Legislative Leaders Name Presidential Primary Committee

Moments after Gov. Rick Scott named three members to the Presidential Preference Primary Committee that will meet next week to determine when the Sunshine State will hold its primaries in early 2012, the two leaders of the Florida Legislature named their choices.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, named two Republican senators -- John Thrasher of Jacksonville and Rene Garcia of Hialeah -- and one Democrat -- Sen. Gary Siplin of Orlando -- to the committee. Thrasher had served as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF).

House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, named House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami; Rep. Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland; and Rep. Cynthia Stafford, D-Miami, to the committee.