dpAs President Donald Trump announced plans to come back to Florida to rally for gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds and other candidates he supports, former President Barack Obama issued an unambiguous endorsement of Democratic candidate David Jolly.
“I’m supporting David Jolly for governor because he believes in it, too. David is independent minded. He’s focused on lowering the costs of housing and health care, and making sure every child gets a great education. He has a long record of taking on corruption. And I know he’s tough enough to stand up against the powerful special interests that make your life harder. Elections are about who will fight for you. And in this election, it’s David Jolly,” Obama said in a video Friday night.
Obama’s endorsement is the latest boost from a two-term Democratic President, following a rousing speech on behalf of Jolly and running mate Gwen Graham in South Florida from Bill Clinton this week.
Jolly’s fundraising has picked up in recent weeks, and between his political committee and campaign he brought in $2.4 million the week ending Oct. 16, giving him more than $5 million for the stretch run from that date. But the double-barreled blast from the Democratic establishment may be the kick needed to encourage significant investments from outside groups.
Already, the Democratic Governors Association has committed $1 million. Presumably, the permission structure unleashed this week will drive more support, which is needed against the fundraising juggernaut of the Donalds campaign in a state with a more than 1.5 million Democratic advantage in registered voters.
Trump, who rallied Friday for Donalds in Southwest Florida in front of a capacity crowd with many who showed being denied entry, is back Oct. 30 for his second rally in a week. He will appear in Daytona Beach that evening, at a venue to be determined. Trump has emphatically endorsed Donalds many times throughout this campaign, and that will continue until the end.
Donalds continues to set a torrid fundraising pace. He raised roughly $12.5 million during the week ending Oct. 16, with billionaire Ken Griffin giving $5 million of that. Griffin has given Donalds $15 million so far. Donalds carried nearly $30 million in available cash from the date in question.
Jolly is betting that voters dissatisfaction with Republican government makes up for his cash deficit, but he has long said that he needs help from the Democratic establishment. That’s coming in finally. Polls show a race too close to call and what’s clear is Florida’s gubernatorial election will be much more closely watched than the one four years ago.
