Pam Bondi, a little-known Hillsborough County prosecutor just four months ago, triumphed over two more established party rivals to win the Republican nomination for attorney general.
Buoyed by dissatisfied GOP voters looking for a fresh face, Bondi beat Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and former state administrator Holly Benson to earn the right to face Democratic nominee Dan Gelber in the Nov. 2 election.
A former Democrat and a newcomer to the arena of electoral politics, Bondi received late support from 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Bondi also won the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Florida.
Pre-election polls, including one conducted for Sunshine State News, showed Bondi in a close contest with Kottkamp, with a large percentage of voters undecided. Pollsters suggested that her political independence from the Crist administration and her prosecutorial experience swayed many late deciders.
Bondi's conservative platform also earned rave reviews -- though no formal endorsements -- from Tea Party groups around the state.
Kottkamp beat the media in declaring Bondi's victory by tweeting a message to the winner.
I have called Pam Bondi to congratulate her on her victory tonight," Kottkamp said. "Ms. Bondi ran a great campaign and I wish her the best of luck in the general election.I told her we need a Republican to remain attorney general.
I look forward to supporting the Republican slate of candidates in November.Too much is at stake this election cycle to sit on the sidelines and do nothing.
Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 559-4719.
