Senate President, Former President and Majority Leader Endorse
WELLINGTON, FL –State Senate candidate Lizbeth Benacquisto announced the endorsement of her candidacy by Senate leaders today. Senate President Jeff Atwater, former president Senator Ken Pruitt and Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla have all signed on to her campaign.
“I am thrilled and honored to have the support of such respected public servants,” Benacquisto said. “Our campaign is off to a great start and we have traveled the district several times already meeting with leaders in Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres, and throughout the Palm Beach County portion of the district,” she continued. “We will be working hard to reach out and meet the voters of this district and earn their trust and support,” Benacquisto added.
Lizbeth currently serves on the Wellington Village Council and has been a long‐time community activist. She is seeking election to the Florida Senate, District 27.
###
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Meek Supports Importing Gitmo Detainees to FL?
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today released the following statement calling on Miami Congressman and United States Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek to tell Floridians whether or not he supports bringing terrorists currently detained at Guantanamo Bay to the Sunshine State.
“Yesterday we saw the first Guantanamo Bay detainee plead not-guilty to the al-Qaida bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, attacks that killed more than 224 people, including 12 Americans. Ahmed Ghailani is the first of many terrorists who will face trial here in the United States as the Obama Administration moves forward with plans to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, the current home to dozens of terrorists responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, and the destruction of billions of dollars of property.
“Does Kendrick Meek support the Obama Administration’s plans to bring those terrorists to the United States, and if so, would he bring them to Florida? Recent polling shows that by a margin of 2-1, Americans do not believe Guantanamo detainees should be moved to the United States.
“Will Meek go against the will of the people? Kendrick Meek needs to come clean and explain his position on allowing terrorists to be brought to Florida. If he doesn’t support the Obama Administration’s plan, now is the time to speak up – Floridians are waiting. If Meek can’t show leadership as a Congressman, he won’t show leadership in the U.S Senate.”
“Yesterday we saw the first Guantanamo Bay detainee plead not-guilty to the al-Qaida bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, attacks that killed more than 224 people, including 12 Americans. Ahmed Ghailani is the first of many terrorists who will face trial here in the United States as the Obama Administration moves forward with plans to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, the current home to dozens of terrorists responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, and the destruction of billions of dollars of property.
“Does Kendrick Meek support the Obama Administration’s plans to bring those terrorists to the United States, and if so, would he bring them to Florida? Recent polling shows that by a margin of 2-1, Americans do not believe Guantanamo detainees should be moved to the United States.
“Will Meek go against the will of the people? Kendrick Meek needs to come clean and explain his position on allowing terrorists to be brought to Florida. If he doesn’t support the Obama Administration’s plan, now is the time to speak up – Floridians are waiting. If Meek can’t show leadership as a Congressman, he won’t show leadership in the U.S Senate.”
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Bronson Endorses McCollum for Governor
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson today endorsed Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum as the Republican candidate for Governor of the State of Florida for the 2010 Election.
Please see the text of the Commissioner’s endorsement letter below, or click here to download a printable version of the letter.
Dear Republican Leaders,
I am writing you today to discuss matters that I feel are important to us as a Party and ultimately, our great state.
As many of you may have heard, I recently announced that, while I gave it much consideration, I have decided against running for Governor in 2010. I came to this decision after a great deal of discussion with my friends, family and supporters and wanted to let you, as leaders of our Party, in on my decision making process.
I have always believed that primary campaigns are a healthy part of the Republican Party.
Primaries foster healthy policy discussions, energize both the volunteer and donor corps and strengthen candidates for the General election. While I do believe in all of these things, I also believed that in making my decision to run for Governor, I needed to take a long look at the particular circumstances that our Party faces in the upcoming election.
