STAR APPEAL
Who’s winning celebrity endorsements in the Florida gubernatorial primaries?
Celebrities can tell you all sorts of things: what car to drive, where to go on vacation, what to eat, what to wear — and who to vote for in Florida’s governor primaries on Tuesday.
Several candidates for governor have endorsements from famous names. One — Democrat Philip Levine — leads the pack.
Shaquille O’Neal, aka Shaq
The former Miami Heat and Orlando Magic center who pitches an array of commercial products and NBA analyst on the TNT cable network has endorsed Levine.
“You know, I’ve met a lot of people in my life — but there’s something really special about this guy from Florida who’s never been afraid to step up for others when the game of life is on the line; his name is Philip Levine,” O’Neal said.
Jimmy Buffett
The singer-songwriter has endorsed Gwen Graham for the Democratic nomination for governor. He also held a free concert for Graham in Hollywood.
“Gwen will put the interests of everyday Floridians first. She has a heart for people and a passion for the Sunshine State. She’ll protect our precious natural environment, ensure we have strong public schools and affordable health care. It’s been too long since we have had a governor for all the people. For that reason, I am supporting my friend, Democrat Gwen Graham, for governor and I encourage ya’ll to do the same,” Buffett said.
Grant Hill
The former NBA player, whose teams included the Orlando Magic, and current host on NBA-TV is supporting Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in Democratic governor primary.
“I’m just honored and thrilled to be supporting Gillum for governor. He is the best candidate for our wonderful state. I love his passion, his intellect. He’s innovative, got great ideas to move Florida into the future,” he said in a Facebook video streamed from Gillum campaign bus as it traveled
through Central Florida. “Vote for Andrew Gillum for governor. Get your friends, your family, everyone in your neighborhood, in your community.”
Ray Allen
The former NBA star, who played for multiple teams — most notably the Heat — is supporting Levine.
“I know what it means to take a shot when everything is on the line. This year, Florida is on the line, and that’s why I’m supporting Philip Levine in his race for governor,” Allen said. “You see, Philip always has the courage to stand up when it counts. And when the game’s on the line, trust me, Philip Levine not only gets it, but delivers big time.”
Luther Campbell, aka Uncle Luke
The 2 Live Crew rapper, music promoter and political commentator supports Levine and cut a radio ad on his behalf called “Badass Governor.”
“You want to stop guns and gun violence in our community? It’s Philip Levine. As mayor, he reformed an entire police department, stopping the unnecessary harassment and targeting of our people. You want better paying jobs? It’s Philip Levine, who passed Florida’s first living wage. You want to stick it to Donald Trump? It’s Philip Levine, who’s been putting it to Donald Trump time and time again. Look — the system has never been our friend and those who run it make damn sure of that. Elect Philip Levine as governor, and we run the show. Take if from yours truly, Uncle Luke — Philip Levine is one badass dude and is gonna make one badass governor,” Campbell said.
Bernie Sanders
The U.S. senator from Vermont and unsuccessful candidate for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination has an unusually passionate following, perhaps more intense than any other politician on the political left.
Sanders supports Gillum and held rallies for him on Aug. 17 in Tampa and Orlando.
“As governor, Andrew Gillum will work to provide health care for all through a Medicare-for-All program, raise the minimum wage to a living wage, invest in sustainable energy, improve education, make sure the wealthiest corporations pay their fair share of taxes, and be welcoming to immigrants. Andrew has never backed down from a fight, including beating the NRA and standing up against xenophobic politicians. Andrew Gillum will set a new course for Florida — a governor who represents all the people and not just powerful special interests,” Sanders said.
Donald Trump
The president’s support of Ron DeSantis, including a mass rally in Tampa, provided an enormous boost to his campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
“Congressman Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader, Yale and then Harvard Law, who would make a GREAT Governor of Florida. He loves our Country and is a true FIGHTER!,” Trump wrote on Twitter in December.
In June, the president added: “Congressman Ron DeSantis, a top student at Yale and Harvard Law School, is running for Governor of the Great State of Florida. Ron is strong on Borders, tough on Crime & big on Cutting Taxes — Loves our Military & our Vets. He will be a Great Governor & has my full Endorsement!”