Peter Schorsch
Three GOP lawmakers from Florida’s Panhandle are lending their support to fellow state Rep. Frank White to become the state’s attorney general, the campaign announced.
Reps. Brad Drake of Eucheeanna, Jayer Williamson of Pace, and Mel Ponder of Destin endorsed White, of Pensacola, on Wednesday.
White “will be the Attorney General Florida needs,” Drake said in a statement. “Frank has the work ethic, leadership skills, and values to make for an effective and outstanding Attorney General. I’m proud to endorse a consistent conservative in Frank White.”
Williamson added: “I couldn’t be more proud to endorse Frank White, a committed conservative and principled candidate for Attorney General. Frank has demonstrated an upmost dedication to the values we in Northwest Florida hold dear: The strongest commitment to family, faith and freedom.”
And Ponder said Florida “needs a conservative Attorney General with great character and integrity. I’m honored to endorse such a candidate in Frank White.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Frank in the legislature, where he has exemplified exceptional leadership, character, and values,”Ponder said. “Florida couldn’t ask for a greater conservative champion for Attorney General than Frank White.”
After receiving the endorsements, White said, “I am honored to have the support of my fellow conservatives here in Northwest Florida.”
White, a general counsel and chief financial officer for a group of auto dealerships, was first elected to the House last year. He joins a GOP primary battle that includes state Rep. Jay Fant of Jacksonville and former Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Ashley Moody.
The Cabinet post is open next year because term limits prevent current Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Tampa Republican, from seeking re-election. Democrat Ryan Torrens, an attorney from Hillsborough County, also has filed to run for the seat.
Background from the News Service of Florida, republished with permission.
