Police union backs Ed Hooper for Senate

Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper announced Friday that the Florida Fraternal Order of Police District 3 Lodges have endorsed his campaign for state Senate.

“Ed Hooper has shown his support for first responders. Now the members of the Fraternal Order of Police, District 3 lodges are glad to support him in his bid for the State Senate,” said John E. Sheffield, the director of FOP District 3.

Hooper is a former first responder – he spent 24 years working for the Clearwater Fire Department before he was elected to the Florida House in 2006.

“My proudest endorsements are having the men and women of public safety supporting my candidacy. The work they do every day keeps our families safe from harm,” Hooper said.

That’s high praise considering the other names who’ve lined up behind the former lawmaker’s 2018 campaign, such as Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and former House Speaker Will Weatherford.

Hooper faces Palm Harbor restauranteur Leo Karruli in the Republican Primary for Senate District 16, which is currently vacant due to the resignation of former Republican Sen. Jack Latvala. Also running is Dunedin Democrat Bernie Fensterwald.

Through the end of March, Hooper led the money race with nearly $250,000 on hand in his campaign account and another $95,000 on hand in his political committee, Friends of Ed Hooper.

Fensterwald, through the same date, has brought in nearly $60,000 for his campaign and has about $27,000 on hand. His total includes $44,000 in loans. Karruli, who filed in late Februday, has raised $100 in outside money and has loaned his campaign about $4,000. He has $656 in the bank.

SD 16 encompasses Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, New Port Richey and Oldsmar. The seat has a heavy Republican lean – it voted plus-12 for Donald Trump in 2016.