ENDORSEMENTS
Richie Theodore
Retired Sergeant, West Chicago Police Department
To all my friends I would like to introduce you to a special friend of mine by the name of Raymond Blacklidge. He is running to become a Representative in Florida.
He is smart and is committed to being honest. And I believe we need more honest politicians across America. Mr. Blacklidge communicates and displays the highest standards of ethical behavior that I have ever witnessed.
Mr. Blacklidge utilizes strong listening skills when talking to residents. He demonstrates a high degree of originality and creativity. Which is something else we need in politics.
I believe when you look at his background you will note that he has great leadership skills. Mr. Blacklidge would make a creative & talented Representative in Florida Politics.
James (Jim) Sturges
MBA PMP
Ray was and is an outstanding role model for Boy Scouts everywhere. During his time leading Troop 148 he guided and shaped the character of many young lives over several years. Himself an Eagle scout, he help lead many of those boys to go on to become eagle scouts, including my own son. Regardless of the professional capacity in which you may engage with Ray, let me vouch for his leadership, character and integrity based on many years in working with/for him as adult leaders of Troop 148.
Rep Jim Boyd Endorses Blacklidge
3-28-18
Madeira Beach, Fla. — Today, the Ray Blacklidge Campaign announced the endorsement of Representative Jim Boyd, who currently holds the District 71 seat in the Florida House and serves on Speaker Richard Corcoran's leadership team. Blacklidge, a Republican, is running to represent nearby District 69.
“Ray Blacklidge will be a strong leader for our area in Tallahassee,” said Boyd, “His business background and conservative convictions combine perfectly to position him to successfully drive legislation that will keep our economy growing. I’m proud to support him.”
Boyd was elected to the Florida House in 2010. Currently, he is the Chair of the Commerce Committee and serves on the Appropriations and Rules and Policy Committees. During last year's legislative session, he was Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, which was charged with giving as much back to taxpayers as possible in tax cuts. From 2014 to 2016, Boyd was the House Deputy Majority Leader and Majority Whip. He is an insurance agent in Bradenton.
“I’m honored to have the support of Representative Boyd,” said Blacklidge. “During his time in Tallahassee, he has distinguished himself as a capable legislator who leads with integrity. Even though he faces term limits this year, I look forward to continuing to work with him and other local leaders to move our region forward.”
Blacklidge has an extensive background as an entrepreneur with a record of protecting consumers and fighting fraud. He currently works as an insurance executive and attorney in the management of a Florida-based insurance company.
House District 69 covers the south Pinellas beach communities from Redington Shores to Fort DeSoto, as well as portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, and Pinellas Park. With 36 percent of the district's voter registration, Republicans maintain a slight lead over the Democrats’ 35 percent. Independents and minor parties make up 29 percent of the district.
Mayor Leslie Waters Endorses Blacklidge
4-4-18
Madeira Beach, Fla. — Today, the Ray Blacklidge Campaign announced the endorsement of Mayor Leslie Waters of Seminole. Blacklidge, a Republican, is running to represent District 69 in the Florida House of Representatives.
“I've known Ray Blacklidge for more than 20 years. He will be a strong leader in Tallahassee, and he has my full support,” said Waters. “I know what it takes to be a successful legislator, and Ray’s business background and commitment to public service make him more than qualified. District 69 residents would be well represented by him in Tallahassee.”
Waters has served as mayor of Seminole since 2013. Prior to that, she was elected to the Seminole City Council in 2009, serving as Vice Mayor in 2010. From 1998 to 2006, she represented District 51 in the Florida House of Representatives, where she was Speaker Pro Tem from 2006 to 2008.
“Mayor Waters is a distinguished leader in our area at both the state and local levels, and I’m honored to have her endorsement,” said Blacklidge. “I look forward to following her example of public service and working together to strengthen Seminole and our entire community.”
Blacklidge has an extensive background as an entrepreneur with a record of protecting consumers and fighting fraud. He currently works as an insurance executive and attorney in the management of a Florida-based insurance company.
