Scott Powers
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine added the backing of eight more local leaders to his list of South Florida endorsements.
Levine, the former mayor of Miami Beach, announced the endorsements Tuesday of Lake Worth Vice-Mayor Andy Amoroso, Miami Beach commissioners Ricky Arriola and Micky Steinberg, Boynton Beach Commissioner Justin Katz, former Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl, Aventura Commissioner Robert Shelley, Golden Beach Mayor Glenn Singer, and Aventura Mayor Enid Weisman.
The endorsements add to his buffer of local support against the emergence of fellow South Florida businessman Jeff Greene in the battle for the Aug. 28 Democratic primary in the governor’s race. Also in the race are Winter Park businessman Chris King, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, and former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham.
“Mayor Levine has the executive experience necessary to bring Florida into the future,” Weisman stated in a news release issued by Levine’s campaign. “He is a public servant in the truest sense of the word, and he would serve Florida with the same honor and integrity that he did on Miami Beach. I’m proud to stand with him as he seeks to return a government in Tallahassee to the people.”
The other endorsers tackled key Democratic issues in their praise for Levine.
Amoroso highlighted Levine’s support for the LGBTQ community.
Arriola addressed his focus on building a 21st-century economy. Katz said Levine would be a champion for public schools.
Keechl expressed confidence that Levine would support local governments against state government pre-emption efforts.
Singer praised Levine’s understanding about and commitment to address climate change and sea-level rise.
Shelley spoke of Levine’s grassroots support. Steinberg spoke as a working mother confident in Levine’s commitment to public schools.
In the release, Levine stated:
“This election is so crucial for the future of Florida — it will decide the direction our state goes in for years to come. As I’ve traveled and met with community leaders and residents, I’ve heard the same thing from people from Pensacola to Little Haiti — it’s time for new leadership in Florida that respects the will and priorities of the people. I’m thrilled to have the endorsement of such honorable public servants and look forward to working alongside them, and the people of Florida, to come together and make history by flipping our state blue for the first time in twenty years.”
