After reading the writing plastered along his political wall, and acting before being forced out of his soon-to-be Democratic-leaning congressional district in Pinellas County, Florida, Rep. David Jolly (R) announced that he would running for Marco Rubio’s U.S. Senate seat in 2016.
In comparison to his Republican Senate primary opponents, Rep. Ron DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, and former Green Beret Todd Wilcox, Jolly enjoys a slight edge in statewide name recognition due to the fact that he ran twice within a 12-month period, in arguably one of the most hotly contested congressional districts in the country.A ton of money was spent on Jolly’s two races to ensure he won and retained the Republican-leaning seat held by former Congressman Bill Young who passed away.
This week Jolly affixed another feather onto his political fedora, landing the endorsement of conservative Congressman Rich Nugent. Nugent, who is one of those Republicans who sleeps in his congressional office, joined fellow colleague Rep. Dennis Ross (R) in lending their support for Jolly.
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Nugent’s endorsement of Jolly over DeSantis comes to a surprise to some, considering that DeSantis is considered to be the “conservative” in the race, and has received the endorsements of the Club for Grown, Senate Conservative Fund, as well as from former Ambassador John Bolton and his PAC.
Jolly’s campaign put out this statement regarding the endorsement:
“I’ve had the good fortune to get to know and work with David Jolly for a long time now,” said Congressman Nugent. “He is a fierce advocate for the people he represents, and crucially to me, that includes the veterans and active duty service members who call the Tampa Bay area their home. As a father of three soldiers, it’s not the people in Washington who talk about veterans who get my respect, it’s the people who back it up. And it’s why I am proud to stand behind his candidacy for the United States Senate.”Jolly’s response:
“I am grateful to have the support of my colleague, Congressman Nugent, a true conservative leader who I am privileged to call my friend,” said Congressman Jolly. “Congressman Nugent has served his community and our nation with honor in the National Guard, as Sheriff of Hernando County and now as an exemplary lawmaker in the U.S. House. Rich’s commitment to advancing conservative principles, while being a staunch advocate for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines sets an example for all lawmakers. I am proud to share Rich’s commitment to service.”
