The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), one of the leading groups in the Sunshine State, is behind state CFO Jimmy Patronis as he looks to win a full term in his own right.
Patronis was named to the post last summer by Gov. Rick Scott after then CFO Jeff Atwater resigned to take a job at Florida Atlantic University. With neither of the major parties holding primaries in the CFO race next month, Patronis is set to face former state Sen. Jeremy Ring, who has the Democratic nomination, in November.
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla., the president and CEO of AIF, weighed in on Tuesday on why his group was backing Patronis.
“AIF Board of Directors proudly endorse Jimmy Patronis to continue serving as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer,” said Tom Feeney. “A fourth-generation Floridian who grew up in his family’s restaurant business, Jimmy learned at a young age the value of a dollar and what it takes to run a successful business. Jimmy also has spent many, many hours giving back to his community and our state through his commitment to public service. In his role as CFO, he has led with transparency, accountability, and is constantly fighting fraudulent practices impacting Florida families and businesses. AIF Board of Directors stand with Jimmy Patronis for CFO of Florida.”
“I am absolutely honored that the Associated Industries of Florida Board of Directors has endorsed my campaign to remain Florida’s Chief Financial Officer,” said Patronis. “I thank AIF for their support and advocacy on behalf of businesses in our state. I’ve received their Champions for Business award multiple times, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to create further prosperity and strong fiscal growth in Florida by building the best economic climate possible for our job creators and families alike.”
This is the second high profile endorsement AIF has been made in recent days. On Monday, the group threw its support behind state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam for governor.
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