Ashley Moody touts 19 local endorsements for AG bid

Republican Ashley Moody on Wednesday announced 19 endorsements for her Attorney General campaign from local elected officials across the state.

The bulk endorsement includes nods from seven county commissioners, three county tax collectors, and two each of mayors, city commissioners, school board members and clerks of court as well as one property appraiser.

“As I travel across the state, sharing my vision for Florida’s future as the State’s next Attorney General, local elected officials agree that public safety is of paramount concern for their communities, not only as a quality of life issue, but for economic viability.” said Moody. “Thank you to these leaders for joining our team and our campaign for a safer, stronger Florida.”

The local endorsements add to Moody’s tally of backers, which includes 35 Republican sheriffs, 11 state attorneys. She also has the backing of current Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is termed out in the Cabinet post.

Moody, a former judge, is one of six candidates running for Attorney General.

She faces Republican Reps. Jay Fant, Ross Spano and Frank White in the Republican Primary. Competing for the Democratic nomination are Tampa Rep. Sean Shaw and Ryan Torrens.

Moody is in second place in the fundraising race with about $1.5 million on hand between her campaign account and political committee, Friends of Ashley Moody. White leads the pack with nearly $2 million on hand, though his total includes a $1.5 million self-contribution.

The full list of Moody endorsements announced Wednesday: St. Johns County Commissioner Henry Dean, Hendry County Commissioner Darrell Harris, Volusia Chair of County Council Ed Kelley, Gilchrist County Commissioner Marion Poitevint, Nassau County Commissioner George Spicer, Nassau County Commissioner Justin Taylor, Charlotte County Commissioner William Truex, Bay County Superintendent of Schools Bill Husfelt, Volusia County School Board member Melody Johnson, Manatee County Clerk of Court Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Bay County Clerk of Court Bill Kinsaul, Nassau County Tax Collector John Drew, Lake County Tax Collector Bob McKee, Walton County Tax Collector Rhonda Skipper, Nassau County Property Appraiser Michael Hickox, Callaway Mayor Pamn Henderson, Panama City Beach Mayor Mike Thomas, Sweetwater City Commissioner David Borrero and St. Augustine Vice Mayor and City Commissioner Tod Neville.