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Florida

Page history last edited by Mike 14 years, 7 months ago

Governor Mitt Romney and Florida

For each issue we'll track reasons, interest, webpages, and books, that agree & disagree with Obama.

Romney in the Florida News

Feb 06, 2007; Romney Heeds Call Of [Florida
Apr 24, 2007; Romney Stresses Conservative Values In Speech To [Florida GOP] Lawmakers

Press Releases

Sep 14, 2007; Governor Mitt Romney Announces the Florida African American Steering Committee
Nov 27, 2007; The Romney Agenda: Stronger Florida Families With More Affordable Health Care
Jun 01, 2007; Governor Mitt Romney Announces Florida County Chairs
Jul 31, 2007; Governor Mitt Romney Announces National Finance Chairs And Co-Chairs
Jul 17, 2007; Governor Mitt Romney Announces The Florida Young Professionals For Mitt
Apr 04, 2007; West Central Florida Leaders Endorse Governor Mitt Romney
Apr 23, 2007; Florida Legislators Endorse Governor Mitt Romney
Mar 28, 2007; Governor Mitt Romney Names Former Secretary of State Glenda
Mar 28, 2007; Jacksonville Leaders Endorse Governor Mitt Romney
Feb 22, 2007; Governor Mitt Romney Names Florida Statewide Finance Committee
Feb 07, 2007; Governor Mitt Romney Names Florida Statewide Steering Committee
Feb 01, 2007; Governor Mitt Romney Announces Expanding Florida Field Team

Governor Mitt Romney was in Florida on Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10 to meet with local leaders and deliver remarks at Lincoln Day Dinners in both Miami-Dade and Hillsborough Counties.

On Friday, February 16, Governor Mitt Romney traveled to the Lake Miona Regional Recreation Center in The Villages, Florida where he spoke with local residents and answered questions about his bid for the presidency.

Florida Photos

Florida Mitt Romney Links

Boston, MA * Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced his Florida statewide leadership team for the Romney for President Exploratory Committee.

"Florida is a dynamic and diverse state * representative of all that is great about America," Governor Romney said. "I look forward to campaigning in Florida and am pleased to have such a strong and growing team in the Sunshine State. Their commitment will make an important difference in the Florida primary."

"I am pleased to support Governor Romney and will work hard on his behalf," said Governor Jeb Bush's former Lt. Governor and two-term State Senate President Toni Jennings. "He is a proven leader who held the line on taxes in his state, held the line on spending and is a can-do conservative with a business background. His fresh, optimistic vision is what is needed for America's future."

Joining Jennings on Governor Romney's Florida team are a number of key political leaders.

Background On The Florida Steering Committee:

Former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings * Honorary Chairwoman: Jennings served as Governor Jeb Bush's Lieutenant Governor from 2003-2006 and is the first woman to hold the office. A native of Orlando, Jennings began her professional career as a public school teacher and later successfully ran her family owned construction business, Jack Jennings and Sons. She served two terms in the Florida State House, and was then elected to the Florida State Senate * a seat she held for 20 consecutive years. During that time, Jennings served as Florida's only two-term State Senate President. She also served as a Florida Co-Chair for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign. Jennings was also named to the Florida Women's Hall of Fame.

Former Speaker Allan Bense * Chair: Bense served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2004 to 2006. As Speaker, Bense worked closely with Governor Jeb Bush. He is a strong fiscal conservative, advocating spending restraint and tax cuts. He was also a proponent of continued education reform, including school choice. A native of Panama City, Bense is active in community and civic affairs. He worked his way up from humble beginnings and became one of the most successful businessmen in the Florida Panhandle. Currently, he remains involved in general contracting and road building work and serves as a member of the Council of 100, Florida Chamber of Commerce Board and the Enterprise Florida Board.

