Phil Ammann
A trio of candidates picked up significant endorsements Wednesday morning: state Rep. Matt Hudson for Senate District 28, Beth Tuura in House District 47 and Bob Rommel for House District 106.
Endorsing Hudson is the Collier County Republican Executive Committee, which announced its support of the state representative after a meeting Tuesday night.
With 66 of the 83 votes cast, as reported by the Naples Daily News, the committee recommended Hudson as the best candidate to represent SD 28, which includes Collier, Hendry and part of Lee counties. State Rep. Kathleen Passidomo also received 51 votes.
“Thank you to the Collier County Republican Executive Committee for endorsing me as the best candidate to represent our Southwest Florida community,” Hudson said in a statement. “I am humbled to receive the support of our local grassroots organization, and I look forward to continuing to campaign on a platform that advocates for lowering taxes for Florida families and businesses, cutting government spending and implementing a balanced budget for the State of Florida.”
Hudson has served in the House since 2007, currently in HD 80, which includes portions of Collier and Hendry counties. He was named speaker pro tempore in 2014.
Hudson’s platform includes lowering taxes for families and businesses, cutting government spending and implementing a balanced budget for the State of Florida.,
In HD 47, former state Rep. Linda Stewart is endorsing Tuura to replace her in the central Florida seat that includes Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, Baldwin Park and Belle Isle.
“Her social and business experiences will make her a great voice for women and working families in Central Florida,” Stewart, who served in HD 47 from 2012-14, said in a statement Wednesday. She is currently running for state Senate District 13.
Stewart has been a longtime activist in the district, both as a County Commissioner and in Tallahassee, fighting for equality, women’s rights and working families. Tuura has vowed to continue Stewart’s efforts on issues such as fair wages, expanding access to health care, and strengthening public education.
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Representative Linda Stewart in the past and I am honored to have her endorsement,” Tuura said. “I will fight to win back District 47 and bring my business and leadership skills to Tallahassee to get Florida back on track.”
Tuura, who has lived in Florida since 2000, is a three-time National Sports Emmy Award-winning television professional. In 2014, she was inducted into the Murrow Alumni Hall of Achievement at her alma mater, Washington State University. Tuura is married and lives in Orlando.
Rommel picked up the endorsement of former State Rep. Tom Grady of Naples in the race for House District 106.
Elected in 2008, Grady represents House District 76, which due to redistricting is now District 106.
“Bob Rommel is a committed conservative, and I am proud to support him,” said Grady. “He understands that smaller government and more freedom aren’t just good principles, but the path to greater prosperity. I know we can count on him to fight for those values in Tallahassee.”
After serving a single term the House from 2008-10, Grady, an attorney, was selected to lead the Office of Financial Regulation in 2011 and as Interim President of Citizens Property Insurance in 2012. Gov. Rick Scott appointed him to the state Board of Education earlier this year.
“I’m so pleased to have Tom Grady’s support,” said Rommel. “I look forward to working with him and other great public servants from our area to enact sound state policies that will continue to move our economy forward and create more jobs and opportunity.”
