Phil Ammann
Attorney and entrepreneur Rick Kozell released a list today of more than a dozen endorsements from prominent GOP leaders in his bid for Florida’s 18th Congressional District.
Kozell, a Jupiter native and Georgetown University Law Center graduate, is seeking the open seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, who is leaving to run for the U.S. Senate.
Among those Republicans supporting Kozell include former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers, business executive George Lindemann and his wife, Dr. Frayda Lindemann.
“I’m proud to support Rick Kozell,” Diaz-Balart said. “Rick understands the vital importance of strong American leadership and responsibility that we have as the freest nation on earth to speak up for the oppressed.
“We will be well served by having Rick’s voice in Congress.”
Also on the list is Eric Javits, the former Ambassador and Permanent U.S. Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, named in 2001 by President George W. Bush.
“Rick’s small business entrepreneurial background combined with his experience reigning in Washington’s federal regulatory system will be indispensable in the halls of Congress,” Javits said in a statement. “I know Rick has deeply-held conservative convictions, exceptional leadership skills, and a deeply felt love of country.”
Kozell’s other endorsements are:
- Marie Hope Davis
- Gay Hart Gaines
- Linda Gore, past President, Republican Club of the Northern Palm Beaches
- Fran Hancock, past State Committeewoman
- Melissa Nash, past President, Republican Club of the Palm Beaches
- Honorable David A. and Mrs. Rosow, 5-term President, Palm Beach Town Council
- Matt Rostock, Board Member, Loxahatchee River District
- Calvin Turnquest, former Vice Mayor of the Village of Tequesta
- Beverly White Yeager
Kozell, in gratitude for the “outpouring of support” from Republicans, reiterated his promise to “days of bloated bureaucracy and big government” and “restore American exceptionalism.”
Kozell previously worked as a law clerk in the U.S. Senate with Republican members of the Judiciary Committee, and was a staffer for former U.S. Sens. George LeMieux and Tom Coburn, whom Kozell refers to as a “conservative hero.”
Kozell faces a crowded field for the GOP nomination in the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast seat. Republican candidates include former state Rep. Carl Domino; Boca Raton physician Marc Freeman; Army veteran Brian Mast; St. Lucie County commissioner Tod Mowery; Martin County school board member Rebecca Negron, wife of state Sen. Joe Negron; Arkansas native Noelle Nikpour; business executive Rick Roth; Paul Spain, a retired financial planner; and Navy veteran Carla Spalding.
Democrats vying for the seat include Palm Beach County Commissioners Melissa McKinlay and Priscilla Taylor, attorney Jonathan Chane and retired engineer John (Juan) Xuna.
