Ron Sachs Communications Announces Social Media Tools to Follow Action in the Florida Capitol

TALLAHASSEE – In advance of the Florida Legislature’s special November session, Ron Sachs Communications today announced free tools for Floridians to follow Florida’s elected officials and members of the news media through social media.

“As social media continue to play a larger role in Florida’s political arena, Floridians can now stay up to speed on the actions of their elected officials in the state capitol,” said Ron Sachs, President of Ron Sachs Communications.  “Our social media team has made it easy for Floridians to have the latest updates from Florida’s leaders and members of the media at their fingertips.” … Continue Reading

Statement By CFO-Elect Jeff Atwater

Everyday of this campaign to be Florida’s CFO has been the honor of a lifetime. In these challenging times for our state, I listened to the people of Florida and shared my vision for how we can get the state back on the right track. The support and trust reflected in tonight’s results are humbling.

This evening, I had a chance to speak with my Democratic opponent in this race, Loranne Ausley. I commended her on a spirited campaign, and must say that Loranne is clearly someone who cares deeply for the future of Florida.

Now, there is important work to do. I will work everyday to make Florida’s government more transparent so that taxpayers can see how every dollar of their money is spent.  I will work with small business owners and entrepreneurs to make Florida a place where they can succeed and create jobs. And, I will work to end fraud that costs consumers and taxpayers.

Jeff Atwater for CFO: “A refreshing break from the nasty ads clogging the airwaves these days.”

Team Atwater,

On Tuesday, with your support, I started airing my first television commercial on stations across Florida. Below, you can click the picture and see the commercial online. Before you do, though, I am hoping you might take this chance to donate to the campaign.

Television commercials are expensive!  But, ANY dollar amount, even $10 or $25, will help us keep this positive message on the air.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh2PenvLpgg

I am proud of the fact that this commercial, like our entire campaign so far, has stayed focused on my positive vision for how we will get Florida’s economy back on track.

In reporting about this tv ad, one news outlet called it “a refreshing break from the nasty ads clogging the airwaves these days.”  I hope you agree.

All the Best,
Jeff

PS: If you want to help me keep my positive message on television, please give $10 or $25, today.  Together, we can fix this economy, cut government spending, and support the entrepreneurs who create jobs.

RPOF: Atwater and Bondi Release First TV Ads of General Election Campaign

Republican nominee for Chief Financial Officer Senator Jeff Atwater and Republican nominee for Attorney General Pam Bondi both released the first TV ads of their respective campaigns, each highlighting their solutions for Florida. Click here to “like” these ads on Facebook.

You can watch Atwater’s ad, Chalk Talk, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh2PenvLpgg

You can watch Bondi’s ad, “Night and Day,” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtHAQ9EIc6c

The ad “Chalk Talk” is consistent with the campaign Jeff Atwater has been running for Chief Financial Officer, focusing on his principled economic solutions for getting Florida’s economy back on the right track.

The ad “Night and Day” focuses on Bondi’s experience as a career prosecutor, her tough-on-crime credentials, and her commitment to fighting the federal government’s takeover of our health care system. It contrasts that with her opponent’s experience as a career politician who has consistently voted against tax relief and has pledged to defend the federal health care law.

Jeff Atwater For Chief Financial Officer: A Great Day!

Your support is making a difference, so I wanted to say thanks for your effort to make Jeff our next CFO!  Yesterday we received an important endorsement and a new poll has us ahead. This good news couldn’t happen without you.

BUT IT’S NOT OVER YET.  Liberals are not going to give up without their usual brand of gutter politics.  In fact we’re expecting the next smear attack to hit any day now.

In order to defend against these smears, and keep us on path to victory, we need the resources to communicate our message in every single media market in Florida. That is a very expensive endeavor. But, you can help.

ANY LEVEL OF SUPPORT CAN HELP, EVEN $5, $10 OR $25 CAN HELP US DEFEND AGAINST THE LIBERAL SMEAR TACTICS.

Here’s more on our good news:

TAMPA TRIBUNE SAYS ATWATER FOR CFO

Citing his commitment to transparency and efforts to go after fraud and waste in the state budget, the Tampa Tribune is recommending that Floridians vote for Jeff Atwater to be the next Chief Financial Officer.

