Ryan Ray
U.S. Rep. David Jolly on Friday unveiled a new component of his 2016 campaign for the Senate – a new “microsite” featuring a legislative scorecard meant to serve as the Clearwater Republican’s conservative highlight reel.
The new site – JollyRecord.com – contains information touting the congressman’s votes against the 2015-2016 budget and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and moves in favor of deporting more undocumented immigrants and defunding Planned Parenthood.
Jolly said on Friday morning the new site – which bears the tagline “Finally, A Conservative Who Really Means It…” – illustrates why, despite the moderate reputation he inherited from his predecessor the late C.W. Bill Young, he is the most devoted conservative in the race.
“Some people go to Washington for power and prestige – I went to get results,” said Jolly in an email to supporters. “Paying lip service to conservative principles and not following through just won’t cut it.”
“Our budget is still out of balance, our debt continues to soar, and our economy is not as robust as we should expect and deserve. I’ve never hesitated to buck the establishment when I felt it was playing politics with issues that demand courage and even political sacrifice. Because my vote has to be earned. It is not for sale,” Jolly wrote.
The Jolly camp also brandished recent endorsements from the fellow Florida GOP Congressmen Dennis Ross and Richard Nugent as well as from the state fishing industry’s advocacy arm.
A July poll conducted for FloridaPolitics.com showed Jolly out to a 22.1 to 12.1 percent lead over U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller – who has since decided not to run – and an 11-point lead over Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who took in 11.1 percent in a four-way scenario along with U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, who registered 9.3 percent support in the poll.
“As you know, I am running to represent the people of Florida in the U.S. Senate, and I do not ask for support blindly,” said Jolly via a release Friday. “Let’s take this journey together to prove that when you put conservatism to work it works for everyone.”
