RPOF Hosts Third Annual Business Leaders Fly-In

Tallahassee–The Republican Party of Florida today hosted the RPOF’s Third Annual Business Leaders’ Fly-In and Forum, providing an opportunity for business leaders from across Florida to gather in Tallahassee and meet with lawmakers for a dialogue on issues important to Florida’s business community. The event kicked off with a welcome from Chairman Greer, remarks from Lieutenant Governor Kottkamp, and a keynote address by Governor Crist. The Florida Chamber of Commerce presented a Florida Economic and Business Forum and the group received a political briefing at the RPOF Headquarters, followed by a meet-and-greet with Cabinet officials.

“Florida’s business leaders and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our state’s economy and strong supporters of the Republican Party of Florida,” noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “We are grateful not only for their support of our elected officials, but also for their efforts to kick-start our economy. This is a great opportunity to thank Florida’s business leaders and to introduce them to Republican leadership in state government and the Florida Cabinet.”

“For the third year in a row, we have more than doubled the number of participants for this year’s fly-in, confirming that Republicans’ support of entrepreneurs and efforts to promote a healthy business climate continue to resonate in Florida’s business community,” continued Greer. “We look forward to continued collaboration between Republicans in the business and political communities.”

*Note: this event was not a fundraiser.*

Happy April Fool's Day!

In the spirit of April Fool’s, we wonder if the CFO considered an ad like this when recruiting campaign staffers at the DCCC and Planned Parenthood.

McCollum Discusses Consumer Protection with Osceola Pastors

Kissimmee–Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum met with the Osceola Pastors’ Coalition yesterday to discuss consumer protection issues. The bilingual educational session was sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. General McCollum was joined by Osceola County Commission Chairman John Quiñones, Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan, Kissimmee Commissioner Art Otero, Kissimmee Commissioner Carlos Irizarry and Osceola School Board Member Julius Melendez as well as pastors and ministers of several churches in the City of Kissimmee and the Osceola County area.

“I am pleased to be here today to discuss the important work we are undertaking to protect consumers, prevent fraud in our communities and on the Internet, and prosecute those responsible for illegally taking advantage of other Floridians,” said General McCollum. “I am hopeful that our discussion here today will lead to greater awareness and prevention of fraud.”
The bilingual education session sought to raise awareness of the problem of fraud in the Hispanic community in Central Florida. A number of incidents have occurred in recent weeks, including an individual posing as a pastor in order to swindle $8,000 dollars from a Hispanic citizen in Osceola County. The Republican Party of Florida believes that faith-based organizations are a critical component of maintaining an awareness of this type of crime in communities across our state.

“I appreciate the good work General McCollum and Republican elected officials throughout Florida have done to make addressing this issue a priority,” said Chairman Greer. “We aren’t just Republicans on Election Day. We must practice what we preach year in and year out, and part of that message is that government can only go so far – after that it is the responsibility of community and faith-based organizations to take what they have learned here today and work to inform communities about the dangers of fraud.”

Chairman Greer on CNN

Chairman Jim Greer appeared on CNN’s Weekend Edition with Don Lemon on Saturday to discuss the Republican National Committee’s political efforts. Chairman Greer went head to head with liberal Sirius XM radio host,Michelangelo Signorile.

Part 1:


Part 2:

Greer Calls on Sink to Stop Politically Motivated Outrage, Fund Critical Program

Tallahassee– Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today called on Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink to stop her politically driven outrage against Florida’s Child Predator Cybercrime Unit and continue to fund awareness of this critical program.

“Last summer, Alex Sink had no problem authorizing a contract to produce these public service announcements that inform Florida’s children and families about the dangers of sexual predators,” said Chairman Greer. “She also approved every single expenditure to each television station that aired the announcement.”

Through a spokesperson, CFO Sink recently responded to questions about her participation in producing and airing public service announcements that advertise the services of Florida’s Child Predator Cybercrime Unit, stating the ads were “not the best use of state funds.” The contract to secure production of the PSA was cleared through the Sink’s Bureau of Auditing and notes that the grant ‘met all review criteria.’ Each week when Florida television stations received payments for these PSAs, they were directly audited and approved by Alex Sink and her office.

“When the only office she sought was re-election as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink was on board, 100 percent in support of this critical education initiative. Now, as a potential gubernatorial candidate, she has joined the Florida Democrat Party in an effort to destroy the credibility this effective program to further her own political agenda,” concluded Greer.

After consulting with Sink’s spokesperson, the Miami Herald recently reported:

“The bills are paid by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, whose office has little discretion over what it can or cannot pay.” (Miami Herald, 3/20/09)

“If this statement is true, and Sink – the Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida – has no authority to approve expenditures, how did she suddenly gain the authority to block funding for this critical education initiative by demanding additional ‘documentation?’” asked Chairman Greer. “Alex Sink is clearly playing politics with this funding and instead listen to the public safety experts who have endorsed this worthwhile program.”

Bill and Beverly Young win Reagan award

The National Republican Congressional Campaign last night surprised U.S. Rep. CW Bill Young, R-Indian Shores, and his wife Beverly with the 2009 Ronald Reagan award. Check out the tribute video.

Will FL Dems Allow Worker Intimidation?

With the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting today and discussing Floridians’ right to a secret ballot, will Florida Democrats cave in to Big Labor and allow Florida workers to be intimidated and harassed like these Indiana workers, or will they support the joint resolution to protect workers and Save our Secret Ballot?