Some of you are aware, especially if you live in the Southeast where Publix grocery stores are located, that they are heavily bankrolling a very pro-NRA, anti-immigration candidate for governor. I posted several links previously and said I'd written to them to express my deep concerns about this. I wanted to share their reply. It's done nothing to assuage my concerns, obviously. Thoughts? I've seen other replies to friends who have also written - and the 4th paragraph especially is different.

"As the largest private employer in the state of Florida, and with the majority of our stores and our corporate headquarters located here as well, we have a history of supporting candidates focused on job growth and a healthy Florida economy.

We regret that some of our political contributions have led to an unintentional customer divide instead of our desire to support a growing economy in Florida.

Publix cares about our associates, customers and the communities we serve. It is important to understand that the vast majority of our giving is focused on organizations whose mission supports youth, education, and the plight of the hungry and homeless within our area of operation.

As a result of this situation, we are evaluating our processes to ensure that our giving better reflects our intended desire to support a strong economy and a healthy community.

We hope we have answered your question to your satisfaction. Should you have additional follow up, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Care department at 1-800-242-1227. You may also contact us via email at www.publix.com/contact or write us at Publix Super Markets, Inc., P.O. Box 407, Lakeland, FL 33802, ATTN: Customer Care. Please be sure to reference your case identification number. We look forward to hearing from you again soon."