Republican Caucus Designates Mike Haridopolos for Republican-Senate President Designate

Statement from RPOF Chairman Jim Greer:

“On behalf of the Republican Party of Florida, I am pleased to congratulate Senator Mike Haridopolos on his designation as Florida Senate President for the 2010- 2012 term. Senator Haridopolos is a dedicated public servant who is committed to ensuring that Florida to holds true to the longstanding Republican principles of lower taxes, less government and more freedom. Today is a great day for Republicans across the State of Florida as we continue the legacy of Republican leadership in the Florida Senate.”

Please see the press release below from the Senate Majority Office:

Tallahassee - The Republican Caucus of the Florida Senate today unanimously nominated Senator Mike Haridopolos (R-Merritt Island) as the Republican Senate President-Designee for the 2010-2012 term.

During a ceremonial caucus meeting held in the Senate Chambers and presided over by Senate President Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach), Senator Mike Haridopolos was nominated by his fellow Republicans and heralded for his long standing and unwavering commitment to the founding principles of the Republican Party.

“Mike Haridopolos is a Reagan Republican who has never let any issue, adversary or current event change his core principles of lower taxes, less government, and more personal freedom,” said President Atwater. “Sitting here today, with his wife and children by his side, I know Mike will hold true to his words of loyalty and dedication to the Florida Senate, and I am honored to be a part of designating our chamber's next leader.”

“I am not one to shy away from difficult choices. Those who know me know who I am
and what I stand for,” said President-Designate Mike Haridopolos. “I plan to lead and take a
stand on tough issues. This is an opportunity I'm looking forward to.”

“Through years of hard work and determination, Senator Haridopolos has earned this distinction,” said Senate Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla (R-Miami). “I congratulate him today, as he celebrates with his family, this incredible accomplishment. I know that the Upper Chamber will continue to be in capable hands with Senator Haridopolos at the helm.”

“The history of our party has shown that great leaders are chosen at the time they are needed most, and I know that when our party looks back on President Haridopolos’ legacy of responsible government and dignified leadership, his chapter will echo our party’s founding principles,” said Senator JD Alexander (R-Winter Haven) who nominated Senator Haridopolos on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus. “I am proud to nominate Senator Haridopolos and thank him for making the sacrifice of public servitude to better our state and our children’s future.”

“ With the energy of youth and the skill of a master, Senator Haridopolos is exactly the person to lead us through our unknown and uncertain times,” said Senator Don Gaetz (R-Destin) who seconded the nomination of Senator Haridopolos. “With a historian’s understanding of the choices that can drive a people down to defeat or lift them to success, President Haridopolos will see Florida not as we are, but as we could be, as we should be and as we must be.”

Republican Senate-President Designate Mike Haridopolos will officially be sworn in as Senate President for the 2010-2012 term during an organizational session of the Senate in November of 2010.

Mike was first elected to the Florida Senate in March 2003, re-elected in 2006, and has served in the Florida Legislature since 2000. Serving Senate District 26, he represents over 400,000 constituents in portions of Brevard, Indian River, Osceola, and St. Lucie Counties. He currently serves as the Chairman of both the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Energy, Environment, and Land Use and the Committee on Reapportionment. He is also the co-founder of the Freedom Caucus.

Mike graduated from Stetson University in 1992 with a B.A. in History, and in 1993 earned a Masters in History at the University of Arkansas.

Senator Mike is married to Stephanie who is a family practice doctor in Melbourne and they have three children, Alexis, Hayden, and Reagan.

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