Scott Powers
Bob Butterworth, Florida’s longest-serving Attorney General, has endorsed Gwen Graham for Governor, her campaign announced Monday.
Butterworth, whose tenure lasted from 1987 through 2002, cited Graham’s plan to hold drug companies accountable for fueling the opioid crisis.
“Gwen Graham is the only candidate for governor who has put forward an actionable plan to hold drug companies accountable and to end the opioid epidemic. Gwen understands Florida can’t arrest our way out of this crisis. The state must stop it at its source,” Butterworth stated in a news release issued by Graham’s campaign. “Just as Florida led the nation in taking on big tobacco, Gwen isn’t afraid to take on any industry or special interests and she will lead our state in taking on the drug companies fueling addiction in Florida.”
As the state’s top cop, Butterworth led Florida’s lawsuit against the tobacco industry, which set a national example and resulted in an $11 billion settlement for the state. In addition to four terms as Attorney General, Butterworth also served as Broward County sheriff, a judge, and secretary of the Department of Children and Families.
Graham faces former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, and Winter Park businessman Chris King in the Democratic primary contest. The leading Republicans are U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.
“Bob Butterworth has dedicated his life to protecting equal justice and Florida families. I’m honored to have his endorsement,” Graham stated. “As governor, I will stand up to the corporations and special interests harming our state. I will sue the drug companies, protect Florida’s children and take on the NRA to pass common-sense gun regulations.”
