While there are already 292 candidates running for 120 house seats, today the Florida Chamber announced its first round of endorsements, which include State. Rep. Clay Ingram (FL-Pensacola).
“The Florida Chamber has a long-standing reputation of only endorsing those candidates who are brave enough to place Florida’s long-term future before short-term and politically popular fixes,†said Marian Johnson, Senior Vice President of Political Operations for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “It’s these candidates that will help ensure Florida continues to create jobs and economic opportunity and we are proud to support each of them in their efforts.â€
Incumbent candidates who were endorsed today were evaluated on numerous factors, including their historical grades on the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card. Ingram was given an A for the 2016 Legislative Session.
The Florida Chamber Political Institute (FCPI) will soon host candidate interview sessions across Florida – interviewing more than 100 non-incumbent candidates on top of the 69 candidates that were already interviewed by the Florida Chamber.
“To secure Florida’s future, we need a legislature that focuses on free enterprise principles and job creation,†said Frank Walker, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber’s thorough and intense endorsement process sends a very strong signal that Florida families and small businesses can feel confident in supporting these candidates.â€