Rep. Caldwell: I will not take public finance dollars in bid for
Commissioner of Agriculture and call on others to pledge the same
Representative Matt Caldwell was the first statewide candidate to announce he would not take public finance dollars for his campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture. Additionally, he called on his opponents to make the same commitment.
Representative Caldwell said, “It is one thing to say you’re a conservative and another to lead as a conservative. As I campaign to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture, I will not take any public finance dollars.
“Furthermore, I challenge the other candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture – Democrat and Republican – to make the same pledge. Public financing of statewide political campaigns is a waste of taxpayer dollars and a disservice to Florida’s hardworking families.
“As I continue to travel across the Sunshine State, it is clear that Floridians are looking to elect a leader who not only runs as a conservative but lives by conservative principles. I have always been guided by those values and that is why, when I was elected into office in 2010, I rejected the pension program offered to legislators. I believe holding office is a sacrifice and a public service, not an entitlement.
“It may put a bullseye on my back but I have always defended conservative values, not big government and the status quo. It is a difficult fight and one that requires the right character, judgement, and values — but it’s worth it.”