Upon taking inventory of the current environment, I concluded that running for Governor was not the appropriate thing for me to do at this time. I came to this conclusion because the Democrat Party has clearly solidified behind their candidate for Governor. In tough economic times like these, the last thing our Party needs is a protracted Primary battle where we spend all of our resources fighting with each other, rather than focusing on the General election. Now is the time to be united behind our nominee and to that end, I enthusiastically endorse Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Bill is a friend, a guardian for consumers and our children, a steady, experienced hand and he is the solid leader that is needed to guide us out of the tough economic times that we are facing. I know Bill is the strongest candidate that the Republican Party could nominate for Governor and I know that he will make a great Governor. I hope you will stand with me, over the next 17 months, as I focus on doing whatever is needed to ensure that Bill McCollum is elected as the next Governor of our beautiful state.
With kind regards,
Charlie Bronson
Please see the text of the Commissioner’s endorsement letter below, or click here to download a printable version of the letter.
Dear Republican Leaders,
I am writing you today to discuss matters that I feel are important to us as a Party and ultimately, our great state.
As many of you may have heard, I recently announced that, while I gave it much consideration, I have decided against running for Governor in 2010. I came to this decision after a great deal of discussion with my friends, family and supporters and wanted to let you, as leaders of our Party, in on my decision making process.
I have always believed that primary campaigns are a healthy part of the Republican Party.
Primaries foster healthy policy discussions, energize both the volunteer and donor corps and strengthen candidates for the General election. While I do believe in all of these things, I also believed that in making my decision to run for Governor, I needed to take a long look at the particular circumstances that our Party faces in the upcoming election.
Upon taking inventory of the current environment, I concluded that running for Governor was not the appropriate thing for me to do at this time. I came to this conclusion because the Democrat Party has clearly solidified behind their candidate for Governor. In tough economic times like these, the last thing our Party needs is a protracted Primary battle where we spend all of our resources fighting with each other, rather than focusing on the General election. Now is the time to be united behind our nominee and to that end, I enthusiastically endorse Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Bill is a friend, a guardian for consumers and our children, a steady, experienced hand and he is the solid leader that is needed to guide us out of the tough economic times that we are facing. I know Bill is the strongest candidate that the Republican Party could nominate for Governor and I know that he will make a great Governor. I hope you will stand with me, over the next 17 months, as I focus on doing whatever is needed to ensure that Bill McCollum is elected as the next Governor of our beautiful state.
With kind regards,
Charlie Bronson
Monday, June 8, 2009
Commissioner Bronson to Make Political Announcement Tuesday
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson will make a political announcement tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Florida Press Center.
Friday, June 5, 2009
A Message from Chairman Greer Regarding the GM Bankruptcy
A Message from Chairman Greer Regarding the GM Bankruptcy
Friends,
The bankruptcy of General Motors is an unfortunate circumstance for our nation. My heart goes out to the individuals and families, particularly those here in Florida, affected by GM’s bankruptcy and the ensuing government takeover.
Back in February, President Obama said the federal government needed to bailout GM and Chrysler with $20 billion of taxpayer money – now both are bankrupt. President Obama has assured Americans that he didn’t want to be in the business of making cars, yet the federal government now owns 60 percent of GM.
The Obama administration’s involvement in GM’s bankruptcy means taxpayers will spend $30 billion more to help GM to reorganize. This regrettable incident is more proof that the ‘change’ President Obama promised for America is really a dangerous expansion of government and stands in stark contrast to the values of less taxing, less spending, and less government that our Republican leaders fight for each day. I encourage you to click here to watch our Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele discuss this important issue.
Warmest Regards,
Jim
Friends,
The bankruptcy of General Motors is an unfortunate circumstance for our nation. My heart goes out to the individuals and families, particularly those here in Florida, affected by GM’s bankruptcy and the ensuing government takeover.
Back in February, President Obama said the federal government needed to bailout GM and Chrysler with $20 billion of taxpayer money – now both are bankrupt. President Obama has assured Americans that he didn’t want to be in the business of making cars, yet the federal government now owns 60 percent of GM.
The Obama administration’s involvement in GM’s bankruptcy means taxpayers will spend $30 billion more to help GM to reorganize. This regrettable incident is more proof that the ‘change’ President Obama promised for America is really a dangerous expansion of government and stands in stark contrast to the values of less taxing, less spending, and less government that our Republican leaders fight for each day. I encourage you to click here to watch our Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele discuss this important issue.
