Republican candidate Gene Valentino has picked up two more endorsements:
Former Escambia County Commissioner Kevin White: “Whether addressing challenges or pursuing opportunities, Gene consistently demonstrates his ability to lead with vision, courage, and dedication. I firmly believe Gene Valentino is the right person to represent our district in Congress. I wholeheartedly support him and encourage you to join me in voting for him as our next congressman. Together, we can trust Gene to stand up for our values and work diligently for our community.”
Principal Chief C. Wayne Akins of the Muscogee Nation of Northwest Florida: “I am proud to offer my personal endorsement of Gene Valentino for Congress. Gene is a leader who understands the importance of preserving our heritage while also building a strong future for all people in our community. I trust Gene to fight for the values we hold dear, protect our freedoms, and advocate for opportunities that benefit all citizens.”
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This morning, Republican candidate Jeff Peacock launched his “Walk Across the District” tour in his hometown of Century, Florida at 9:15 a.m. He seeks to imitate Lawton Chiles’ legendary “Walkin’ Lawton” campaign event, which originated in Century in 1970. Next stop, Pam’s Country Kitchen, 13951 S Alabama Street, Jay at 11 a.m.
In his announcement, Peacock said, “This campaign is about meeting and talking with regular folks, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than to visit with people one-on-one where they live. I may be old-fashioned, but I believe it’s important to shake hands with people and personally ask them for their votes. And that’s what this walk is all about.”
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Yesterday, the Jimmy Patronis for Congress Campaign announced that CFO Jimmy Patronis has officially received the endorsement of more than 20 current and former Okaloosa County elected officials:
State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden said, “I proudly endorse Jimmy Patronis for Congress because he’s the strong, reliable leader we need in Washington. He is exceptionally qualified for the job, bringing with him a background in business and finance; he will continue to support law and order in Washington. I respect Jimmy because of his family values and vision for the future of our nation. He is the right man for the job.”
Former Commissioner and Undersheriff Graham W. Fountain said, “Anyone from the panhandle knows we have small town values; where we look out for each other, especially when you’re elected to public office. Over the last decade, Jimmy has been an active part of the community fighting hard for our first responders, military, and working men and women of our state.”
Florida Representative Patt Maney said, “Whether it be our service on the Florida Defense Task Force or the Florida Legislature, I have worked with Jimmy Patronis for over 12 years. He is one of the finest people I know and he truly loves this community and all of the military service members and families who make us so special.”
Okaloosa County Officials Endorse Jimmy Patronis for Congress:
Ginger Bowden Madden State Attorney
Commissioner Paul Mixon
Commissioner Trey Goodwin
Commissioner Drew Palmer
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel
Commissioner Graham W. Fountain (Ret)
Sheriff Eric Aden
Sheriff Larry Gilbert (Ret)
Florida Representative/Judge Patt Maney
Ben Anderson, Tax Collector
John Holquin, Chief Assistant Tax Collector
J.D. Peacock, Clerk of Court
Bobby Nabors, Former FWB City Council
Marcus Chambers, Superintendent of Schools
Col. Howard Hill, School Board (Ret)
Dr. Diane Kelley, School Board (Ret)
Larry Keefe, Former US Attorney
Dewey Destin, Destin City Council
Parker Destin, Okaloosa School Board
Mayor Mark Franks, Shalimar
Mayor JB Whitten, Crestview
Mayor Dick Rynerson, Fort Walton Beach
Dr. Lamar White, School Board Chairman
Brad Embry, Clerk of Court-Elect
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The election cycle for who will replace Matt Gaetz as the next representative for Florida’s First Congressional District has begun. The deadline has passed for voter registration and changing parties for the Republican primary on Jan. 28. The request will cover the primary and the special election on April 1.
Voters wishing to vote by mail must make their request to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office by 5 p.m. on Jan. 16. The voter, a member of the voter’s immediate family or the voter’s legal guardian can make the request in person, online, by mail, by email or by telephone.
The person requesting a vote-by-mail ballot must disclose:
• The name of the voter for whom the ballot is requested;
• The voter’s address;
• The voter’s date of birth;
• The voter’s Florida driver’s license number, Florida identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter’s social security number;
• The requester’s name;
• The requester’s address;
• The requester’s driver’s license number, identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter’s social security number, if available;
• The requester’s relationship to the voter; and,
• The requester’s signature (written request only).
All ballots must be received in the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7 p.m. on Jan. 28. For the telephone number, visit escambiavotes.gov.
Early voting runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, through Saturday, Jan. 25. Voters may vote at any of these locations:
• Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor
• Main Library, 239 Spring Street
• Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino
• Asbury Place, 750 College Blvd
• Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
• Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway
• Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road
The winner of the Republican primary will face a Democratic opponent, one No Party Affiliate candidate and four write-in candidates in the special election on April 1. For more information, visit escambiavotes.gov.
Jimmy Patronis held a meet & greet this past Saturday (January 4th) at Encounter Church on Nine Mile Road. I found out about it at the very last minute, had to be up that way and showed up after it had started hoping to be allowed to stand in the back. It was a sold-out event with 200 people having RSVP’d. But, as it was, there were only about a dozen people there so lots of seats and food. Lots of good questions and answers. It was the first time I’d heard Patronis speak. Hard to imagine he’d be happy being one of 435 in the House of Representatives. Seems much better suited by temperament or vision to be Governor or Senator. Patronis revealed that in mid-November he and Governor DeSantis had discussed his nomination to replace Senator Rubio. Patronis revealed that DeSantis is most likely to appoint himself to replace Rubio. In addition to Patronis very obviously being far more loyal to President Trump, Patronis also described a very close personal relationship to Senator Scott describing him as like an older brother. In what I assume was a well-timed event, Senator Scott called Patronis and we all got to listen to Scott praise and encourage Patronis. Patronis also gave some very “interesting” insights into comments made during the election by President Trump that were seemingly at odds with the standard Republican Party gospel. Patronis emphasized that he’s a budget hawk and not supportive of local pork barrel legislation emphasizing that counties should use their own money. Someone recorded the event and posted it on Facebook Live. Patronis had with him two very young campaign staffers one of whom was on his second day. Both might have been state employees as Patronis emphasized that they had state employee IDs and so “access.” They are planning some sort of “dump” on Rudman. Also, several people present favorably commented to me on another candidate – Michael Dylan Thompson, whom I am supporting.