A record number of supporters gathered last night at Electrical Works in Leesburg for a rally in support of Carey Baker, who is running as a write-in candidate for his fourth term as Lake County’s Property Appraiser. With over 250 attendees, including notable figures such as Congressman Daniel Webster, Senator Dennis Baxley, Marion County Property Appraiser Jimmy Cowan, and Anthony Sabatini, the event demonstrated strong community backing for Carey.

The rally highlighted Carey’s commitment to serving Lake County and the unprecedented nature of his campaign. If successful, Carey would make history as the first write-in candidate to win the position.

The rally comes in the wake of a controversial election development. Carey had planned to file as a write-in candidate to save his supporters from covering the $10,685.04 qualifying fee, believing he was unchallenged. However, a last-minute filing by Mark Jordan, supported by his brother David Jordan, the Lake County Tax Collector, has turned the race into a contentious battle.

“Only a friend could have betrayed me like this,” Carey says, expressing his shock at the unexpected challenge. He emphasized the need for ethical conduct in public office, saying, “We don’t want public officials that obtained office through deception and deceitful behavior.”

Many of the supporters expressed their outrage at the deceitful tactics used against Carey, emphasizing that such actions are contrary to the values of integrity and honesty that Carey embodies. “Carey is a man of integrity and loyalty,” said one attendee. “The very qualities that make him a trusted public servant also made him an easy target for those who don’t share his ethical standards.” The crowd’s sentiment echoed the belief that Carey’s unwavering commitment to doing what is right, both in his professional and personal life, is why they stand firmly behind him.

Congressman Daniel Webster weighed in on the matter:

“Carey Baker is an extraordinary individual. Having grown up in Eustis, with a scouting background, he endeavored to live out the Scout’s Oath … “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty…”

One part of Carey Baker’s duty, was to serve the United States of America in the Army National Guard, so he joined while still in high school. He also sought and won a seat in the Florida House of Representatives, and then the Florida State Senate, while still a member of the National Guard. He served in Iraq, in one of the most dangerous areas there. In 2012, he was elected as property appraiser, serving as one of Lake County’s Constitutional officers. He is a family man, married to his wife, Lori, and they have 3 children.

Carey Baker has done his ‘duty‘, as a scout, a scoutmaster, a husband, a father, a soldier, a legislator, and a property appraiser. But now, an act that is very disappointing, has made matters difficult for Carey Baker to continue his service to Lake County, as property appraiser.

David and Mark Jordan devised a scheme that makes Mark the Republican candidate, and Carey is relegated to a blank on the ballot. Mark Jordan could resolve this whole issue today by withdrawing from the race. Voters must now write in Carey’s name, but if anyone can win this way, it’s Carey Baker. He has my full and complete support, write in vote and endorsement.”

Notably, he was the first state or federal elected official to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom while holding office. Despite the challenges, the overwhelming support at last night’s rally underscores the community’s confidence in Carey’s leadership and integrity.

See what Marion County Property Appraiser Jimmy Cowan had to say at the rally –> https://www.facebook.com/share/v/B2cA81Trk8EmNsew/

This morning, over 100 passionate supporters gathered at a protest rally to back Carey Baker and demand accountability from the Jordan brothers. The crowd, waving signs and chanting slogans, called for the disgraced Jordan brothers to withdraw from the race and resign from their positions.