Former State GOP Chairman Al Cardenas * Chair: Cardenas is the former two-term Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. While in this role, he was appointed by the Republican National Committee Chairman to serve on the Executive Committee. He was the first Hispanic to head a major state party and remains the only Hispanic Republican Party Chairman in Florida history. In 2004, he served as Co-Chair of the Bush-Cheney Florida campaign. He is a regular opinion editorial columnist for El Diario, the largest circulating Spanish-speaking newspaper in America, and has appeared frequently on many English and Spanish TV news programs. Cardenas has represented Florida at every Republican National Convention since 1976 and held positions for both Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In Florida, Governor Jeb Bush appointed him to the Board of Trustees of FAMU. He is also a national board member of the American Conservative Union. He was recently named as one of Poder Magazine's Top 50 Most Powerful Hispanics. Cardenas is currently a partner in the Tew Cardenas law firm which has offices in Miami, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney * Chair: Elected in 2002 to the U.S. House of Representatives, Feeney represents the people of Central Florida's 24th Congressional District. He previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and was Governor Jeb Bush's running mate in his first race for governor in 1994. In Congress, Feeney serves on the Steering Committee of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus in the U.S. House representing 100 conservative members, and is the Chairman of the House Conservatives Fund which helps elect true Reagan conservatives to the House. Feeney has been a leader for reform and a watchdog for fiscal responsibility in Washington.

Former Speaker John Thrasher * Chair: Thrasher is a former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. While leading the Florida House during Governor Jeb Bush's first two years, he helped pass some of the Governor's landmark reforms, including an overhaul of the State's entire education system. Thrasher serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Florida State University, his alma mater, where he was recently honored by having the new medical school building named after him. He also served as the Florida Co-Chair of the Bush 2000 and 2004 campaigns. He currently serves on the Clay County Board of County Commissioners. Thrasher is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam where he was awarded two Bronze Stars.

Mayor Rick Baker * Co-Chair: Baker serves as Mayor of St. Petersburg, a post he has held since 2001. He is chairman of the Governor's Municipal Mentoring Initiative, Chairman of the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida and is Group Leader to Governor Crist's Growth and Environmental Agency review board. Baker practiced corporate law for 20 years, serving as President of Fisher and Sauls, PA. He also was President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the National League of Cities School Improvement Task Force. He is a Founder of the YMCA Neighbor to Neighbor Christmas Program and published author on the history of St. Petersburg.

Representative Dennis Baxley * Co-Chair: Baxley is a four-term Member of the State House of Representatives and currently serves as Speaker Pro-Tempore to House Speaker Marco Rubio. He is an Advisory Board Member for the Marion County Children's Advocacy Center and Marion County Children's Alliance. In 2005 and 2006, he received the Christian Coalition of Florida Faith and Family Award. He also is a 2004 recipient of the National Rifle Association Defender of Freedom Award. Baxley is the Vice President/Partner in Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services in Marion County.

Representative Jennifer Carroll * Co-Chair: Carroll was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2003. She was the first African-American female Republican ever elected to the Legislature. Carroll is a highly decorated Navy veteran. She was a Governor Jeb Bush appointee to the Northeast Regional Planning Council and is the former Secretary of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. She previously served on the White House Presidential Scholar's Commission and in 2004 was appointed to the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission by President Bush. Most recently, Jennifer served as African-American Outreach leader in the Charlie Crist 2006 campaign and is a Team Leader for his Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs Agency Review Board.

Dudley Goodlette * Co-Chair: Goodlette is a former State Representative from Naples who served in the House from 1998-2006 representing Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades City. As a House Member, he chaired the Rules Committee and Rules and Calendar Council, and was instrumental in leading election reform initiatives following the 2000 Presidential election, statewide domestic security initiatives following the 9/11 attack on America, medical malpractice reform in 2003, and important education initiatives. Dudley has served as President of the Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Collier County Economic Development Council, Chairman of the City of Naples Community Redevelopment Advisory Board and President of the Collier County Bar Association. Dudley has received numerous awards for his community service, including Naples Daily News Citizen of the Year.

David Griffin * Co-Chair: Griffin served as Executive Director of the Bush/Brogan second term Transition Office. He also served as Florida's Lottery Secretary from 1999-2003. During his tenure with the Bush Administration, he served as Chair of the Governor's State Agency Mentoring Initiative. Griffin served on the Florida statewide steering committees for the Bush-Cheney 2004 and Charlie Crist 2006 campaigns. Currently president of David Griffin Consulting, he is an attorney and graduate of Cleveland Marshall College of Law and Penn State University. He is immediate past Chairman of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend.

