Staff Reports
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 Rifle Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Eagle Forum PAC — issued endorsements.
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The American Conservative Union (ACU) has thrown its support behind Rep. Ron DeSantis.
The conservative organization announced this week it was endorsing DeSantis in his re-election bid in Florida’s 6th Congressional District.
“Congressman Ron DeSantis has quickly shown great leadership in advancing conservative principles,” said ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp. “DeSantis’ ACU rating of 100 percent for his three years in Congress reflects a remarkably consistent commitment to conservative principles on a wide range issues, whether economic, cultural, or issues of national security.”
DeSantis faces Fred Costello and G.G. Galloway in the Aug. 30 Republican primary.
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The Family Research Council has thrown its support behind Dan Bongino.
The organization announced this week it was endorsing Bongino in Florida’s 19th Congressional District. The organization cited his Secret Service background, and said it was impressed with the campaign’s decision to stress “the need for passionate and direct action” to threats on to America’s liberty and freedom.
“The Family Research Council is an iconic conservative organization that traces its history directly to President Reagan,” said Bongino. “I am glad they are in this fight with me to ensure a strong, anti-establishment Republican wins the GOP primary.”
Bongino faces Chauncey Goss and Francis Rooney in the Aug. 30 Republican primary.
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That National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund and Unified Sportsman of Florida has thrown its support behind Lizbeth Benacquisto.
The organizations announced this week they were endorsing Benacquisto in her Senate District 27 race.
“We sincerely appreciate your support of Second Amendment issues as a member of the Florida Senate,” said Marion Hammer, executive director of Unified Sportsman of Florida and past president of the National Rifle Association. “Your support of Second Amendment, self-defense, and anti-crime issues and your pro-sportsman, pro-Second Amendment, pro-freedom record have earned you our endorsement and our appreciation.”
Benacquisto faces Republican Jason Maughan in the Aug. 30 Republican primary.
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The Eagle Forum PAC has thrown its support behind Matt Hudson.
The organization announced this week it was endorsing Hudson in his Senate District 28 bid.
“We are proud to lend our support to Rep. Matt Hudson as he seeks to represent the people of Southwest Florida in the Florida Senate,” said Phyllis Schlafly, chairman of the Eagle Forum PAC. “As a pro-life, conservative leader, Matt has showed us that he is dedicated to ensuring Florida’s traditional values remain intact in our state government, in our local communities and amongst Florida families, and we know that he will continue to represent these conservative principles in the Senate.”
Hudson said he was honored to receive the organization’s endorsement.
“As a father and grandfather, I understand the importance of teaching and preserving pro-life, conservative values, and believe that we should uphold them within our state government,” said Hudson in a statement. “I’ve done this since Day 1 while in the Florida House and I promise to do the same if chosen to serve our Southwest Florida community in the Senate.”
Hudson faces Kathleen Passidomo in the Aug. 30 Republican primary.
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The Fraternal Order of Police has thrown its support behind Ken Keechl.
The organization announced this week it was endorsing Keechl in his House District 93 bid.
“We are proud to endorse a candidate who will work with our members to ensure public safety is a top priority in Tallahassee,” said George W. Woolley, the director of the Fraternal Order of Police District 5. “Together, I am confident that we can better the working conditions of our law enforcement professionals and make sure they have the resources they need to continue to protect and serve our residents.”
Keechl said he was grateful to receive the endorsement and looks forward to working with the organization.
“I feel very fortunate to work closely with their trusted organization to build stronger relationships between our officers and residents and leaders in our local communities, and to provide much-needed resources to those that put their lives on the line to protect us every day,” he said.
Keechl faces Doug Oberman in the Aug. 30 Democratic primary.
