Three Florida House incumbents get thumbs up from the Florida Medical Association PAC, which announced endorsements Monday in the re-election efforts of state Reps. Jeanette Nuñez, Joe Saunders and Charles McBurney.
Nuñez is the Miami Republican facing Democrat Milagro Ruiz for the House District 119 seat, covering parts of Miami-Dade County. Saunders, an Orlando Democrat, faces the winner of the Aug. 26 primary – either Rene Plasencia or Ed Rodriguez — in his re-election bid for Florida House District 49, covering sections of Orange County. Republican McBurney faces Brunell Marineau in the Aug. 26 GOP primary for House District 16, which includes Duval County.
“State Rep. Jeanette Nuñez has worked in the health care industry, which provides her with a valuable perspective as a legislator,” said FMA PAC President Ralph Nobo. “She understands the obstacles physicians face in working within the existing system. The Florida Medical Association is proud to endorse her in her re-election campaign for state representative, and we look forward to working with her to enhance the health care system in Florida.”
For Saunders’ endorsement, Nobo pointed to his understanding the importance of affordable health care.
“(Joe is a) powerful supporter of our efforts through his work on the House Health Quality Subcommittee,” Nobo said. McBurney earned his support with “strong leadership and commitment,” he added.
“I am grateful for the Florida Medical Association’s endorsement and look forward to our continued, longstanding friendship,” Nuñez said. “Florida’s medical doctors are at the forefront of providing care, maintaining quality, improving access, and achieving affordable health care in our state.”
“Ensuring Floridians have access to quality and affordable health care is a top priority of mine,” Saunders continued. “And I’m honored to have the support of Florida’s doctors as I work towards this shared goal.”
As Florida’s leading pro-medicine political committee, FMA PAC represents more than 20,000 practicing physicians in the Sunshine State. Using voluntary contributions from its membership — more than $1 million received as of the end of 2013 — FMA PAC chooses statewide candidates that promote Florida as the best place to practice medicine.
