Florida's Senate Leadership Stands United Behind John Legg

The next two Florida Senate presidents, along with three who may be in contention for the post in four years, teamed to give their support in the District 17 race to House Speaker Pro Tempore John Legg, R-Port Richey.

Senate President-designate Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and Sen. John Trasher, R-St. Augustine, issued a joint statement Thursday in support of Legg.

It is a privilege for us to join with thousands of his neighbors and friends in Pasco and Hillsborough counties in supporting Representative John Legg for the Florida Senate, the joint statement read.

Representative Legg has been lifted up by his community for his strong record of service and leadership and chosen by his fellow legislators as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives. He will enter the Senate as a respected, powerful voice for the Tampa Bay area.

Over the next few years the Legislature and governor will be taking bold steps to connect public and private education to the realities and opportunities of the economy. Representative Legg is a proven champion for education reform and shares our vision for an educational system that prepares students for real jobs in the real economy.

Our endorsement of John Legg is an affirmation of what his community has already recognized: In John Legg, the people of Pasco and Hillsborough counties have found a successful and committed advocate for conservative values.

Gardiner is expected to be in line for the Senate presidency in 2014, with Latvala, Thrasher and possibly Negron contending for the post in 2016.

Legg, who faces two Tampa Republican primary challengers in John Korask and Rob Wallace, has been amassing endorsements since even before Sen. Jim Norman, R-Tampa, withdrew from the race on Tuesday.