Mitch Perry
Rebecca Smith, the Tampa businesswoman locked in a battle against Jackie Toledo for the Republican nomination to the House District 60 seat, is touting endorsements from half of the Florida Cabinet.
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced their support for Smith Monday, three days after she snagged photos with the two officials at an event Putnam was speaking at in South Tampa.
“I have known Rebecca Smith for many years,” Atwater said Monday. “Rebecca is a proven business leader who knows how to get things done. Rebecca shares my conservative philosophy of lower taxes, less government, more personal freedom, and personal responsibility. Rebecca has fought for our men and women in uniform; she will strongly support our law enforcement and first responders; and she knows how to create jobs and grow Tampa’s economy. Rebecca’s experience and background, combined with her true desire to serve and represent her community, make her well qualified to represent the residents of Florida House District 60. In the Primary Election, I ask that you cast your vote for my friend, Rebecca Smith, for State Representative, District 60.
Putnam followed suit, saying, “Rebecca is a proven leader, who has served the community and fights hard for our shared values. I know Rebecca Smith to have the highest character and integrity and she puts principles above politics. Rebecca Smith will stand strong for what’s right and we can count on her.”
Smith is the founder and president of A.D. Morgan Corporation in Tampa, and is a member of the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority.
Toledo is a Tampa-based engineer who has been running a television ad touting her law-and-order bonafides, as she’s been endorsed by a number of law enforcement agencies, as well as the National Rifle Association.
Smith has snagged her fair share of endorsements as well, including from the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Tampa Bay Times (that was a “recommendation”).
House District 60 includes all of South Tampa, much of south Hillsborough County, and Town N Country. It’s currently occupied by Republican Dana Young. Democrat David Singer will face the winner of the GOP primary in November.
