Former Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Chairman Lenny Curry announced on Monday that he had reeled in the support of three members of the Florida Cabinet as he runs against Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. State Attorney General Pam Bondi, Floridas CFO Jeff Atwater and state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said on Monday they were backing Curry.
"For these three principled conservatives to offer their support and place their trust in me is humbling," said Curry. "I am proud that such respected leaders have joined our campaign to make Jacksonville a city where every person in every neighborhood can see their dreams become a reality."
Curry is not the only Republican looking to beat Brown. Jacksonville City Councilman Bill Bishop is also running in the March 24 election and there is some buzz that former state Rep. Mike Hogan, who Brown beat in 2011, could emerge for another run. There are no party primaries in the Jacksonville mayoral race. If no candidate gets a majority on March 24, the top two candidates will face a runoff election on May 19.
Atwater praised Currys record in the private sector and insisted he would be a fiscal conservative if elected.
"Lenny Curry is more than just a successful businessman, Atwater said. Thanks to his background in accounting and finance at the world's largest accounting firm, Lenny has the experience to be a watchdog of every single tax dollar paid by the people of Jacksonville. As the next mayor, he will bring reliable, common-sense stewardship to the city budget and will be a champion for hard-working families. Lenny is exactly the kind of conservative, fiscally responsible leader that Jacksonville needs."
Bondi insisted Curry would be tough on crime in her endorsement.
"Lenny Curry's commitment to serve his community represents exactly the right leadership style for Jacksonville's future, Bondi said. Lenny has a deep understanding of the challenges facing law enforcement in a large city like Jacksonville, and the constitutional freedoms that are afforded to every citizen. Lenny will provide the visionary leadership that will transform the entire city of Jacksonville, and I am honored to endorse his candidacy."
Putnam also stressed Curry's conservative credentials.
"Lenny Curry is a tireless advocate for conservative principles that will create jobs, protect public safety, and prepare our kids for their future, Putnam said. As a small-business owner, he has the experience to make Jacksonville a city where working families can pursue their dreams. Lenny is a leader people can trust, and I am proud to support him as Jacksonville's next mayor."
But Bishop, a member of the City Council since 2007, is also stressing his conservatism and his vision for Jacksonvilles future.
If you believe Jacksonville should be a vibrant, fun city, if you believe that art in public places and culture add to life, if you believe we should protect the St. Johns River and our natural resources, if you believe doing business with and within the city should be easier, if you believe Jacksonville is the economic driver of Northeast Florida, if you believe Jacksonville's unique neighborhoods deserve protection and promotion, if you believe in smart growth and better public transportation, if you believe in equal rights for all people, if you believe whats best for Jacksonville transcends party lines, if you believe Jacksonville should be a great American city, then you belive in Bill Bishop for mayor, Bishop insisted earlier this month.
Bishop, a former president of the Jacksonville City Council, is also starting to take the gloves off and go after Curry.
Jacksonville doesn't deserve the same old bought and paid for GOP candidates, Bishop posted on Twitter last week, a clear shot at Curry.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
