Donald Trump names Manatee County activist to Florida campaign

MANATEE -- A Manatee County resident has been named Florida director of coalitions as part of Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

Craig Bachler, involved in previous statewide and presidential campaigns, was named director of coalitions by Trump's campaign Tuesday. Bachler is one of four staff member additions announced by Trump's campaign.

Sarasota's Joe Gruters, chairman of the Sarasota Republican Party, was named co-chairman of Trump's Florida campaign last month.

Bachler, who recently applied to fill a vacancy on the Manatee County School Board, served as Florida director of field operations for Rick Santorum's presidential campaign in 2012. Bachler also previously worked on Gov. Rick Scott's campaign as Manatee County campaign director.

"I have created thousands of jobs and own some of the most iconic assets in the state," Trump said in the release. "I love the people of Florida and I am proud to have such overwhelming support and a great staff in place. I look forward to visiting often and working with my team to share my vision to Make America Great Again."

The announcement comes four days before Trump's rally at Robarts Arena in Sarasota at noon Saturday.

The other staff members joining the Florida operation: Jennifer Locetta, deputy state director; Ken Mayo, director of field operations; and John Ross Pughe, southeast regional field director.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 4:57 PM with the headline "Donald Trump names Manatee County activist to Florida campaign ."