The final lines of a North Florida congressional seat remain unsettled but two Republican candidates running for it are reeling in major endorsements.
Running for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., Dr. Neal Dunn, a urologist from Panama City, unveiled a major endorsement on Monday as former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, announced his support.
Gaetz had been mentioned as a possible congressional candidate in the Panhandle if U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., entered the 2016 U.S. Senate race. While redistricting is still unsettled, under the base map used by the Florida Legislature in the recently concluded special session, Graham’s district would be considerably changed, including bringing in more Republicans. The Miami Herald reported last week that Gaetz had played a large role in the first redistricting efforts.
On Monday, Gaetz praised Dunn, noting his service in Army.
“Neal Dunn is one of us here in North Florida,” said Gaetz. “In his own military career and the military service and sacrifices of his family, he personifies the values and needs of our retired military and the communities that host our bases and missions. In his distinguished career as a medical doctor caring for thousands of North Florida families, he knows firsthand the health care issues that affect our communities. In his successful business career, he faces the same struggles as the rest of us in meeting payroll, growing jobs and working through the maze of government regulation.
“Neal's life perfectly qualifies him to speak for North Florida and to fight for North Florida,” Gaetz added. “He is a conservative with solutions that work. I am honored to support him for Congress.”
“I thank Senator Don Gaetz for his support of my campaign,” said Dunn. “North Florida is important to me – this is where I have practiced as a surgeon for the last 25 years and where my wife and I have raised our family. I am passionate about serving my home district and serving as an unapologetic conservative with specific ideas addressing three very important issues to me – health care, the economy and national security. I look forward to discussing these important issues on the campaign trail with my fellow neighbors.”
Gaetz is not the only former legislative leader behind Dunn. Former Florida House Speaker Allen Bense is also supporting Dunn.
Tallahassee attorney Mary Thomas is also running for the Republican nomination and she announced a major endorsement of her own last week.
State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister endorsed Thomas on Thursday. Siegmeister noted they were both members of the Federalist Society, a group of conservative attorneys.
"As a conservative Republican and a fellow attorney, I am excited to endorse conservative Mary Thomas for Congress,” Siegmeister said. “Mary’s campaign is historic. She will bring much-needed vibrancy and a true conservative voice to Congress so that we can fight to protect the American dream and help return our country to greatness.”
"As a strong conservative and member of the Federalist Society of conservative attorneys, it gives me great pride to have the endorsement of State Attorney Siegmeister,” Thomas said. Mr. Siegmeister has a record of conservative leadership and represents North Florida well. I thank him for his trust in me to carry my conservative leadership to Washington to truly stand up for the family values of our area."
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
