Webster Unifies GOP with Endorsements from His CD 8 Rivals

The Republican bid to retake Central Florida's 8th Congressional District took a step forward this week when GOP nominee Daniel Webster landed endorsements from his six primary election rivals.

All six candidates -- Kurt Kelly, Todd Long, Patricia Sullivan, Bruce O'Donoghue, Dan Fanelli and Ross Bieling -- praised Webster and urged voters to oust first-term Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando.

Webster, a former state senator, already boasts a lengthy list of supporters, including former Gov. Jeb Bush, 2008 presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and former Sen. Connie Mack.

With the GOP field united behind him, Webster hopes to hold Republican voters who might opt for Florida TEA Party candidate Peg Dunmire in the general election.

Sullivan, a local tea activist, alluded to that prospect, saying, "The Tea Party movement has fought for fiscal responsibility, limited government and free markets. I know Senator Webster will also fight for these values and he has my full support."