07/16/2008
CONTACT: Bill Herrle or Kristen Ploska, 850-681-0416
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The National Federation of Independent Business, Florida's leading small business advocacy association, today announced its endorsement of Kelli Stargel for House District 64 in Polk County in the Aug. 26 primary campaign.
Stargel is a prominent figure in Lakeland politics and is active in many local organizations, currently serving as president of the local Republican Women's Club. In addition to her local activism, she also played a key role in the winning her husband's election to the House in 2002.
"Kelli Stargel's work in local and state politics gives her the experience needed to get things done in Tallahassee and to make Florida a better place to start, own and operate a business," NFIB/Florida Executive Director Bill Herrle said. "She has demonstrated commitment to many of the same priorities as the small business community, including lowering taxes and improving the economy, and will be a solid supporter of small businesses in Polk County."
Some of Stargel's top priorities align with those of the business community. Her plan to improve Central Florida includes strengthening the economy and attracting higher paying jobs, as well as controlling government taxation and lowering property insurance rates -- many of the same principles that guide NFIB.
"I am honored to earn NFIB's endorsement as the best candidate for state representative for District 64," Stargel said. "Being a small business owner I understand the burdens of high taxes and unnecessary regulation. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and our economy and I am committed to promoting policies that will strengthen them."
NFIB's endorsement is important for Stargel. Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls, increasing the likelihood that a pro-small business candidate will be elected.
NFIB's political support is based on the candidate's position and record on small-business issues. The endorsement comes from the NFIB/Florida SAFE (Save America's Free Enterprise) Trust, the political action committee for NFIB/Florida's membership. Stargel's endorsement brings the considerable grassroots support of Florida's small business owners to her campaign.
