The political arm of more than 20,000 practicing physicians statewide –the Florida Medical Association — is endorsing Longwood Republican Scott Plakon in his bid for Florida House District 29.
FMA PAC announced on Monday its support of Plakon, a former state representative who is running against first term Democratic Rep. Mike Clelland for the seat covering much of Seminole county, and the cities of Lake Mary, Longwood and parts of Sanford.
“Plakon has been a champion in our efforts in keeping government out of the physician patient relationship,” said Ralph Nobo, President of the FMA PAC in a statement. “We are proud to endorse his candidacy for House District 29.”
“As doctors are forced to deal with the ever changing landscape created by Obamacare,” Plakon said. “It is critical we work together to ensure Floridians continue to have access to quality health care.”
Since 1974, FMA PAC has supported state candidates who promote Florida as the best state to practice medicine. As Florida’s No. 1 medical PAC, by the end of 2013, FMA PAC collected more than $1 million in voluntary contributions from healthcare professionals.
Serving in the House between 2009-2012, Plakon was named Legislator of the Year by several organizations, such as the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida, the Children’s Home Society of Florida, the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, the Florida Coalition for Children, Community Based Care of Central Florida and Americans for Prosperity-Florida. He has also served as Board Member Emeritus for the Sanford Rescue Outreach Mission and Open Door Shelter for Women and Children and as a Board Member for Christian Life Missions.
In 2012, the Orlando Sentinel called Plakon “one of the Legislature’s most prolific lawmakers, adding that, “If public school students in Florida did as much homework as he does, low test scores wouldn’t be such a worry.”