Warmest Regards,
Jim
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Chairman Greer Announces RPOF Staff Changes
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today announced staff changes for the RPOF Political, Finance, Field Operations and Communications Departments. The Chairman appointed Bret Prater, a veteran political operative, to serve as Political Director, promoted Amanda Wheeler to serve as Finance Director and Brad Herold to Deputy Director of Field Operations. Chairman Greer restructured the Communications Department, promoting Katie Gordon to Communications Director, Jennifer McMillan to Deputy Director of Communications and Carla Rivera to Deputy Director of Communications, overseeing Hispanic Media Relations.
“Throughout 2009, the RPOF is focused on voter registration, technology, coalitions building, and youth outreach,” said Greer. “The reorganization of these key departments maximizes our talent and resources in the off-year, and will lead to greater success in 2010.”
“Chairman Greer announced today’s staff changes as the conclusion of a reorganization of the RPOF Political, Finance, Field Operations and Communications Departments,” said RPOF Executive Director Delmar Johnson. “The new structure will allow for a better utilization of staff and resources during the off year, in preparation for the 2010 Election next November.”
Bret Prater, Political Director, most recently served the Republican Party as a coordinator of the RPOF’s Get Out the Vote Program, specifically managing a statewide team focused on absentee ballot chase efforts. Prater previously served as the Deputy Director of External Affairs in the Executive Office of Governor Crist and as a Special Assistant to the Governor for a 37 county region in North Florida. During the 2006 Election Cycle, Prater organized the RPOF’s statewide precinct walker program and served on the Charlie Crist Inaugural Committee. He spent much of 2005 and 2006 organizing the political activities for Florida’s largest professional trade association, the Florida Assoc iation of Realtors. Prater worked with the Bush/Cheney ‘04 team, where he served as a Victory Field Director in North Florida and was also a grassroots organizer for the Bush/Brogan ‘02 Gubernatorial Campaign in Miami-Dade County.
Amanda Wheeler, Finance Director, most recently served as the RPOF’s Finance Liaison, working with Chairman Greer, RPOF Finance Chairman Ambassador John Rood, Finance Co-Chairman Steve Burton, members of the RPOF Statewide Finance Committee and senior management to develop the Party’s statewide finance strategy. Wheeler is responsible for coordinating every aspect of major donor events here in Florida and across the country. She is a graduate of the Florida State University.
Brad Herold, Deputy Director of Field Operations, joined the RPOF Team in 2007, after serving in the Executive Office of Governor Crist. As the Deputy Director of Field Operations, Herold will assist Bret Prater and Deputy Executive Director of Operations John Davis with the coordination of 67 Republican Executive Committees as well as Republican clubs and organizations throughout Florida. The department manages the RPOF Field Coordinators and works with members of the State Executive Committee to ensure that the Chairman’s initiatives are carried out across the state. Herold will take on additional responsibilities including graphic design and multimedia production.
The Field Operations Department is responsible for overseeing the 2009 RPOF Youth Initiative. Led by recently appointed Youth Outreach Coordinators, Tim Nungesser and Kathryn Salerno, the RPOF Youth Outreach Initiative is a comprehensive program aimed at encouraging young Floridians between the ages of 15 and 35 to consider joining the Republican Party. The program includes multiple voter registration and technology components and will culminate with a statewide conference this summer.
Katie Gordon, Communications Director, most recently served as Press Secretary of the Republican Party of Florida. Gordon rejoined the RPOF Team in January 2008, after coordinating communications for the Florida Office of the Fred Thompson for President Campaign. She previously served as a speechwriter in the Press and Communications Office of Governor Crist and worked as a Communications Assistant on the Crist Transition Team and at the Republican Party of Florida. Gordon graduated from the Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History and a Master’s Degree in Political Science.
Jennifer McMillan, Deputy Communications Director, has served as the RPOF Press Assistant for nearly two years. In her new capacity, McMillan will oversee e-campaigns and new media, taking on a leadership role in the Party’s continued efforts to upgrade technology and diversify communication strategies. McMillan is a graduate of the Florida State University.
