Batesville native Curt Clawson was victorious in the Republican primary election for Florida’s 19th district Tuesday.
A former businessman and top executive, Clawson has earned the party nod in his first venture in the political arena. The nomination is a step closer to the U.S. House for the former Batesville Bulldog basketball star.
One thing is for certain. The 1978 Batesville High School graduate has not forgotten his roots. Longtime friend and classmate Jay Fullenkamp, of Batesville, was at the election headquarters at the Hyatt Regency in Bonita Springs, Florida on Tuesday.
“Biggest thing about Curt is what he has kept through life and upheld. He has made it pretty big, but it is his loyalty he has shown over the years,” Fullenkamp said via phone from the hotel.
Fullenkamp and Clawson remain close friends and even appeared in front of the camera together during the filming of a campaign commercial at Batesville High School in February.
During the victory celebration, Fullenkamp noted that Republican and tea party supporters were in attendance and Clawson took a few moments to answer phone calls from House Speaker John Boehner and Florida Governor Rick Scott.
Clawson will get back to the campaign trail and prepare for the election against Democrat April Freeman on June 24.
The special election is to replace Republican Trey Radel, who stepped down earlier this year after a drug conviction.
