by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Angela Corey has the backing of most of Northeast Florida’s police officers and the local Republican Party. However, her opponent in the race for State Attorney — Assistant State Attorney Jay Plotkin — is adding a big name to the list of his backers.
Thursday, Zurich Insurance Services, Inc. Chairman Tom Petway confirmed that he will chair Plotkin’s finance committee. Petway, who is also a part owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Prudential Network Realty, isn’t a stranger to politics.
“I have been involved for years. The last time was at the statewide level,” said Petway of his role in garnering support in Florida for President George W. Bush’s re-election.
Petway said the race to succeed State Attorney Harry Shorstein may be one of the most important in recent Jacksonville history. Since both Corey and Plotkin are registered Republicans and a Democrat didn’t qualify for the election, the job will be decided Aug. 26 in the presidential primary.
“This race is very important to the business community,” said Petway. “It’s one of the key jobs in this city. If we want world-class, good government, we have to have a good State Attorney.”
Petway said he has supported Plotkin since he announced his intention to run. Petway also said it makes sense to support Plotkin since he’s looking to succeed Shorstein, someone Petway has supported for nearly 20 years.
“I was one of the first Republicans 17 years ago to support Harry Shorstein (a Democrat) along with Don Brewer (former chair of the local Republican Party),” said Petway, who also serves as co-chair of the finance subcommittee of Mayor John Peyton’s Jacksonville Journey initiative. “Jay has paid his dues, has the experience to be the successor and it makes sense.”
Petway said the goal is to raise an additional $200,000 before the Aug. 26 election.