Democrats and Independents for Scott Coalition Grows

Few media outlets are reporting on the fourteen prominent Florida Democrats and Independents have endorsed Governor Scott for Re-Election. After receiving more votes than any primary gubernatorial candidate in Florida history, the Rick Scott for Florida Campaign announced the “Democrats and Independents for Scott” coalition – led by prominent political and business leaders across the Sunshine State.

There is now a fifteen Democrat who has come out and endorsed Rick Scott for Governor. His name is Michael W. Calsetta (D) – Former President of the Conservative Democratic Alliance.

Calsetta along with the other coalition members praised Rick Scott’s record of job creation, fiscal responsibility, investments in education and public safety, 15 Democrats and independents endorsed Governor Scott for re-election and his vision for Florida.

James Harold Thompson, former Speaker of the Florida House, said: “I am honored to endorse Governor Scott’s re-election efforts. His leadership has helped Florida to rebound from the great recession.”

Joe Chillura, Former Democratic Tampa City Council Member, said: “Florida needs a leader who wakes up every day with one goal – to improve the lives of every Floridian. That’s what we have in Rick Scott. He’s worked tirelessly to bring jobs back to Florida. He’s increased funding for education to record levels and has fought to keep tuition low, including significantly reducing the cost of pre-paid college tuition. And he’s worked to reduce state debt so that the burden doesn’t fall on our children. Because of Rick Scott, the old adage is true: we’re better off than we were four years ago.”

Marc Sarnoff, City of Miami Commissioner, said: “Governor Rick Scott took office at a difficult time for the state of Florida and was forced to make some difficult decisions that weren’t always popular. But true leadership sometimes means making those tough decisions for the long-term benefit of the state, and that’s exactly what Rick Scott did. Now, as a result, Florida is enjoying an economic recovery that is leading the nation, with over 600,000 jobs created, property values increasing, and record investment in education. Leadership isn’t always easy, but it always pays off.”

Steve Whidden, Sheriff of Hendry County, said: “By almost every standard it’s working under Rick Scott. Crime is at a 43 year low. The state has created over 600,000 new jobs in the last 4 years. State education funding is at an all-time high, while Governor Scott has worked to keep tuition low for Florida students. And with Governor Scott’s fiscal leadership, the state has paid off $3.6 billion in state debt. The record speaks for itself, and I’m happy to support Governor Rick Scott.”

Members of “Democrats and Independents for Scott” Coalition:

Susan Benton (D) – Sheriff of Highlands County
Ted Blackburn (I) – Mayor, Village of Islamorada
Joe Capitano (D) – Tampa Business Owner
Joe Chillura (D) – Former Tampa City Council Member
Gib Coerper (D) – Mayor of Alachua
Mike Forster (I) – Councilman, Village of Islamorada
Jeff Hardy (D) – Sheriff of Putnam County
Mark Hunter (NPA) – Sheriff of Columbia County
Marc Sarnoff (D) – City of Miami Commissioner
Gordon Smith (D) – Sheriff of Bradford County
Ben Stewart (NPA) – Sheriff of Madison County
James Harold Thompson (D) – Former Speaker of Florida House
Steve Whidden (D) – Sheriff of Hendry County
Stuart Whiddon (D) – Sheriff of Glades County

And “another” Democrat

Michael W. Calsetta (D) – Former President of the Conservative Democratic Alliance