Endorsement watch: National Women’s Political Caucus of Florida, National Federation of Independent Business and others issue endorsements

There are just a few weeks until the election, and organizations across the state are rolling out endorsements for state and federal candidates.

Several organizations — including the National Women’s Political Caucus, Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Federation of Independent Business — issued endorsements.

—

The National Federation of Independent Business has thrown its support behind Marco Rubio.

The national organization announced it had endorsed Rubio in his re-election bid. In a statement, Bill Herrle, the executive director of NFIB/Florida, said Rubio has “proven that he understands what it takes to defend free enterprise and allow small business owners to thrive.”

“Small business owners are glad to see Senator Rubio running for re-election,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. “In the Senate, he has worked to reduce crushing taxes and protect small business from red tape and regulations. We need him back in the Senate next year continuing to promote pro-growth economic policies.”

Rubio faces Carlos Beruff in the Aug. 30 Republican primary.

The National Federation of Independent Business announced it was backing Rep. Ron DeSantis in his re-election bid in Florida’s 6th Congressional District.

“Congressman DeSantis has been a strong voice for small business and deserves to be re-elected,” said NFIB National Political Director Sharon Sussin. “He stood with small business owners on every critical vote the NFIB has scored in this Congress. We need him back in the U.S. House next year continuing to promote legislation that reduces the tax and regulatory burdens on small businesses in Florida.”

—

Sen. Tom Cotton has thrown his support behind Francis Rooney.

The Arkansas Republican announced he was backing Rooney in Florida’s 19th Congressional District.

“I know firsthand the importance of having strong leadership in Washington to protect America from threats against our freedom. Francis Rooney will never relent in protecting our great nation, and he has the same commitment I do to destroying our greatest national security threat — ISIS,” said Cotton. “I’ve never endorsed a candidate in a primary campaign before, but our world is changing, and we need leadership in Congress that is committed to defeating radical Islamic terrorism.”

The endorsement comes one week after Ambassador John Bolton threw his support behind Rooney, the former ambassador to the Holy See.

“Francis shares my view that the world is safer when America takes a firm stand on the international stage,” said Bolton in a statement. “I know he will work to ensure our enemies fear us and our allies know they can trust us, which is why I endorse his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Rooney faces Chauncey Goss and Dan Bongino in the Aug. 30 Republican primary.

—

The Fraternal Order of Police District 5 has thrown its support behind Kathleen Passidomo.

The group announced it endorsed Passidomo in Senate District 28. The district is made up of FOP lodges in Broward, Collier and Hendry counties. The Fraternal Order of Police represents more than 20,000 active and retired law enforcement officers across Florida.

Passidomo faces Matt Hudson in the Aug. 30 Republican primary.

—

The Dade County Police Benevolent Association has thrown its support behind Frank Artiles.

The organization announced it was endorsing Artiles in his bid for Senate District 40.

“The Dade County Police Benevolent Association is proud to inform you of its endorsement of your candidacy,” said John Rivera, president of Dade County PBA, in their endorsement. “We feel that you will be one of the very best, and we wish you a successful campaign.”

Artiles said he appreciated the support of the organization.

“Our police officers are the first line of defense in our communities, and I am proud to announce that Dade County PBA has endorsed my candidacy for state Senate,” he said. “Many of my fellow Marines currently serve as first responders, and I will always support my brothers and sisters in blue.”

Artiles will face the winner of the Aug. 30 Democratic primary in November.

—

Rep. Ted Yoho has thrown his support behind Chuck Clemons.

First elected to Florida’s 3rd Congressional District in 2012, Yoho announced he was backing Clemons in House District 21.

“There is no question that Chuck Clemons will be an outstanding conservative in the Florida House,” said Yoho. “He’s got deep roots in our community and a long record of public service that have prepared him to effectively represent us in Tallahassee. I plan to vote for him, and I look forward to having such a strong leader for our area in Tallahassee.”

House District 21 includes Alachua, Dixie and Gilchrist counties, which are part of Yoho’s district. Clemons said he was honored to have Yoho’s support.

“I share his commitment to the principles of liberty and limited government, and I look forward to working with him as we both serve the residents of North Central Florida,” said Clemons.

Clemons faces Republicans Wenda Lewis and Tim Rogers in the Aug. 30 Republican primary.

—

The National Women’s Political Caucus of Florida is throwing support behind Ken Keechl.

The organization announced it was recommending Keechl in his House District 93 bid.

“We are very pleased to offer Ken Keechl our highest recommendation of his race for state representative,” said Christina Disbrow, chairwoman of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Florida. We are proud to see a male candidate so supportive toward increasing the participation of women in the political field. We look forward to working with him toward victory.”

Keechl said he appreciates the organization’s support.

“It is crucial that we fight for equal opportunities for all women,” he said. “As a legislator, my priorities will be to achieve equal pay for equal work, greater access to affordable reproductive health care, and paid family leave. I’m excited to stand with the women’s political caucus in this battle to flip State House District 93.”

Keechl faces Doug Oberman in the Aug. 30 Democratic primary.