CD 5 Republican Glo Smith scores backing of NE Florida businessmen

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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.

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has been the Northeast Florida correspondent for Florida Politics since 2014. He writes for the New York Post and National Review also, with previous work in the American Conservative and Washington Times and a 15+ year run as a columnist in Folio Weekly. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski



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