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Benson enters GOP attorney general race

Associated Press file photo (2007)

Holly Benson has headed the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, then the state Agency for Health Care Administration under Gov. Charlie Crist.

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By WILLIAM MARCH

wmarch@tampatrib.com

Published: October 30, 2009

Holly Benson, former state health care administrator, made her expected announcement Thursday that she's running for attorney general, entering a Republican primary that already includes Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and may include others soon.

Announcing her candidacy in her hometown of Pensacola, Benson said she's running because, "people are deeply troubled that government is even more out of touch, more out of control and is expanding its power, while abandoning the principles that make Florida a great place to live, work and raise a family."

Benson is a former state House member from Pensacola, who was named by Gov. Charlie Crist first to head the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, then the state Agency for Health Care Administration.

She resigned that post two weeks ago in preparation for her campaign.

Kottkamp responded with a campaign statement welcoming Benson "to this yearlong political marathon."

He said they served together in the state Legislature, and, "I have always found her to be a nice and pleasant individual."

Kottkamp also announced an endorsement by the Fraternal Order of Police on Thursday.

Even though she's running against a high-level elected official in her own party, Benson may get significant party support. Thursday, her campaign sent out a list of tributes from prominent Republicans, including Newt Gingrich.

Some, including state Sens. John Thrasher of Jacksonville and Joe Negron of Port St. Lucie, appeared to be endorsing Benson. "Florida needs Holly Benson to be our next Attorney General," Thrasher said.

But Benson suffered an anonymous attack just as she entered the race. Political reporters statewide received an e-mailed packet of negative information about her.

It came with no identification except an e-mail address, "ethicalpublic servant@rocketmail.com," and alleged ethical violations against Benson, none proved. Some concern office politics in the agencies Benson headed.

Kottkamp campaign consultant Rocky Pennington said the e-mail wasn't from his campaign.

Reporter William March can be reached at (813) 259-7761.

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