Scott Powers
Republican state Rep. Bobby Olszewski has picked up the endorsement of the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, the powerful Orlando tourism organization that also is in his district.
Olszewski, who came to office in a special election last October, represents Florida House District 44 covering southwest Orange County, including most of the Orlando area’s major tourism attractions. The I-Drive Chamber membership includes almost all but the Walt Disney World theme parks, the Orange County Convention Center and scores of resort hotels and smaller attractions.
Earlier Olszewski picked up the endorsement of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement today from the International Drive Chamber of Commerce for my re-election in Florida House District 44,” Olszewski, of Winter Garden, stated in a news release issued by his re-election campaign. “With the Orange County Convention Center, Universal Studios, and Sea World in addition to all of the world-class hotels, restaurants, and attractions serving the I-Drive area, I look forward to doing all I can to help promote a positive tourism, hospitality, and pro-business environment.”
Normally the district is an easy Republican hold, but Olszewski has drawn a number of Democratic challengers this year, including businessman Eddy Dominguez, whom Olszewski defeated last October; former state Sen. Geraldine Thompson; progressive activist Margaret Melanie Gold; and real estate agent Matt Matin.
