Democratic candidate for governor Philip Levine is turning to another former NBA star to help out his campaign. This time he’s enlisted the support of former Orlando Magic star Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal is featured in a one-minute radio ad called “On the Line.”
“You know, I’ve met a lot of people in my life—but there’s something really special about this guy from Florida who’s never been afraid to step up for others when the game of life is on the line, his name is Philip Levine,” O’Neal says in the ad.
“He’s running for Governor to get families hope, with better paying jobs and children better schools that inspire them to be their best. That’s why I’m all in for Philip Levine,” O’Neal adds.
The spot is part of a five-digit ad buy that will be broadcast statewide.
This is the second time Levine has turned to a former NBA star with Florida ties to help promote his campaign. Former Miami Heat star Ray Allen did a similar radio spot for the Levine campaign in early June.
“Mayor Levine is committed to stepping up and delivering results for families throughout our state, and he has a record of action and accomplishment that back up his bold agenda to move Florida forward,” said Christian Ulvert, senior adviser to the Levine campaign.
Most polls have put Levine out in front of the crowded five-person contest for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
The Capitolist’s own “Horserace Index,” a weighted poll average that uses pollster accuracy rankings from fivethirtyeight.com, the age and obsolescence of each poll, along with news and election cycle adjustments to determine the true state of the 2018 Governor’s Race, shows Levine holding a 3-point lead over Gwen Graham. Levine is averaging 25 percent of those surveyed, compared to Graham’s 22 percent. The Horserace Index shows Andrew Gillum in third place with an average of 19 percent, while Chris King is averaging 9 percent. Newcomer Jeff Greene who entered the race in early June had not yet been surveyed.
On the Republican side, the Horserace Index shows Adam Putnam holding a 13-point lead over Ron DeSantis. Putnam is averaging 31 percent, while DeSantis’ average is 18 percent.