House District 69 covers the south Pinellas beach communities from Redington Shores to Fort DeSoto, as well as portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, and Pinellas Park. With 36 percent of the district's voter registration, Republicans maintain a slight lead over the Democrats’ 35 percent. Independents and minor parties make up 29 percent of the district.
So. Pasadena Mayor Max Elson Endorses Blacklidge
5-18-18
Madeira Beach, Fla. — Today, the Ray Blacklidge Campaign announced the endorsement of Mayor Max V. Elson of South Pasadena. Blacklidge, a Republican, is running to represent District 69 in the Florida House of Representatives.
“Ray Blacklidge will be an excellent legislator, and I am proud to support him,” said Elson. “Ray understands the principle of home rule for cities and would be an advocate for such in Tallahassee. His background in the private sector and his experience fighting for consumers will serve the residents of District 69 well. He understands what makes for a strong economy, and I look forward to working with him to increase opportunity in our area.”
Elson was elected mayor of South Pasadena in 2016 after having served on the city commission since 2011. He is a member of the Florida and Suncoast League of Cities, the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg, and the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. His community involvement includes work with the Abilities Foundation. Elson moved to St. Petersburg in 1971 and to South Pasadena in 2001 and is retired from a career in the food and beverage industry.
“It’s an honor to have Mayor Elson’s endorsement for my campaign,” said Blacklidge. “He is doing a great job providing leadership to the City of South Pasadena, and I look forward to working with him and other local officials to strengthen our economy and improve our area’s quality of life.”
Blacklidge has an extensive background as an entrepreneur with a record of protecting consumers and fighting fraud. He currently works as an insurance executive and attorney in the management of a Florida-based insurance company.
House District 69 covers the south Pinellas beach communities from Redington Shores to Fort DeSoto, as well as portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, and Pinellas Park. With 36 percent of the district's voter registration, Republicans maintain a slight lead over the Democrats’ 35 percent. Independents and minor parties make up 29 percent of the district.
Pinellas Park Council Memer Rick Butler Endorses Blacklidge
6-4-18
Madeira Beach, Fla. — Today, the Ray Blacklidge Campaign announced the endorsement of Pinellas Park City Councilmember Rick Butler, who has served on the Council for two decades. Blacklidge, a Republican, is seeking the District 69 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
“Ray Blacklidge is the right choice for District 69,” said Butler. “I’m confident that Ray’s outstanding record in his private sector career and in his service to our community position him to be a very effective legislator. I’m proud to support him, and I look forward to working with him.”
First elected in 1998, Butler has been re-elected to the City Council five times. He is a past president of the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce and a past president of the Suncoast League of Cities. In 2017, Governor Rick Scott appointed Butler to serve on the Juvenile Welfare Board. For over 30 years, he has owned and operated Rick Butler Realty.
“I’m honored to have Rick Butler’s support,” said Blacklidge. “Over the course of his career, he has set a high standard for hard work and constituent service. I appreciate his vote of confidence, and I’m honored to have him on our team.”
Butler joins State Representative Jim Boyd, South Pasadena Mayor Max Elson, former State Representative Jim Frishe, and Seminole Mayor Leslie Waters in backing Blacklidge.
House District 69 covers the south Pinellas beach communities from Redington Shores to Fort DeSoto, as well as portions of St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Kenneth City, and Pinellas Park. With 36 percent of the district's voter registration, Republicans maintain a slight lead over the Democrats’ 35 percent. Independents and minor parties make up 29 percent of the district.
More Endorsements:
Organizations:
Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA)
Associated Industries of Florida (AIF)
Christian Coalition of Pinellas County
Conservative Candidates Corner
Florida Family Law Reform
Florida Podiatric Medical Association (FPMA)
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Fraternal Order of Police
NFIB Florida (Small Business Association)
Personhood Florida ProLilfe PAC
Pinellas County Republican Party Straw Poll Winner
Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC)
SunCoast Brotherhood
Tampa Bay Times
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Individuals:
Representative Jim Boyd
Pinellas Park Councilmember Rick Butler
South Pasadena Mayor Max Elson
Former State Representative Jim Frishe
Seminole Mayor and Former State Representative Leslie Waters
Former State Representative Robert Wilson
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