Alex Sink Talks Up Alternative Energy--and Unveils Endorsements

State CFO Alex Sink, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, spoke in Delray Beach on Tuesday about the ties between energy and Floridas struggling economy -- and trumpeted some new endorsements.

Taking a page from Bud Chiles, who had run for governor without party affiliation until pulling out of the race last week to endorse Sink, the CFO pushed alternative energies as a future cornerstone for the Sunshine States economy.

"Florida has the opportunity to be a national and global leader in the development and production of new and renewable energy -- but we have to start focusing on this innovative industry right now," said Sink. "As governor, I will champion the exciting innovations already going on around our state -- in solar, biofuel, biomass, and other innovative sectors -- and bring the kind of policies and leadership needed to make new and renewable energy a true force here in Florida. With our state's unique combination of natural resources, cutting-edge R&D capabilities, and skilled work force, it is clear that new and renewable energy should be a key part of remaking Florida's economy for the long-term."

Sinks position on alternative energies was a key factor in a number of endorsements her campaign unveiled at the event in Delray Beach. The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy, Floridians for Energy Independence and the Florida Feedstock Growers Association, which backed Republican U.S. Rep Adam Putnam to be the states next commissioner of agriculture and consumer services in August, all endorsed Sink.

"Alex Sink is the only candidate to submit a detailed plan which outlines the path toward the state's first renewable energy marketplace that will result in long-term job growth and the attraction of new manufacturing into Florida," said Vice President Ed Strobel of the Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy."I am a fiscally conservative Republican and a small-business man that has to meet a payroll every week. The solutions are simple -- we just need a leader who won't be afraid to stand up to the large special interests to make it happen. Alex Sink will be that leader."