Arthrex founder endorses Passidomo for Senate seat

State Senate candidate Kathleen Passidomo earned the endorsement of a powerful businessman in Naples, noting his longstanding friendship with her in the Naples community.

Arthrex President and founder Reinhold Schmieding said Passidomo understands what policies will help small businesses in Florida.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Kathleen and her family for many years and have always known her to lead by example,” Schmieding wrote in a statement provided by Passidomo’s campaign. “She’s a small business owner who gets it – she understands that pro-business policies have a positive impact and create more jobs for Florida families.

“Kathleen has my full support.”

State Rep. Passidomo, R-Naples, is heading for an Aug. 30 primary showdown against state Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, for the senate seat due to be vacated by the term limited Garrett Richter. The newly redrawn district now includes some rural communities Hudson already represented in the House, but Passidomo carries an established reputation in the more populated stretches of Collier County.

Passidomo won the verbal support of Gov. Rick Scott, who visited Arthrex last week to celebrate its creation of 560 jobs. The company bills itself as the global leader in orthoscopic surgery.

Hudson has seen plenty of support from Republican-based groups. Last week, he received the endorsement of the Eagle Forum PAC, which supports “building a better educated, safer, stronger America based on traditional values.”

Hudson has also been endorsed by the Collier County Republican Executive Committee and the Republican Party Liberty Caucus.