Representative Anitere Flores * Co-Chair: Flores is the State Representative for District 114 in Miami. She serves as Chair of the K-12 Education Committee. Flores is a lifelong resident of Miami and a graduate of Florida International University and University of Florida College of Law. She served as Policy Director to the Education Council in the Florida House of Representatives and Education Policy Chief under Governor Jeb Bush. Flores is currently Director of Community and Civic Partnerships for Florida International University. She serves on the Florida Bar, is a member of the Cuban American Bar Association, was honored as one of the "Outstanding Women of America" and is a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church.

Van Poole * Co-Chair: Poole is a former two-term chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. A former Florida House Member, State Senator, Senate Majority Leader, Pro Tempore and House Minority Whip from Ft. Lauderdale, Poole also served as Executive Chairman of the International Political Leaders Program. He was appointed by President Reagan to the National Advisory Council on Educational Research. He was also a nominee for the United States Senate in 1982 and served in former Governor Martinez's Cabinet. He is on the Board of Directors of Florida TaxWatch and a Board Member of Challenger Learning Center which is part of the FSU/FAMU school of engineering. Poole is Managing Principal with Dutko Poole McKinley.

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Florida chapter of Young Professionals for Mitt. Comprised of 41 men and women, this group will help build Governor Romney's base of political and financial support among young professionals in the Sunshine State.

"These young professionals will be a driving force behind our Florida efforts to expand our growing base of grassroots support. With their help, I am confident that we will be able to spread our message of conservative change across this great state," said Governor Romney.

Leading Governor Romney's Florida Young Professionals for Mitt chapter as Honorary Chair is State Representative Anitere Flores, also a Statewide Co-Chair of Governor Romney's Florida Steering Committee. The chapter's Statewide Chairs are Brian Graham, Sara Misselhorn and Rita Nunez.

Joining Romney for President as a Chair of the Florida Young Professionals for Mitt, Brian Graham said, "In the private and public sectors, Governor Romney has a proven record of leadership and success. He has made the toughest decisions in the most difficult situations, and in the process, turned around businesses, the Olympics and the state of Massachusetts. I am proud to join my fellow Florida young professionals in supporting Governor Romney in his bid for the Presidency."

Additionally, young professionals serving on Governor Romney's Florida Finance Committee include Ward Blakely, Chris and Susanne Dudley, Erik Kirk, Trey McCarley and Rhett O'Doski. Florida young professionals serving as County Co-Chairs for the campaign also include Bay County Co-Chairs Mike Duncan and Bo Rivard, Brevard County Co-Chair Matthew Collins, Broward County Co-Chair Miramar Commissioner Troy Samuels, Leon County Co-Chair Mandy Clark, Madison County Co-Chair Joe Stansel, Miami-Dade County Co-Chair Andreina Figueroa, Pinellas County Co-Chair Mayor Frank Hibbard, Santa Rosa County Co-Chair Tim Weekley and Seminole County Co-Chair Jason Broduer.

*Businesses and organizations are listed for identification purposes only and should not be construed as endorsements by those businesses or organizations.

Boston, MA * During a visit to Tallahassee today to meet with state and local leaders, Governor Mitt Romney announced that 10 Florida legislators have endorsed his candidacy for President. These members of the Florida State Legislature include State Senators JD Alexander, Carey Baker and Stephen R. Wise as well as State Representatives Marti Coley, Michael J. Grant, Alan Hays, Ed Hooper, Trey Traviesa and Trudi Williams.

"I am proud to have the support of these respected and accomplished lawmakers," said Governor Romney. "Through Republican leadership, Florida has become a national model for translating conservative principles into successful policies. We showed the same type of discipline in Massachusetts and that is exactly what is needed now in Washington. I look forward to sharing my vision with Floridians as we discuss the solutions needed to meet a new generation of challenges."

