The Republican Party of Florida held its 2015 Sunshine Summit Friday in Orlando, bringing the top presidential candidates to the Sunshine State in hopes to turn Florida red in 2016.
Candidates set out campaign memorabilia for fired up Republican voters at the Republican Party of Florida's Sunshine State Summit held in Orlando Friday. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who spoke at the event, sold pins with his infamous campaign logo at his own booth.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla, speaks to press following his speech at at the RPOF's Sunshine Summit on Friday. Rubio was the first presidential candidate to speak to a crowd of about 2,000 people Friday morning, insisting the 2016 presidential election was about "generational choice." Rubio was the first presidential candidate to put his name on the Florida ballot for the 2016 primary.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was second in line to speak at the Sunshine Summit. Cruz, who has moved up in recent presidential polls, told the crowd he would repeal every executive order from President Barack Obama if elected president. Cruz also signed a pledge to repeal the controversial Common Core State Standards nationwide if he wins the presidency in 2016.
U.S. Sen. Cruz's speech Friday drew lots of shouts and cheers. John King of Naples waved Cruz signs proudly as the Texas senator spoke about his vision for the future of the United States.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush took the stage Friday, showcasing his skills as the governor of Florida as reasons he would make the perfect Republican presidential candidate next year. "If you want a doer, someone that has done it, someone that's taken on the tough challenges, I'm your man," Bush said on policy.
Jeb Bush meets with the crowd following his speech at the Sunshine Summit. Bush's presidential aspirations seem to have faded in recent months, with poll numbers dropping and support dwindling. But Bush hasn't given up his resolve to nab the nomination and bring victory home to the Republican Party. “We win because we’re united, we win because we believe in conservative principles,” Bush said. “I want to win this election in 2016 so we can restore America’s greatness again.”
Businessman and notorious firebrand Donald Trump spoke Friday afternoon at the RPOF's Sunshine Summit. Trump, who has been widely known for pushing the buttons of other GOP candidates, called the nation's current political leadership "incompetent," and vowed to "make America great again" if elected president in 2016.
Crowds stormed the Sunshine Summit after Trump wrapped up his seat, cameras in hand, hoping to get a quick peek at the GOP candidate.
Dr. Ben Carson spoke to the crowd, calling for conservatives to stick together in 2016. Carson is currently tied with Donald Trump in Republican primary polls.
Press members from all around the state waited for Dr. Ben Carson to come to field questions from reporters. Carson vowed Americans should stay together in 2016. Both Carson and Trump both received secret service this week.
