Life and politics from the Sunshine State's best city

Matt Gaetz opponent George Gainer holds major SD 1 funder, proves he isn’t “standing alone in the mirror”

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

Bay County Commissioner George Gainer pushed back hard on accusations he is “standing alone in the mirror” for his Florida Senate District 1 campaign.

As proof, the Northwest Florida Republican hosted a major fundraiser, attended by what supporters call a “who’s who” of Bay County business, civic and political leaders.

Gainer faces state Rep. Matt Gaetz in the GOP primary for the seat now held by Gaetz’s father, state Sen. Don Gaetz.

Held Tuesday night in Panama City, the reception took in nearly $121,000, coming mostly from residents of SD 1. In a statement, campaign officials said the fundraiser nearly exceeded in a single night “what Gainer’s opponent has raised in-district in two years.”

“While I am very appreciative of this financial support, I know votes win elections,” Gainer said. “Voters want a senator who will stand up for them and not the special interests that control Tallahassee.

“My values can’t and won’t be bought.”

The event also drew a 100-member host committee that included former U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen, Bay County Commission Chairman Guy Tunnell and longtime civic leader Charlie Hilton.

Gainer, a Northwest Florida native, began his business career in 1966, and now employs 150 people as the owner of Bay Lincoln Mercury Dodge Hyundai, Bay Suzuki and Bay Ford in Blountstown. He has been a Bay County Commissioner since 2002, and was on the commission from 1968 through 1972.

 

Gainer invite

Phil Ammann is a St. Petersburg-based journalist and blogger. With more than three decades of writing, editing and management experience, Phil produced material for both print and online, in addition to founding HRNewsDaily.com. His broad range includes covering news, local government and culture reviews for Patch.com, technical articles and profiles for BetterRVing Magazine and advice columns for a metaphysical website, among others. Phil has served as a contributor and production manager for SaintPetersBlog since 2013. He lives in St. Pete with his wife, visual artist Margaret Juul and can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter @PhilAmmann.

Latest from Statewide

Go to Top