The Florida Farm Bureau-Pinellas has endorsed four Republicans running for re-election to the state House of Representatives.
Reps. Chris Latvala, House District 67, and Larry Ahern, HD 66, received contribution checks from Farm Bureau-Pinellas board members Leslie Waters and Fred Petty during the group’s annual dinner earlier this month. Waters is mayor of Seminole and Petty is the former Pinellas County tax collector.
Kathleen Peters, HD 69, and Chris Sprowls, HD 65, also received campaign contributions.
“These state legislators have always been supportive of legislative agriculture issues, and we on the Farm Bureau Board-Pinellas appreciate that,” Waters said.
Latvala, son of state Sen. Jack Latvala, is facing a challenge from Democrat David Vogel. Sprowls is running against Bernard “Bernie” Fensterwald. Jennifer Webb is challenging Peters. Opposing Ahern is Lorena Grizzle, daughter of Mary Grizzle, who served in both the state House and Senate.
The Florida Farm Bureau says it is the voice of Florida agriculture with a mission “to increase the net income of farmers and ranchers, and to improve the quality of rural life.”
The group says its policy positions reflect the values and opinions of most Floridians: “We support creating opportunities for private enterprise, limited government, and incentive-based regulatory standards. Florida Farm Bureau also upholds a commitment to traditional family life and volunteer community service,” according to the website.
The election is Nov. 8.