Lakewood Ranch business group says it's time to defeat Joe McClash

A Lakewood Ranch business group endorsed two Manatee County commissioners for re-election, but threw its support behind a challenger trying to oust long-time incumbent Joe McClash from the board.

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, which says it represents almost 500 businesses and their employees, on Friday announced its endorsement of Betsy Benac, a former county government planner, challenging McClash for the Republican nomination for the at-large District 7 seat on the county commission.

The group also endorsed Larry Bustle and John Chappie for re-election representing District 1 and District 3, respectively. Both are Republicans.

Also, the alliance endorsed Linda Schaich, who is trying to replace Robert Gause on the Manatee County School Board; and school board candidate Robert Moates, who is running for the seat being vacated by Harry Kinnan.

School board races are nonpartisan.

Here is the complete list of endorsements.

• Larry Bustle, Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, District 1.
• John Chappie, Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, District 3.
• Betsy Benac, Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, District 7.
• Robert Moates, Manatee County School Board, District 2.
• Linda Schaich, Manatee County School Board, District 4.

Here is a list of previous endorsements.

• Tom Knight, Sarasota County sheriff.
• Brad Steube, Manatee County Sheriff.
• Ed Brodsky, State Attorney, 12th Judicial Circuit.
• Larry Eger, Public Defender, 12th Judicial Circuit.
• Vanessa Baugh, Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, District 5.

Other endorsements for other races will be announced later this year. Read more here: