The next three speakers of the Florida House announced Wednesday that they are backing former Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.
Incoming Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, was named a co-chair of the state Pawlenty team while Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Heathrow, and Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-New Port Richey, will serve as regional chairmen of the campaign.
"Representative Weatherford is an extraordinary leader who has shown that he has what it takes to unite the conservative party in Florida," said Pawlenty. "Both voters and his peers recognized his talents by electing him speaker-designate of the Florida House of Representatives. Will Weatherford is a natural born talent, and I look forward to him leading my campaign to victory in the Sunshine State."
"Our country needs a president who can achieve results, not just deliver speeches. I firmly believe Tim Pawlenty is that leader, said Weatherford. Tim Pawlenty oversaw significant, conservative changes in a traditionally blue state. His strong record of results amid challenging circumstances proves that he is ready to lead our nation.
Tim Pawlenty has the ability to get our economy back on the right track and restore the promise of America, added Weatherford. I am 'all in' as an enthusiastic and motivated member of Team Pawlenty."
Currently the point man for the Republican leadership in the House on redistricting and the son-in-law of former House Speaker Allan Bense, Weatherford will take over as speaker after the 2012 elections. Dorworth is penciled in to wield the gavel after the 2014 elections while Corcoran is scheduled to be speaker after the 2016 elections.
"Governor Pawlenty does not just talk about getting things done; he has the fortitude to make real conservative change and reign in government spending," said Dorworth.
"I am proud to join Governor Pawlenty's team and am excited to help introduce him to Floridians," said Corcoran, a freshman who served as an aide in the Florida House rising to be chief of staff under then-House Speaker Marco Rubio who now serves in the U.S. Senate. "Familiarity with his record will ensure a Pawlenty victory."
At the end of May, Pawlenty unveiled his Florida team which includes a number of old Jeb Bush hands including Phil Handy, who served as John McCains state chairman in 2008, attorney Justin Sayfie, publisher of the Sayfie Review and Sayfie News websites, and fundraiser Ann Herberger.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.--
