Curt Clawson Gets Support of Eagle Forum in CD 19

The Eagle Forum, a conservative group led by Phyllis Schlafly, announced on Tuesday it was backing businessman Curt Clawson for the Republican nomination in the special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., in Congress. Clawson battles Florida Senate Majority Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and former state Rep. Paige Kreegel in the primary next Tuesday.

Pat Andrews, who leads the Florida Eagle Forum, released the following statement on Tuesday:

"Rarely do conservatives in Florida's Congressional District 19 have an opportunity to send a strong leader to Washington. With the United States having a less-than-bright financial future ahead of us, it's more important than ever to choose leaders that have a history of inspiring vision and decisive implementation.

"After vetting all of the candidates and weighing their past history with their goals and performance as leaders, Curt Clawson is the only candidate with true measurable, leadership experience combined with a well-thought-out, executable plan for our country.

"Curt's plan has the elements that conservatives have demanded on both the state and federal level for years, but have seen little action from our elected officials. It includes reforming our corporate tax code to make America competitive; restoring budget discipline; giving flexibility to states for Medicaid; reforming our burdensome regulatory processes; and repealing Obamacare.

"Running a campaign is difficult, but if Curt's running of his campaign with integrity is any indication of how he will conduct himself in Congress, then the choice is crystal clear for Florida Eagle Forum. We enthusiastically endorse Curt Clawson to represent us as Florida's 19th District congressman."

Clawson weighed in with praise for Schafly and Eagle Forum.

"Having the support and recognition of a group so dedicated to the pro-life cause, reducing the size of government and having a strong national defense gives our campaign so much momentum to finish strong, Clawson said. I want to thank Phyllis Schlafly and Pat Andrews for their tireless dedication to the conservative movement and the pro-life cause and when elected, we will fight to protect those same values in Congress."