Ryan Nicol
Democratic candidate Lauren Baer is out with a new campaign ad arguing she’s the best candidate to address environmental issues in Florida’s 18th Congressional District.
The ad, titled “Clear,” tackles the recent algae blooms in particular. Baer argues incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican, hasn’t done enough to stop the spread of those blooms throughout the coast.
“In this election, we have a clear choice to protect our water and economy,” the ad’s narrator begins.
“Since Brian Mast has been in Congress, he’s taken over $80,000 from polluters, and consistently voted to eliminate protections for our water. The algae crisis has gotten worse. Our water and economy can’t take another two years of Brian Mast.
“The Palm Beach Post endorsed Lauren Baer because she’s the best choice to fight the algae crisis. Lauren Baer: clear water, clear choice.”
However, Mast campaign spokesperson Brad Stewart argues Baer’s ad overlooks the work Mast has done to fight for environmental protections.
“Fighting toxic algae has been the number one issue that Congressman Mast has worked on,” said Stewart.
“He promised to get the EAA Southern Storage Reservoir authorized and he delivered. He promised to get funding to combat harmful algae blooms and toxic agricultural runoff and he delivered. And he was one of only three Representatives in the entire state of Florida to vote against subsidies for the sugar industry.”
Stewart also noted Mast’s endorsements from environmental groups such as Everglades Trust and Bullsugar. TCPalm also announced its endorsement of Mast Sunday, arguing Mast “has devoted his first term to demonstrable action on the environmental crisis facing District 18.”
“This ad wreaks of political hypocrisy from a candidate who has repeatedly told voters that water quality won’t be her top priority in Congress and that she opposes legislation to make health and human safety the top priority to prevent discharges,” Stewart added.
While Baer has mentioned health care as a top priority for CD 18, she has also named the environment as a leading concern as well.
