Jolly, General Mark Bircher, and Kathleen Peters have all signed ATR’s Taxpayer Protection pledge promising to oppose higher taxes.  The winner will face Democrat Alex Sink in the special election to fill the remainder of Bill Young’s term, who recently passed away.

Sponsored by American’s for Tax Reform, the Pledge guarantees that signers will “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses … and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.”

Businessman David Jolly formerly served as General Counsel to Rep. Bill Young (FL-R).  General Mark Bircher served in the U.S. Marine Corps and as a commercial airline pilot. Kathleen Peters began her political career as mayor of South Pasadena, FL and later served as a state representative.

Cook Political Report rates Florida’s 13th District as a Toss Up with a PVI of R+2.  Bill Young’s held the seat for 33 years with little Democratic opposition. The upcoming election offers Democrats their first opportunity to seize control over the district. In the previous election Young garnished 58% of the votes.

Alex Sink will be running unopposed during the special election. She served as the CFO for Florida from 2007 to 2011. She nearly won the 2010 gubernatorial, but recently conceded after she lost by one percent of the vote. The DCCC has supported her endeavor by providing 1.1 million dollars in campaign funds.

The special election will take place on March 13, 2014.