In conclusion they wrote, “Atwater demonstrated courage and foresight. His performance as Senate president suggests he would be similarly resolute and judicious as CFO. For Florida’s chief financial officer, The Tampa Tribune recommends Jeff Atwater.”

NEW POLL HAS US AHEAD

“Jeff Atwater leading Loranne Ausley 38 percent to 24 percent” so says a poll of likely voters conducted on behalf of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks again for all that you do,

Brian Hughes
Communications Director
Atwater for CFO

Senate President Jeff Atwater Appoints Former Senator Pat Frank To Florida Clerks Executive Council

TALLAHASSEE, FLA – Senate President Jeff Atwater, in consultation with Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos, today appointed former Senator and current Hillsborough County Clerk of the Courts Pat Frank to the Executive Council of the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation. … Continue Reading

Florida Chamber Endorses Jeff Atwater

I wanted to share some good news that demonstrates the momentum of our campaign and the strength of our positive vision for Florida.

Yesterday, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, representing more than 139,000 businesses and organizations in our state, endorsed me as their choice to be Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer. The Chamber’s thousands of members represent the businesses, both large and small, that create jobs and drive our state’s economic engine.

I am honored to have their endorsement and look forward to working with them to get Florida’s economy back on the right track.

As Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer, I will reduce the burden of government on small business owners, fight the fraud and waste that squander taxpayer dollars, and champion the entrepreneurial spirit that will grow our economy and create jobs.

To read the entire endorsement, please click here.

All the best,

Jeff Atwater for CFO: Remembering 9/11

Lost in the press coverage of recent publicity stunts is the genuine purpose we should all have on this day, September 11. We should make it a day to honor sacrifice, mourn innocent victims, and remember the values that make our nation great.

Just nine years ago, homicidal terrorists targeted our homeland and killed thousands of innocent victims who had just started their day. In those tragic moments after, we ignored our differences and remembered what it means to be a nation united. Without the labels that so often separate us, we were all, simply, Americans. … Continue Reading

Jeff Atwater for CFO: A message for Labor Day

On this Labor Day afternoon, let us take a moment to acknowledge the effort of those who’ve worked hard to make America the international beacon of prosperity. Let us also commit ourselves to returning our state and nation to the pinnacle of economic success.

As we celebrate the commitment and dedication of the American worker, it is unfortunate that we also saw new data last week that the nation’s unemployment rate is still unacceptably high. … Continue Reading

Letter from Senate President Jeff Atwater to Kenneth R. Feinberg

Senate President Jeff Atwater sent the attached letter (also pasted below) today to Kenneth Feinberg, Gulf Oil Spill Fund Administrator. … Continue Reading

Jeff Atwater for CFO: Their fear makes them smear!

This week, in a Web-based smear video, my opponent distorted my professional experience and my record. It just goes to show you that the liberal tax-and-spend crowd is moving straight to gutter politics.

Now, they’re soliciting funds to air this attack on television, despite the fact that even the St. Pete Times has criticized it as “misleading.”

I NEED YOUR HELP TO FIGHT THESE ATTACKS!

To stop the dirty tricks and defeat these liberal assaults in every media market in Florida is a very expensive proposition.

Whether you can give $5, $50, or the maximum $500, every dollar of your support will help me fight the liberals’ attacks.

And we have to do it quickly. We only have 66 days until Election Day.

The choice in this CFO race could not be any clearer.

My opponents defend the status quo and are afraid we will stop their liberal, tax-and-spend policies. Conservatives like us want to lower taxes, reduce fraud and waste that squanders our tax dollars, and support small business owners who create jobs and fuel economic recovery.

Please, CLICK HERE and DONATE today so we can get Florida back on the right track.

Thank you, in advance, for your generous contribution.

P.S. My opponent is launching an attack on me. Setting the facts straight, and pointing out that her liberal tax-and-spend philosophy is wrong for Florida will take financial resources. Whether you can give $5, $50, or the $500 maximum individual contribution, that support will make a difference. Thank you!

