Phil Ammann
George Gainer doesn’t talk about Northwest Florida values.
He lives them.
That’s the gist of the latest mailing from the North Florida businessman, who faces state Rep. Matt Gaetz in the Republican Senate District 1 primary.
The ad, set to hit area mailboxes next week, strives to heat up the battle for conservatives by hitting all of the talking points – hard work, religious devotion, job creation – which Gainer hopes will set him apart from his GOP opponent, the son of the current SD 1 seat holder, state Sen. Don Gaetz.
It tells Gainer’s story in a “scrapbook” style, featuring several high points of his life and career.
“He rose from roots ‘poorer than a drink of water,’ raised a God-fearing family, and runs an enduring business that brings jobs to our communities,” the flier says. “His folks were very poor, but they gave George Gainer the greatest gift of all – the belief that faith and trust in God will guide you, and that you’re as good as anyone but better than no one.”
Gainer then discusses his “lifelong work ethic,” along with a penchant for “pinching pennies,” which led him to open his first car dealership in 1968. He also thumbnails his political career, becoming the youngest elected official with a seat on the Bay County Commission at age 25.
That victory allowed Gainer to cut taxes and protect “God-given rights” with common-sense leadership in the face of a fast-growing Bay County.
Referring to that part of the campaign as the “get to know you stage,” the mail piece attempts to give voters a glimpse into how Gainer was raised, his values and the way he lives.
The prime objective of the mail piece is clear: to help voters “consider which Republican is best prepared to represent us in the Florida Senate,” painting Gainer as someone ready to advance “the conservative principles we share.”
With a decidedly old-school Republican backstory, as well as robust fundraising (and a touch of “humility”), Gainer might prove to be a tough one to beat for the hearts and minds of voters in Northwest Florida, and a serious challenger for Gaetz.
The flyer also announces Gainer’s campaign kickoff tour, a three-part event Monday beginning 10 a.m. at the Bay County Government Center, 840 W. 11th St. in Panama City. The second part is 12:30 p.m. at the Oaks Restaurant, 4727 U.S. 90 in Marianna. Finally, he will appear at 5:30 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Fort Walton Beach Resort, 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway S.E. in Fort Walton Beach.
