Locked in a close primary battle with a little over a month until the primary election, the three candidates fighting it out for the Republican nomination for attorney general announced late Wednesday that they will hold a debate Saturday, July 31.
The debate between Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, former Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Holly Benson and former Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi will be at noon on the Florida Decides Forum show, hosted by Bay News 9 in the Tampa Bay area and News 13 in Orlando.
I want to thank Bay News 9 and Central Florida News 13 for agreeing to host a debate between the Republican candidates for Florida attorney general on July 31, said Kottkamp. This will be a great opportunity for people along the I-4 corridor to hear from the candidates and decide who is best prepared to serve as their chief legal officer.
I also want to thank my two opponents in this race for agreeing to this debate, he added. I look forward to sharing the stage with them on July 31 and talking about issues important to all Floridians.
I am looking forward to a vigorous discussion on the issues facing our state, and I am glad that we were able to agree on our first televised debate, said Benson. This televised debate will be a great opportunity for the voters of Florida to see the differences between the candidates for Florida attorney general.
Looking to tap into the anti-incumbent political mood, Bondi responded by contrasting her record with those of her opponents.
"I look forward to debating my opponents July 31st and am confident the voters will see the clear choice between my experience as a prosecutor and the political careers of my opponents," said Bondi. "I have spent nearly two decades in a courtroom prosecuting criminals, and I have the legal experience and qualifications necessary to continue my work as Florida's next attorney general."
Earlier Wednesday, the Bondi campaign claimed the second quarter as its most successful quarter of fund-raising in 2010 -- bringing in more than $270,000, of whichmore than $200,000 is cash. This compares to more than $222,000 in cash raised in the first quarter, of which in-kind donations were more than $70,000.
The momentum of the Bondi campaign is peaking at the right time, said former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, a Bondi backer. The fund-raising success is a reflection of widespread enthusiasm for Pam's message, and I am confident that we will see similar results in the voting on Aug. 24."
Our leadership team is growing every day and we are receiving an extremely positive response from the people of Florida, said Bondi. I am pleased we are meeting our fund-raising goals because it is critically important to make sure the voters are well-informed in this race."
Benson released her financial figures for the second quarter Thursday afternoon, revealing she had raised more than $150,000 in cash during that period.
As we head toward the primary election on Aug. 24, I continue to be humbled by the outpouring of support I have been receiving as I meet and speak with Republican voters throughout the state, said Benson. Many tell me that they believe I am the best prepared to continue General McCollums lawsuit challenging Obamacare, and they believe I share their conservative values. We have the crucial momentum heading into the home stretch.
The Kottkamp campaign has yet to release financial statements from the second quarter.
Contact Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or (850) 727-0859.
