A day after Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam became the first state Cabinet officer to back a presidential candidate, former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts unveiled the endorsement of Florida CFO Jeff Atwater on Wednesday. With the support of Putnam and now Atwater, Romney is the only Republican presidential hopeful to have the backing of leaders who currently hold statewide office in Florida.
Jeff Atwater's work to reduce spending and regulatory burdens has been critical in the effort to bring Florida out of this economic downturn, Romney said in a statement. His leadership in Florida is an example for the rest of the country. I look forward to working with him to bring these principles of lower spending and less regulation to Washington.
Florida voters are looking for a conservative leader who will restore fiscal responsibility to Washington, said Atwater who took aim at the leadership provided by President Barack Obama on economic issues. President Obamas regulations have imposed heavy burdens on small businesses. With millions of Americans unemployed, the uncertainty created by his economic policies is simply unacceptable.
Atwater, who holds an M.B.A. and has a background in banking, pointed to Romneys record in the private sector as well as his experience in political office.
From his time working in business, Mitt Romney understands that our country cant continue spending more than we take in, said Atwater. As governor of Massachusetts, he balanced the budget with a Democratic Legislature and without raising taxes. He will offer the critical leadership our country needs in the White House. I am proud to support Mitt in his campaign.
Coming from well-established roots in the Sunshine State -- his great-grandfather was the legendary Napoleon Bonaparte Broward who served as governor from 1905 until 1909 -- Atwater was first elected to the Florida House in 2000 before moving over to the Senate in 2002. Rising to become president of the Senate, Atwater represented parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties before being elected to his current post in 2010.
Coming behind John McCain, who went on to win the Republican nomination, Romney placed second in the 2008 Florida presidential primary, taking 31 percent of the vote and carrying 18 of the Sunshine States 67 counties. Current polls show Romney in a close battle with businessman Herman Cain in Florida, which will hold its primary on Jan. 31.
While Atwater and Putnam are behind Romney, Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi have not endorsed any of the Republican presidential hopefuls. Neither has freshman Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
