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Highlands Today

Albritton running away with District 66 fundraising

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By GARY PINNELL

Highlands Today

Published: July 23, 2009

AVON PARK - So far, the big dog in the District 66 State Representative race is Ben Albritton. In fact, the Wauchula citrus grower is the only visible candidate.

Three Republicans have filed: Albritton, Leviticus Reed and Gary Newberry, both of Winter Haven. Only Albritton has attempted to raise money, and he's attempting to cross the finish line before the others have started.

In the first quarter of activity, Albritton gathered $131,625 from almost 400 contributors. Reed reported only $300 as an in-kind contribution, and Newberry has filed nothing with the Florida Department of State.

"I am truly humbled the outpouring of support that my family, friends and neighbors have shown me," Albritton said.

More than 50 of his contributors were from Wauchula, Zolfo Springs or Bowling Green. About 25 were from local citrus or fruit related companies. Others came from both Florida coasts. Albritton is the current chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission.

About 8,000 Sebring and Avon Park voters live in District 66, which includes portions of Polk County and all of Hardee County.

Highlands Today reporter Gary Pinnell can be reached at 863-386-5828 or gpinnell@highlandstoday.com.

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