The former state legislator says Shannon Elswick’s leadership skills and conservative values will make him an effective state representative.
The Shannon Elswick Campaign today announced the endorsement of Lake County Property Appraiser Carey Baker. Elswick is running to succeed Larry Metz, who faces term limits, in the District 32 seat of the Florida House of Representatives.
“Shannon Elswick will be an excellent state representative,” said Baker. “He is a true servant leader whose conservative values and understanding of the toughest issues facing Florida will make him a strong voice in Tallahassee. I look forward to working with him to strengthen the communities of Lake County.”
Baker was elected to his current post of Lake County Property Appraiser in 2012. In 2000, he was elected to the Florida House, was re-elected in 2002, and was elected to the Florida Senate in a special election in 2004. He was re-elected to that office twice. After serving for 31 years, Baker retired from the Army National Guard in 2013. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the first state or federal elected official to serve while in office. At 18, he began work in his family business, the A.W. Peterson Gun Shop in Mount Dora, the oldest gun shop in the United States.
“I am honored to have Carey Baker’s support,” said Elswick. “He is a true patriot, and, as a fellow veteran, I appreciate his distinguished service to our country in the military as well as the outstanding public service he provides to our community. He understands what it takes to get things done in Tallahassee, and I welcome his insight and look forward to working with him on behalf of the residents of Lake County.”
District 32 covers the south and central portions of Lake County, including the cities of Clermont and portions of Leesburg. Republicans dominate the district with 41 percent of registered voters while Democrats make up 33 percent.