These leaders join a strong and growing Florida organization that includes an accomplished Florida Steering Committee and a Florida Statewide Finance Team comprised of nearly 80 business and community leaders from across the state. The Florida Steering Committee is chaired by former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, former Speakers of the House Allan Bense and John Thrasher, former Chairman of the Florida Republican Party Al Cardenas and U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney.

Additional Florida legislators who have endorsed Governor Romney include State Representatives Dennis Baxley, Jennifer Carroll, Anitere Flores and Dick Kravitz. Former Senator and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Van Poole and former Representative Dudley Goodlette have also endorsed Governor Romney. Each serves as a Co-Chair of Governor Romney's Steering Committee.

"Chris has a distinguished record of public service in Central Florida and extensive experience in local Republican grassroots campaigning. I am thankful for his support," said Governor Romney. "We both agree that to keep America strong, we must strengthen our military, strengthen our economy and strengthen families. As we quickly approach Florida's January primary, I look forward to sharing this optimistic vision for our county's future with voters across the Sunshine State."

Representative Dorworth joins many of his fellow Florida legislators in endorsing Governor Romney's candidacy, including Romney for President Statewide Co-Chairs: Representatives Jennifer Carroll, Anitere Flores and Trey Traviesa. Other legislators serving on Governor Romney's Florida leadership team include: State Senators JD Alexander, Carey Baker, Steve Oelrich and Stephen R. Wise and State Representatives Marti Coley, Don Davis, Michael J. Grant, Alan Hays, Ed Hooper, Dick Kravitz and Trudi Williams.

"As he campaigns in Florida and across the country, Governor Romney is the only candidate who has demonstrated that he has the experience, the vision and the values to lead America forward," said Representative Dorworth. "Governor Romney enjoys tremendous support in Central Florida and throughout the state. I am committed to working hard to help him secure victory in the Sunshine State next month."

The Florida Steering Committee is chaired by former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, former Speakers of the House Allan Bense and John Thrasher, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson, former Chairman of the Florida Republican Party Al Cardenas and U.S. Congressmen Tom Feeney and Connie Mack. Additional Co-Chairs include St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, former Representatives Dennis Baxley and Dudley Goodlette, David Griffin, former Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood and former Senator and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Van Poole.

Background On State Representative Chris Dorworth:

State Representative Chris Dorworth Represents House District 34, Consisting of Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Union And Parts of Orange and Seminole Counties. Representative Dorworth was recently elected to the Florida House of Representatives last month in a special election. He serves as the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Utilities & Telecommunications and is a member of the Committee on Constitution & Civil Law, Committee on Healthy Seniors and Jobs & Entrepreneurship Council. Prior to his election to the Legislature, Representative Dorworth was appointed Chairman of the Seminole Community College District Board of Trustees by Governor Jeb Bush and re-appointed by Governor Charlie Crist. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Chaired the Board of Directors and Chaired the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District. Representative Dorworth has been active in Republican politics in Florida, previously serving as the Seminole County Chairman of the Bush/Cheney Campaign in 2004. He is a real estate investor with an M.B.A. from Duke University and a B.A. from the University of Florida, where he served as Student Body President.

"I thank these Florida leaders for their support in helping us build an even stronger grassroots organization in the Sunshine State," said Governor Romney. "By effecting true, conservative change, we will be ready to address the new challenges we must confront together if the American Dream is to reach all corners of our country."

Leading Governor Romney's Florida African American Steering Committee as Honorary Chairs are State Representative Jennifer Carroll and David Griffin, both Co-Chairs of the Romney for President campaign in Florida. The chapter's Statewide Chair is Deon Long. Additionally, T. Willard Fair, Deveron Gibbons and Derrick Wallace serve on Governor Romney's Florida Finance Committee.

"Governor Romney is the only candidate that is presenting substantive policies and reforms to address the problems Americans face today. With a record of innovative leadership, it is clear that he is uniquely qualified to provide the leadership we need to expand access to affordable health care, keep our taxes low, raise the bar on education and keep our country safe," said Statewide Chair Deon Long. "I am proud to lead such an impressive group of Floridians as we work hard to elect Governor Romney the next President of the United States."