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and the place where my husband was born, Publix is probably the oldest grocery store chain in this state. My mother-in-law worked there for many many years a very long time ago. Many of his relatives also have worked there and for the most part almost EVERYONE one of them are Repukes. Excluding my mother-in-law. His parents were always Democrats as is my husband, but he has one brother who is "otherwise!"
I have yet to Google them, but like some other places like CVS which used to be Eckert's, pretty much Repuke bent! My grandson goes to college at FSU and the Koch Brothers have their fingers dug in deep on who gets hired there and who doesn't.
I moved here back in the early 70's and at that time Florida was much more Democratic, although not liberal like I am. Reuben Askew was Governor when I moved here, then we have Lawton Chiles, also Bob Graham... but it seems the state turned more Red around the time of Reagan. However, I was surprised that Charlie Crist who ran as a Repuke and won was actually not a bad Governor. Right now, we have one of the VERY WORST Governors I've ever seen here, and I have believed for a long time that Jeb Bush has a lot to do with what goes on in this state.
Sorry, got off topic... but I think it would be hard to find any grocery chain that leans left here in Florida. And Publix is one that I've always viewed with an (R) inserted into how the business is run. But, unless things have changed a great deal, they actually have treated their employees well and pay a fair wage with benefits. Perhaps that's changed now. Still, I'm sure they contribute $$$ to many Repukes all the time.
I concur with you about the selective nature of what they sell, I've noticed it myself. But unlike Walmart, Publix is probably not worried much about what you have to say. They've outlasted many grocery stores that have started here from time to time. Personally, I'm thrilled that we FINALLY have a COSTCO close by. And I'm extremely surprised that this county actually let it happen! My county is a bastion of the rich and is either 2nd or 3rd in per capita income in this state. I'm most definitely NOT one of them.
And if you've looked around, Publix is building more and more stores all over. They just redid the one about a minute away from me. There's also one about 5 miles away, 4 miles away and maybe another 5 miles in another direction. They's gots the $$$!
I think I'll Google the back story, but it might just be the first chain grocery store that started in Florida. Whatta ya gonna do? You know, money and how it talks and all that!
