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Politics

Andrew Gillum Endorsed by Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe

March 21, 2017 - 2:00pm

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum continues to garner the support of leading Democrats as he continues his bid to be Florida’s next governor. 

Earlier this month, Gillum won the support of state Rep. Loranne Ausley, D-Tallahassee, and he also has the backing of former Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant. On Tuesday, Gillum won the endorsement of Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe. 

“As mayor of Gainesville, I know the importance of having a governor who understands the needs of our cities,” Poe said. “Mayor Gillum's nearly fifteen years of local government experience is exactly what we need in our next governor. Tallahassee is known nationally as a leader in areas of entrepreneurship and innovation, and Mayor Gillum will leverage his experience in these areas to build an economy that works for everyone. Change happens locally, closest to the people. Mayor Gillum understands this and will promote local solutions to local problems.
 
“As a lifelong educator, I am deeply heartened by Mayor Gillum's commitment to strengthening our public schools,” Poe added. “Mayor Gillum is absolutely correct when he says that a quality education is the best path to opportunity. His focus on providing resources for early childhood preparedness is desperately needed from our state leadership. Mayor Gillum is committed to supporting an education system that will ensure every child has the opportunity to break free from inter-generational poverty through a quality education.
 
“Mayor Gillum's personal narrative is one of hope and inspiration,” Poe said in conclusion. “His vision is bold and uplifting. Mayor Gillum's progressive brand of leadership is what our state needs to tackle the challenges ahead. I am proud to endorse my friend as he runs to serve as Florida's next governor.”
 
Gainesville City Commissioner Adrian Hayes-Santos also endorsed Gillum on Tuesday. 

“I’m so honored to have Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe and City Commissioner Adrian Hayes-Santos’ endorsements,” Gillum said. “Our state needs vibrant leaders like Mayor Poe and Commissioner Hayes-Santos to continue advocating for forward-thinking solutions at every level of government. Gainesville has a special place in my heart, and I look forward to working closely with Mayor Poe and Commissioner Hayes-Santos to make it even better.”

Still, a poll released on Tuesday shows Gillum has work to do if he wants to be the state’s next governor. 

Gillum pulled in the low single digits of a poll of Florida Democrats by St. Leo University.  Forty percent of Florida Democrats are unsure on who they are supporting for governor next year while 20 percent back former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy who was the party’s unsuccessful candidate against U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., last year. Attorney John Morgan takes 9 percent followed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer with 6 percent. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and Miami Beach Mayor Phil Levine takes 5 percent apiece while two candidates based out of Tallahassee--former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and Gillum--get  4 percent each. St. Petersburg Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who has said he will not run, gets 3 percent. Former state Sen. Jeremy Ring and Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler take 2 percent apiece while 4 percent prefer other candidates. 

So far Gillum and Orlando businessman Chris King, who was not included in the poll, have launched gubernatorial bids on the Democratic side but none of the other Democrats included in the poll have. Gillum has been hit with accusations of using official email to help his campaign. 

Comments

Definition of Political Endorsement: A backroom Deal has been struck. "You have to Elect the Endorsee to know what is in it."

I'm going with Gwen Graham. Apples don't fall too far from their trees.

Correction: "Apples don't fall far from the Horse."

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