Atwater: “Our Conservative Candidates Are Ready To Serve”

This evening, Jeff Atwater released the following statement about the primary election results:

For weeks, a full slate of Republican candidates has presented the people of Florida a positive message of conservative, principled ideas for getting Florida on the road to economic recovery. … Continue Reading

Atwater, “Pay Floridians Before Government”

Jeff Atwater today blasted a reported plan by Governor Charlie Crist to divert financial relief, intended for families and small business owners suffering the impact of the BP disaster, into government coffers to plug a budget gap.

The article, reported yesterday by Bloomberg News, indicates that Governor Crist is prepared to tap billions of dollars from the BP funds to offset declining tax receipts.

Atwater criticized the Crist plan today, saying “Government has no business cutting to the front of the line for these funds.  Before paying for government programs, the BP funds should first compensate the real victims — Florida’s families and the business owners who are suffering due to BP’s negligence and the federal government’s lax oversight.”

“Small businesses and working families directly harmed by the BP spill belong at the front of the line,” said Atwater.

“To protect the spill victims, I call on Governor Crist to establish a separate account for any funds received from BP.  This account should be used to compensate victims first.  Further, we must not allow the federal government to cap BP’s liability.  We must first calculate the true, long-term economic and ecological damage Florida has suffered.  Until then, we must hold BP accountable and focus on helping the victims of this disaster.” said Atwater.

“Playing a shell game with this money for the sole purpose of funding Tallahassee bureaucracy adds insult to injury,” said Atwater.

Senate President Jeff Atwater Today Sent the Following Letter to Members Regarding Special Session

TO: Members of The Florida Senate
FROM: Jeff Atwater, President
SUBJECT: Update on Special Session
DATE: August 19, 2010

In light of the ongoing Gulf oil disaster, there has been a great deal of conversation lately regarding a Special Session and next steps. I would like to share with you some of my thoughts on both.

While there may be room for cautious optimism about the status of the Deepwater Horizon well itself, I have no doubts that serious ecological and economic issues remain. In my estimation residents along the Gulf will continue to feel the effects of the disaster for some time, and families and small businesses in those parts of the State will clearly benefit from some legislative relief now and in the foreseeable future. Many of the issues this State will face are as yet unknown, and those that can be reasonably defined are extremely complex. Our collective response will have to be deliberative and thoughtful. … Continue Reading

Jeff Atwater Racking Up Victory After Victory

Wins Greater Tampa Chamber Straw Poll by over 30 points

West Palm Beach, FL – Days after Jeff Atwater enjoyed decisive victories in earlier Central Florida straw polls, additional victories are now being reported.

On July 29, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce held its 2010 Political Hob Nob Straw Poll. On that same night, the West Orange Florida Chamber of Commerce held their 2010 Political Hob Nob. Just a night before, the Apopka Florida Chamber of Commerce held their political straw poll.

At all three events, Atwater scored decisive double-digit victories.

“These victories reflect our success growing a grassroots, statewide base of support,” said Brian Hughes, Atwater for CFO Communications Director. “All over Florida, small business leaders and citizens’ groups are embracing Jeff Atwater’s message of smaller government, stopping fraud and waste, and supporting the entrepreneurs who create jobs.”

Detailed results are found below or at the web links that are listed:

July 29 – Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce 2010 Political Hob Nob

http://www.tampachamber.com/ci_viewnews.asp?id=2228

Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Atwater (REP)        57.7%
Loranne Ausley (DEM)    22.7%
Tom Stearns (NPA)        19.1%
Ken Mazzie (NPA)         0.5%

July 29 – West Orange Chamber of Commerce 2010 Political Hob Nob

http://www.wochamber.com/index.php/news_detail/and_the_winners_are/

Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Atwater – Rep., 273 votes
Loranne Ausley – Dem., 82 votes

July 28 – Apopka FL Chamber of Commerce 2010 Straw Poll

http://www.apopkachamber.org/PDF/2010_Hob_Nob_results.pdf

Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Atwater – Rep.,        81.6%
Loranne Ausley – Dem.,    18.4%

Jeff Atwater For CFO: Victories in Central Florida

Yesterday I asked the campaign team to send a message out to the the mainstream media in Florida. The good news? In the last eight days, I won two decisive double-digit victories at Central Florida events.

