Endorsement Watch: Florida Medical Association, Florida Retail Federation, SEIU Florida 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 — the Florida Medical Association, the Florida Retail Federation, and the Service Employees International Union Florida — issued endorsements.

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Rebecca Negron has received the backing of James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family and Family Talk.

“It is my pleasure to be among the many solid conservatives who are supporting Rebecca Negron’s candidacy for the United States House of Representatives for Florida’s 18th Congressional District,” said Dobson in his endorsement letter. “As a private individual, I am honored to endorse Rebecca Negron for Congress, and pray that her election will be the start of a new generation of leaders who will return this nation to the constitutional principles upon which it was founded.”

Negron faces Republicans Carl Domino, Mark Freeman, Rick Kozell, Brian Mast, and Noelle Nikpour in the Aug. 30 primary.

“I am honored to have the prayers and endorsement of Dr. James Dobson,” said Negron. “I appreciate Dr. Dobson’s influence on a generation of families, including my own. I support his focus on traditional family values and the sanctity of human life. I also thank him for his kind words.”

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GREY2K USA has endorsed Dana Young in Senate District 18.

“On behalf of our more than 100,000 supporters, we are happy to endorse your campaign for Florida Senate,” said Carey M. Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA. “We look forward to working with you in Tallahassee on greyhound protection issues. Together, I know we can make a real difference for the dogs!”

Young faces Democrat Bob Buesing in the November general election.

“Some of the most important groups are founded to fight for those, such as greyhounds, who cannot protect themselves,” said Young in a statement. “I am pleased to have received an endorsement from GREY2K USA, who has continually fought to end the practice of greyhound racing and enact stronger laws against it. I look forward to the opportunity to work with GREY2K USA to ensure the fair and proper treatment of greyhounds.”

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The Florida Nurses Association Political Action Committee has endorsed Matt Hudson in Senate District 28.

“We ask that you continue to be open to hearing the ideas and potential solutions put forward by others who share our hopes and dreams for a better future for our children,” wrote Bonnie Sklaren, chairwoman of the Florida Nurses Association Political Action Committee.

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

“Our nurses are an invaluable part of our community and the entire state of Florida, working for the betterment and health of all Floridians,” said Hudson in a statement. “Throughout my service in the Florida House, I was proud to be an advocate on behalf of our nurses, which I’m committed to continuing if elected to serve in the Senate.”

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Service Employees International Union Florida has endorsed Rena Frazier in House District 59.

“SEIU Florida is proud to endorse Rena Frazier because we know that she will be a champion for working families in her community,” said Monica Russo, the president of SEIU Florida. “Rena understands the importance of fair wages and of creating good-paying jobs locally. We look forward to working with her in the Florida Legislature.”

Frazier faces Democrat Naze Sahebzamani in the Aug. 30 primary.

“I am thrilled to have the endorsement of SEIU Florida,” said Frazier. “I look forward to being a voice in Tallahassee for our working families in House District 59 and across the state of Florida.”

SEIU Florida also endorsed Sean Shaw in House District 61.

“Sean is a candidate Floridians can trust to fight for a $15 minimum wage, improve our education system, and increase healthcare access,” said Russo in a statement. “Our members are proud to enthusiastically endorse him and are encouraging others to help us elect Sean Shaw for State House.”

Shaw faces Democrats Dianna “Ms. Dee” Hart and Walter L. Smith II in the Aug. 30 primary.

“We share a strong dedication to protecting Florida workers and improving the lives of all Floridians,” said Shaw in a statement. “I thank them and their members for their support and look forward to fighting for them in Tallahassee.”

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The Florida Medical Association has endorsed Brian Hodgers in House District 52.

“Brian Hodgers is a pro-medicine candidate that we are proud to support,” said Dr. Chris Pittman, president of the Florida Medical Association PAC. “Through working in insurance, he has a keen understanding of the interface between physicians and insurance companies, which will help navigate future issues shared between the two.”

Hodgers faces Republican Thad Altman, Monique Miller and Robert “Fritz” VanVolkenburgh in the Aug. 30 primary.

“We’re encouraged and honored by the Florida Medical Association’s endorsement,” said Hodgers in a statement. “We look forward to working with Florida’s physicians and patients to promote public health, ensure the highest standards of medical practice, and enhance the quality and availability of health care.”

The FMA PAC also endorsed Rep. John Cortes in his House District 3 re-election bid.

“As a member of the Health Innovation Subcommittee, he has a unique understanding of the current healthcare issues affecting our state today,” said Pittman in a statement. “The FMA looks forward to our continued collaboration with him to help physicians practice medicine in Florida.”

Cortes faces the winner of the Aug. 30 Democratic primary in November.

“I am truly thankful and honored to receive the endorsement of Florida doctors,” said Cortes in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to work with these hardworking professionals to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in Florida.”

The FMA PAC also threw its support behind Sam Killebrew in House District 41.

“As a long-time businessman in Polk County, Mr. Killebrew understands the demands of running a business today,” said Pittman. “Many physicians in private practice run business as well and we hope to collaborate on these issues with him in the Florida House.”

Killebrew faces Republican Bob Doyel in the Aug. 30 primary.

“Our communities are very fortunate to have these dedicated professionals looking out for our well-being on a daily basis,” said Killebrew. “I look forward to working with Florida’s doctors as they strive to enhance the quality and availability of health care for our citizens.”

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The Florida Retail Federation has endorsed Rebecca Smith in House District 60.

“Rebecca is a proven local business and community leader whose success in launching her own successful small business shows that her input and experience will be a tremendous addition to the Florida House,” said Randy Miller, the president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation. “We look forward to Rebecca bringing her knowledge and expertise to help pass laws and reduce regulations to help support Florida businesses.”

Smith faces Republican Jackie Toledo in the Aug. 30 primary.