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Baker Steps Up To Seek Open Congressional Seat

    “I think we can win.”
    Longtime Lake County businessman and public servant Carey Baker is gearing up for what he describes will be a ‘very busy nine weeks”.  Baker is one of seven candidates seeking to fill the vacant seat in Florida’s 11th Congressional District, as Daniel Webster is not seeking reelection.  Baker, who has served the area most recently as Lake County Property Appraiser, has also had stints as a state representative and state senator.  He feels that experience has him well-suited to take the next step in public service.
    “I feel comfortable about my ability to represent the people in this district since I’ve been representing them in different capacities for years.”
    Baker will face off in the primary against four other Republicans, with the winner advancing to the general election in November, against one of three Democrats who have qualified for the race. Additionally, a libertarian has qualified for the race.
    One person he won’t be facing is Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini, who had previously entered the race but announced his exit last week to focus on issues facing Lake County.  He threw his support behind Baker.
    The district includes a large swatch of central and south Lake County, as well as portions of Sumter and Orange counties.
    Baker’s run comes after conversations with both the national Republican Congressional Committee and the Trump White House. Additionally, he spoke with other elected officials.
    “They told me there was a need for bold Congressmen who would serve the community.  Not themselves,” Baker said this week, during an interview at his A.W. Peterson Gun Shop in Mount Dora.  Additionally, “Many people in the community encouraged me to run.”
    So far, Baker describes the reaction to his campaign as ‘incredible’, but he understands the challenges ahead.
    “I’ve never run a nine-week campaign.  The biggest challenge is getting my message out.” But he feels he has a good leg up in the race, due to his name recognition and history of service.
    “(Voters) know me, and they trust me.  They know my heart is in the right place.”
    Baker’s resume includes decades of service in the Boy Scouts, as well as in the Florida National Guard, which included a fourteen month deployment to Iraq.  Baker feels his military and community service give him insight into the issues of veterans and families, and his longtime business ownership gives him unique insight into the ‘trials and tribulations of owning a small business.’.  He says supporting veterans, families, and small businesses are a large focus for him.
    Learn more about Baker and his campaign at www.careybaker.com.