Whittington snags endorsements from business leaders, politicians

Virginia Whittington, one of six candidates vying for Orange County Commission, District 6, announced Thursday, she has received the endorsement of BusinessForce, the political action arm of Central Florida Partnership.

BusinessForce, one of four lines of business of Central Florida Partnership said, its endorsement stems from extensive interviews conducted with candidates in some of the most hotly contested races.

“I am grateful and humbled by the business community’s endorsement of my candidacy.” said Whittington, in a statement.

The group of business leaders made a “rare co-endorsement” in the District 6 race and has also endorsed attorney Roberta Walton. According to the BusinessForce website, both Whittington and Walton demonstrated a “strong grasp of the key issues and would serve the community well.”

Whittington has also nabbed endorsements from Town of Oakland Commissioner Joseph McMullen, Town of Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, City of Edgewood Mayor Ray Bagshaw, and City of Maitland Mayor Howard Schieferdecker, her campaign announced.

“I am honored that both, business and elected leaders across the County have decided to support my candidacy to join the Orange County Commission. Over the past decade, I have worked closely with many leaders — from neighborhoods and boardrooms to local elected officials, and I have learned the power of bipartisanship. I’m not a politician, but I know that it will take the support that goes beyond the boundaries of District 6 to move our communities to a safer and more economically prosperous place.”  Whittington said, in a statement. “Progress has been stagnant far too long. District 6 is ready for a leader who can build bridges and create partnerships that produce real results.”

BusinessForce also announced its endorsement of Rep. Bryan Nelson, one of six candidates in the Orange County Commission, District 2, race.  The group’s endorsement recommendations for Orange County School Board are, incumbent Bill Sublette, School Board Chair; Daryl Flynn, District 2, a two-term incumbent and political newcomer, Linda Kobert, District 3.