Carla Rivera, Deputy Communications Director overseeing Hispanic Media Relations, will continue to coordinate the RPOF’s outreach to Hispanic media and will remain the Hispanic spokesperson for the organization. Rivera is a graduate of Florida International University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Linguistics as well as a Certificate in Translating and Interpreting.
“Throughout 2009, the RPOF is focused on voter registration, technology, coalitions building, and youth outreach,” said Greer. “The reorganization of these key departments maximizes our talent and resources in the off-year, and will lead to greater success in 2010.”
“Chairman Greer announced today’s staff changes as the conclusion of a reorganization of the RPOF Political, Finance, Field Operations and Communications Departments,” said RPOF Executive Director Delmar Johnson. “The new structure will allow for a better utilization of staff and resources during the off year, in preparation for the 2010 Election next November.”
Bret Prater, Political Director, most recently served the Republican Party as a coordinator of the RPOF’s Get Out the Vote Program, specifically managing a statewide team focused on absentee ballot chase efforts. Prater previously served as the Deputy Director of External Affairs in the Executive Office of Governor Crist and as a Special Assistant to the Governor for a 37 county region in North Florida. During the 2006 Election Cycle, Prater organized the RPOF’s statewide precinct walker program and served on the Charlie Crist Inaugural Committee. He spent much of 2005 and 2006 organizing the political activities for Florida’s largest professional trade association, the Florida Assoc iation of Realtors. Prater worked with the Bush/Cheney ‘04 team, where he served as a Victory Field Director in North Florida and was also a grassroots organizer for the Bush/Brogan ‘02 Gubernatorial Campaign in Miami-Dade County.
Amanda Wheeler, Finance Director, most recently served as the RPOF’s Finance Liaison, working with Chairman Greer, RPOF Finance Chairman Ambassador John Rood, Finance Co-Chairman Steve Burton, members of the RPOF Statewide Finance Committee and senior management to develop the Party’s statewide finance strategy. Wheeler is responsible for coordinating every aspect of major donor events here in Florida and across the country. She is a graduate of the Florida State University.
Brad Herold, Deputy Director of Field Operations, joined the RPOF Team in 2007, after serving in the Executive Office of Governor Crist. As the Deputy Director of Field Operations, Herold will assist Bret Prater and Deputy Executive Director of Operations John Davis with the coordination of 67 Republican Executive Committees as well as Republican clubs and organizations throughout Florida. The department manages the RPOF Field Coordinators and works with members of the State Executive Committee to ensure that the Chairman’s initiatives are carried out across the state. Herold will take on additional responsibilities including graphic design and multimedia production.
The Field Operations Department is responsible for overseeing the 2009 RPOF Youth Initiative. Led by recently appointed Youth Outreach Coordinators, Tim Nungesser and Kathryn Salerno, the RPOF Youth Outreach Initiative is a comprehensive program aimed at encouraging young Floridians between the ages of 15 and 35 to consider joining the Republican Party. The program includes multiple voter registration and technology components and will culminate with a statewide conference this summer.
Katie Gordon, Communications Director, most recently served as Press Secretary of the Republican Party of Florida. Gordon rejoined the RPOF Team in January 2008, after coordinating communications for the Florida Office of the Fred Thompson for President Campaign. She previously served as a speechwriter in the Press and Communications Office of Governor Crist and worked as a Communications Assistant on the Crist Transition Team and at the Republican Party of Florida. Gordon graduated from the Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History and a Master’s Degree in Political Science.
Jennifer McMillan, Deputy Communications Director, has served as the RPOF Press Assistant for nearly two years. In her new capacity, McMillan will oversee e-campaigns and new media, taking on a leadership role in the Party’s continued efforts to upgrade technology and diversify communication strategies. McMillan is a graduate of the Florida State University.
Carla Rivera, Deputy Communications Director overseeing Hispanic Media Relations, will continue to coordinate the RPOF’s outreach to Hispanic media and will remain the Hispanic spokesperson for the organization. Rivera is a graduate of Florida International University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Linguistics as well as a Certificate in Translating and Interpreting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
