Local Government Candidate Profile: Supervisor of Elections: Edward A. Bailey

Candidate: Edward A. Bailey

Part Affiliation: Republican

Age: 37

Hometown: Manatee County

Residence: Palmetto

Occupation: Operating partner of Nettie Bailey Realty

Education: Bayshore High School (1994); Air Condition and Refrigeration Certification, Manatee Technical Institute (1994); State College of Florida; Bob Hogue School of Real Estate; and JM&A Finance School

Edward Bailey has served Manatee County as a businessman, philanthropist and volunteer in many leadership positions, taking his hometown commitment a step further by running for 2012’s Supervisor of Elections. He will compete in the August 14 Republican primary.

During 1994, Bailey graduated from Bayshore High School and Manatee Technical Institute with his Air Condition and Refrigeration Certification. Later, before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps and becoming Sergeant (E-5), he attended the State College of Florida, where he recently was appointed Trustee by Gov. Rick Scott.

After four years with the Marines, Bailey returned to Bradenton in 1999 and was made the operating partner of Nettie Bailey Realty, his parents' business.

Bailey is currently the Director of Manatee’s Chamber of Commerce and has participated on boards like Headstart Policy Council and Habitat for Humanity, along with becoming former Manatee County NAACP President, the first Republican to hold the post. His two children and wife Xtavia also enjoy being active members in their community.

Upon becoming endorsed by the Manatee County Tea Party on June 21, Bailey said, "It’s both an honor and a privilege to be endorsed by an organization that promotes our country’s true values and fights for everything that America stands for." Bailey also earned an early endorsement from Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube.