Pam Bondi Backs Tom Lee Over Rachel Burgin

Former state Senate President Tom Lee is looking to get back into the Florida Senate -- but he has an interesting Republican primary battle with Rep. Rachel Burgin, R-Tampa, looming in August.

Lee won the endorsement of one of the leading Republicans in the state on Thursday when Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that she was backing him.

During his years of elected service to Florida, Tom Lee has proven his ability to champion and effectively accomplish policy objectives essential to the success of our state with great character, honesty and integrity, Bondi said in a statement released by the Lee team. It is critical that the Florida Senate elect strong and conservative leaders like Tom Lee to help ensure that our state continues to create jobs, offer opportunities and provide safety for all Floridians. I am pleased to offer my endorsement and support to not only a respected and trusted conservative leader and successful businessman, but also my longtime family friend, Tom Lee.