As usual, the mainstream outlets aren’t sharing the good news about this campaign. So I decided to share the news with you directly. The links below will take you to the press release on our website and on Facebook.

Press Release at JeffAtwater.com

Press Release on Facebook

This failure of Florida media to cover our good news is another indication of why your support is so important. Please send the links above to your email lists or share them on Facebook and Twitter with all your friends.

This also demonstrates why we need your financial support. The cost of getting this news out all across Florida is substantial. As we face attacks from our opponents, we will have an even greater expense to communicate and win. But, you can help!

Please consider giving $25.00, $50.00 or even $100.00, and remember any dollar amount can help get us to victory in November!

All the best,

Jeff Atwater For CFO: Jeff Atwater Wins Bipartisan Straw Polls

West Palm Beach, FL – In the past eight days, Jeff Atwater has enjoyed decisive victories in two separate straw polls.

On July 20, the Winter Park Florida Chamber of Commerce held its 2010 Political Mingle. Then, on July 27, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando held their 2010 Political Hob Nob. At both events, when facing all the opponents who will be on November’s ballot, Atwater scored decisive double-digit victories.

“Both events were held in Central Florida, a region critical to statewide success,” said Brian Hughes, Atwater for CFO Communications Director. “These victories make it clear that Jeff Atwater’s message of smaller government, stopping fraud and waste, and supporting the entrepreneurs who create jobs is being embraced by the small business leaders who will lead our state’s economic recovery.”

Detailed results are found below or at the web links that are listed:

July 20, WINTER PARK POLITICAL MINGLE

http://www.winterpark.org/sites/default/files/2010%20Political%20Mingle%20Results.pdf

Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Atwater (R)    76%
Loranne Ausley (D)    17%
Ken Mazzie (NPA)    2%
Tom Stearns (NPA)    5%

July 27, HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF METRO ORLANDO, INC.

http://www.hispanicchamber.net/new/press.php?command=display&id=274

Chief Financial Officer
REP    Jeff Atwater        44%
DEM    Loranne Ausley    26%
NPA    Ken Mazzie        4%
NPA    Tom Stearns        9%

Jeff Atwater for CFO: 99 days to go

In 99 days, Election Day 2010 will be here. Between now and then, this campaign is facing an unprecedented attack from liberal special interests.

In fact, they’ve already been showing their hand. My opponents hurl negative untruths about me, while I continue to run a positive campaign based on my vision for smaller government, stopping fraud and waste of taxpayers’ money, and supporting the entrepreneurs who will create jobs and grow Florida’s economy. … Continue Reading

Atwater for CFO, In the News!

Last week brought the close of the second quarter of fundraising in 2010. I am proud to tell you that, with your continued support, the campaign has added another $245,000 to our account. Read more here.

These dollar amounts sometimes seem staggering, but the reality is that the defenders of the status quo have mounted a very tough campaign against us. To face this challenge we will have to buy time on the airwaves all across Florida — some of nation’s most expensive media markets.

I am so grateful for all that you do in support of this campaign. Not only are we raising the important financial resources we need to win, but men and women from all over the state continue to lend their valuable time and energy to get our message out.

Thank you,

RPOF: On the Campaign Trail – Support for Atwater for CFO Keeps Growing

At the conclusion of the 2nd Quarter of 2010, the Atwater for CFO campaign is reporting an additional $245,000 in cash contributions. These additional contributions mean that the campaign is nearing $2.3 million in cash contributions to date, with over $2.1 million remaining as cash on hand.

These contributions represent support from thousands of Floridians, and many are low donors who continue to regularly donate to the campaign. Some of these new donors are part of the recently unveiled Atwater All-Stars Team. The All-Star Team is a grassroots, small donor program that is organizing statewide.

In addition to another successful financial report, the campaign’s volunteer base is growing, and Floridians and civic organizations from every county in the state continue to endorse and join the campaign.

“I am honored to receive this tremendous outpouring of support,” said Jeff Atwater candidate to be Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer. “Every single day, I meet Floridians who are ready to join us as we work for fiscal discipline in government and to foster the entrepreneurial spirit that will grow our economy and create jobs.”