Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell announced on Thursday he is backing former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine in the Florida Democratic primary to replace term-limited Gov. Rick Scott.
Rendell, who served two terms as governor of the Keystone State and two terms as mayor of Philadelphia, becomes the second former chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to offer an endorsement this week. Earlier in the week, former Gov. Howard Dean, D-Vt., backed former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., in the primary.
The former Pennsylvania governor offered his reasons for backing Levine.
"I am proud to support Mayor Philip Levine to be the next governor of Florida,” Rendell said. “As a former two-term mayor myself, I am happy to stand behind another mayor with a strong record of success, who has done the right thing for his community by taking bold action on climate change, raising the minimum wage, and fighting for the values that improve the lives of residents.
During my time as Governor, I realized I was incredibly well prepared for the challenges I would face because of my service as a two term mayor,” Rendell added. “As the former chair of the DNC, I also know what it takes to win tough races. Philip has everything it takes to win the governor's mansion after over 20 years of one-party rule and bring Florida Democrats together with a bold progressive vision for the future.”
"It is my honor to have Governor Rendell's support in our governor’s race,” Levine said. “Ed is a good friend, an incredible mayor, and an accomplished governor in his own right. Our campaign continues to grow its support because Floridians know we will shake up Tallahassee and focus on getting things done. As governor, I’m committed to move Florida forward as a leader in the 21st century economy by investing in our public schools, our environment, our health-care, and fighting for the real needs of Floridians.”
Besides Graham and Levine, other candidates for the Democratic nomination include Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and Central Florida businessman Chris King.
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