Florida Chamber endorses twelve candidates running for House seats

by | Jul 27, 2020

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The Florida Chamber continued to roll out endorsements on Monday, choosing to back twelve additional candidates running for seats in the Florida House.

The list of today’s endorsements from the business advocacy group includes Sam Garrison, former Rep. Bob Cortes, Keith Truenow, Kristen Arrington, Bruno Portigliatti, Julio Rocha, Adam Botana, Mike Giallombardo, Lauren Melo, Dana Trabulsy, Tom Fabricio, and Christopher Benjamin in their respective campaigns for the Florida House.

The Florida Chamber interviewed candidates in legislative battles all over Florida and these bipartisan candidates have committed to securing Florida’s future by focusing on free enterprise principles and job creation for local businesses while working to fix Florida’s broken and unfair legal system.

“The Florida Chamber works to ensure Florida maintains a pro-business, pro-jobs climate, safeguarding the strength of our economy,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “We trust these candidates will support priorities and policies where local business owners can thrive as Florida continues to lead as the best state in the nation for jobs and smart growth.”

The latest Florida Chamber statewide poll of likely Florida voters shows that 71 percent support COVID-19 liability protections for businesses that are working hard to protect the health and safety of employees and customers, and they believe the Florida Legislature should pass legislation to provide these safe harbors for job creators.

“These strong candidates will work tirelessly to create jobs and move Florida in the right direction,” said Nick Catroppo, Vice President of Political Operations, Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber is proud to stand with them and we look forward to working with them in the Florida House.”

Below is the list of twelve candidates, along with statements.

District 18: Sam Garrison

“I’m proud to receive the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Strengthening our state’s economy and getting Floridians back to work safely is my top
priority. I’m grateful for their partnership and support!”

District 30: Former Rep. Bob Cortes

“I’m honored to receive the backing of the Florida Chamber and look forward to
championing policies that will help our economy rebuild.”

District 31: Keith Truenow

“I am humbled by the support of the Florida business community and its chamber of
commerce. I will always work to support Florida’s businesses both big and small
especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.”

District 43: Kristen Arrington

“I am honored to receive the Florida Chamber’s support on behalf of businesses across
the state. This is one more indication that my vision of a strong transportation and
education system is critical to the future of Osceola County.”

District 44: Bruno Portigliatti

“I’m honored to be endorsed by the Florida Chamber and look forward to standing with
them to advance Florida’s position as a global leader in commerce and continue to fight
for free enterprise. As someone who understands the challenges that come with owning
and operating businesses, I pledge to be a zealous advocate for our business
community and to provide economic opportunities for all Floridians.”

District 48: Julio Rocha

“The way for Florida to come out of the economic crisis created by COVID-19 is by job
creation. Businesses across the state are hurting financially and we need to provide the
economic incentives and economic stimulus to create jobs, decrease unemployment
and get the Florida economy back on track. The endorsement of the Florida Chamber
will help me achieve that goal.”

District 76: Adam Botana

“As a small businessman, I’m proud to have the support of the Florida Chamber and the
thousands of job creators they represent. It is critical right now that we support our
business and get our economy back up and running in a safe and responsible manner.”

District 77: Mike Giallombardo

“The biggest challenge Florida faces is rebuilding our economy in the wake of the
COVID-19 pandemic. It is an honor to know I have earned the trust and support of the
Florida Chamber of Commerce and the business community they represent. I look
forward to working closely with Florida’s business leaders to get Floridians working
again and our economy back on track.”

District 80: Lauren Melo

“I am grateful for the support of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. As a longtime small
business owner myself, I know how important it is to get our economy back up and
running. When elected to the House of Representatives I will work with Governor
DeSantis and the business community to help restart our economy.”

District 84: Dana Trabulsy

“As a local small businesswoman, I know the great work our Chambers of Commerce
do in promoting local businesses, advocating for commonsense, pro-business public
policy, and helping Florida job creators grow their businesses and employ Floridians. I
am honored to have the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, whose
members help support our state’s economy and make Florida the best place in the
world to do business.”

District 103: Tom Fabricio

“The Florida Chamber of Commerce has always been essential in keeping Florida’s
economy strong. They understand the impact the business climate has on families and
communities, and it’s a true honor to have their support. I look forward to working with
them to ensure that our state remains a place where, employers and employees alike
are able to pursue the American Dream.”

District 107: Christopher Benjamin

“I am honored to be endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Now more than
ever; due to COVID-19 we see small businesses shutting their doors and letting go
workers. So it is extremely important to support job creators as we work to create more
jobs and get Florida’s economy moving in the right direction again.”

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