A.G. Gancarski
Last week, FloridaPolitics.com observed that, regarding 5th Congressional District Republican candidate Glo Smith, the cavalry needed to get a move on if they wanted to boost her campaign.
In mid-October, it appears that may happen, as Smith announced meaningful support from key members of the Northeast Florida donor class … at long last.
“I’m proud and humbled to have the support from many of our key business leaders — and it shows the type of leader I will be in Washington,” Smith said. “I will start right away to help reform our system for Florida families.”
Among the notable names backing Smith are Toney Sleiman, a local strip-mall developer who takes an active role in Jacksonville politics, including backing Donald Trump heavily during the general election campaign.
“Glo knows business,” said Sleiman. “She’s a hard-working, conservative leader who will look at issues from a business perspective and work together to get things done in Washington.”
Also backing Smith are W.W. Gay and assorted others, listed below:
• Jacksonville businessman Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood Holmes of Jacksonville
• William W. “Bill” Gay, Eloise Gay and Bill Gay Jr. of W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor Inc.
• Madison County farmer Bubba Greene
• Jacksonville businessman Chuck Parliament
• Jacksonville businessman Marvin Lane
• Dr. Roy Hinman of Jacksonville
• Toney Sleiman, Sleiman Enterprises in Jacksonville
• Jacksonville businessman Ben Godbold
• Maggie’s List
• Mr. Mauro and Dr. Lillian Gines
• Mr. and Mrs. Tony (Jo) Knott
• Mr. and Mrs. R.C. (Lois)Mills
There is, to be sure, a real resource gap between Smith and Democrat Al Lawson, a veteran politician and lobbyist from Tallahassee who appears to be the frontrunner to replace Corrine Brown as CD 5 representative.
As of the October quarterly report, Smith’s campaign brought in $31,325 and spent $21,231, leaving her with $11,908 on hand at the end of the period.
Lawson, meanwhile, had $79,309 on hand.
