To the Editor:

Thanks to the hard work and tireless support your readers showed for our positive campaign for a better Florida – we achieved victory in the Republican primary for Senate District 27. ?I extend my thanks to my two opponents for running spirited campaigns and I recognize them for their dedication to public service and their desire to bring new ideas to Tallahassee. We all agree that the business as usual mentality has to change and that we must bring fiscal responsibility back to government by cutting wasteful spending, reducing taxes, and promoting policies that encourage business to invest and expand in our communities.

As I traveled the district this past year, I listened as you shared with me that you’re tired of the excuses. I heard you say loudly and clearly that career politicians are responsible for getting us into this mess. I heard you tell me that you want real solutions, not stale ideas.

Over the next few months, I will work hard to continue to share my vision for jumpstarting the economy and creating jobs for Floridians.

Our “Economic Recovery Initiatives Package” to get Florida back on the right track is:

cutting wasteful government spending

focusing spending on only the core functions of government

providing tax relief

streamlining state operations

incentivizing job creation

jump-starting the economy.

My Democratic opponent, Rep. Kevin Rader, told the media last week that “the first thing” he would do if elected is to file a bill that Florida should get more “federal stimulus money.” That is the opposite of leadership; simply asking the feds to print more money does not provide stability and will not lead to job growth.

During this general election campaign, the voters will decide whether they want a big-government liberal who is responsible for getting us into this mess of higher taxes and more spending, or a refreshing conservative with practical solutions for building a better future for Florida.

I’m incredibly grateful for the trust and support the voters have placed in our campaign. We have much work to do in order to prepare for the general election.

But today, my family and I simply wanted to say thank you.

Lizbeth Benacquisto

Loxahatchee, Fla.