Bill Rufty
The Baxter Troutman campaign moved into a higher gear Saturday in the Republican primary for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture with two ads in the Orlando media market, campaign manager Carlo Fossi said.
The television ads on began running on Fox News and local network channels showing the Winter Haven businessman and former state Representative talking of the positive future for Florida agriculture and his plans for consumer protection segment of the office.
The second ad is his wife, Becky Troutman, discussing her husband and his race.
The two ads have been running in other parts of the state for a few weeks, but the entry into the Orlando market signals an aggressive increase in the campaign leading up to the Aug. 28 primary.
The media market contains about 25 percent of the Republican voters in the state.
“While Our opponents continue to squabble amongst each other, we’ll continue pushing Baxter’s positive message for Florida agriculture,” Fossi said.
The reference is to Rep. Matt Caldwell of Lehigh Acres accusing Sen. Denise Grimsley of receiving and not returning campaign money from disgraced Sen. Jack Latvala through a third party PAC. Grimsley said the accusation is Caldwell stooping to dirty politics.
A fourth Republican in the primary race, Mike McCalister of Plant City has so far not posted ads or mail outs.
