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Tampa Bay sheriffs endorse Gov. Rick Scott for U.S. Senate

55 sheriffs from around the state endorsed the governor to unseat current Sen. Bill Nelson.
Credit: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Florida Gov. Rick Scott speaks during the Governor's Hurricane Conference at Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on May 16, 2018.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- On Monday more than 50 sheriffs from around the state, including the Tampa Bay area and Southwest Florida endorsed Gov. Rick Scott in his bid for U.S. Senate.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis and Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast and other supporters joined Scott to speak on his personal and professional character of the Republican candidate.

“Governor Scott has been a tremendous asset to law enforcement,” Gualtieri said. “I know he will be a fantastic U.S. senator.”

Chronister called Scott a “law and order man” and said he’s confident Scott will continue to “make sure our state prospers and that it’s the safest state in the union.”

Scott spoke after the endorsements, saying it is a “pretty big honor” to be recommended by 55 sheriffs of the state he’s governed for the past seven years.

“If we want more jobs, if we want more tourists, if we want our kids to go to better schools,” Scott said. “It’s all about these individuals.”

Scott is running against Democrat Bill Nelson, who’s seeking a fourth term as senator.

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