At a Police Benevolent Association event, today in West Palm Beach, Democrat County Commissioner Dave Kerner announced his endorsement for Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis.
There was speculation that this meant something was brewing with Kerner’s longstanding ambition to become the county’s next Sheriff, but that was incorrect.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is not going anywhere. I called Bradshaw, and he said,
Not only am I going to finish out my term, but I’m putting the wheels in motion to run again in 2024~Sheriff Bradshaw
When we spoke, Bradshaw was at the County Commission to discuss his budget with the commissioners.
In February, there were rumors that Bradshaw would retire, which he squelched: PBC Jolt Exclusive: Sheriff Ric Bradshaw to run for Reelection
Bradshaw recently suffered a heart attack and spent nine days in the hospital, but the iron man of Palm Beach County politics sounded as tough and vigorous as always when we spoke on the phone.
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“Florida is a law-and-order state because we put the safety of Floridians first and we stand up for law enforcement and reject the Left’s anti-police movement,” Governor DeSantis said. “We are focused on protecting victims and not coddling criminals, and no one knows that better than Dave, who served Florida’s communities. Commissioner Kerner knows first-hand the threat of the Defund the Police movement and understands the important role that our local law enforcement officers play in keeping Florida safe.” ~Gov. DeSantis
Partial DeSantis announcement:
“Endorsing Governor DeSantis was the obvious choice. Job number one of a Governor is to keep our residents safe. No one does that better than Governor DeSantis,” ~Palm Beach County District 3 County Commissioner Dave Kerner
Dave Kerner is on the Board of County Commissioners and served as County Mayor for two terms. He served two terms in the Florida House of Representatives as the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. Commissioner Kerner was honored as the Police Officer of the Year for the City of Alachua, and he also served as the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 62, and Union Representative.
Kerner may make a good Sheriff one day, but Bradshaw is a bull, and God willing, I don’t think he’s going anywhere anytime soon.
This is the clearest sign yet that Democrats know DeSantis is going to win in November. Kerner is no dummy, and he’s made it known he wants a senior-level position in law enforcement.
I’m sure Kerner is sincere in his praise of DeSantis and in his endorsement, but if Bradshaw isn’t going anywhere, it wouldn’t hurt Kerner to be pals with a rockstar law and order Governor who could be President.
Additional stories you may want to read:
Making It Rain: DeSantis Shatters Fundraising Records, Donating to Down-Ballot Republicans
DeSantis Wins First Big Ruling in Fired State Attorney Lawsuit
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