Garrett Richter Backs Lizbeth Benacquisto for Congress

Florida Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter, R-Naples, endorsed Florida Senate Majority Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, for the Republican nomination in the special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla.

After pleading guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession in November, Radel resigned from Congress at the end of January, leaving a coveted seat in Congress up for grabs.

I have had the distinct privilege to serve this community with Lizbeth Benacquisto, Richter said on Tuesday. Lizbeth is tremendously passionate about standing up for the conservative values we all hold dear. Lizbeth is someone I know and I can trust to be effective, she has earned my respect. I am proud to support her, and know Lizbeth Benacquisto will represent Collier County and all of Southwest Florida in Congress with the dignity and respect we deserve.

I am proud to have the support of Sen. Richter. He has proven to Collier and Lee counties that the conservative values we share are getting Florida back on track, said Benacquisto on the edorsement. Sen. Richter joins a long list of community leaders who have humbled me with their trust and confidence.