Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/356321
Republican Sarasota County Commission candidate Alan Maio this week brought up a fiercely disputed national social issue — abortion — as a way to introduce himself to GOP voters. The mailer arrives in Republican mailboxes with just a few weeks left in the primary campaign between Maio, a retired businessman, and community activist Lourdes Ramirez. Digital scans of both sides of the one-page mailer were provided to The Sarasota News Leader by a Sarasota voter who asked not to be named. The front of the piece — deliv- ered Monday, July 28 — features an image of a smiling infant alongside Maio's campaign logo and the slogan "Defending Our Pro- Life Values." The back of the mailer includes images of Maio and a quote from the candidate: "As the father of three grown children, I under- stand how precious the gift of life is. I will always stand on the side of life and defend our shared values." The card urges recipients to "Vote Pro-Life. Vote Alan Maio for Sarasota County Commission." What does abortion, regulated at the state and national levels, have to do with the Board of (Above) This shows the front of the mailer. Contributed image REPUBLICAN COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATE ALAN MAIO FOCUSES ON ABORTION IN DIRECT MAIL PIECE ABORTION POLITICS HIT THE MAILBOX By Cooper Levey-Baker Associate Editor