Republicans Cheering New Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera

At a media event in Miami on Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott named Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Carlos Lopez-Cantera as the 19th lieutenant governor of Florida. The position had been vacant since March when Scott demanded then-Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carrolls resignation after news broke she was being investigated regarding directing money toward Internet cafes.

Besides being the first Hispanic to serve in the post, Lopez-Cantera brings a decade of experience in both legislative and executive office. First elected to the Florida House in 2004, Lopez-Cantera moved up into the leadership, serving as majority whip during his third term and majority leader in his fourth and final term. Facing term limits in 2012, Lopez-Cantera successfully ran to be Miami-Dade County property appraiser.

Republicans cheered the pick, including former Senate President Mike Haridopolos who praised Lopez-Cantera as someone who works well with the Legislature and looks out for the taxpayer.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam also praised the decision.

Governor Scott made a solid choice in appointing Carlos Lopez-Cantera as his lieutenant governor, Putnam said. As a state legislator, he was a driving force in reducing taxes on businesses and consumers. He was a principled conservative who served Florida well during some of the greatest challenges our state has faced.

Carlos Lopez-Cantera is an outstanding leader in our state who will bring energy, passion and wise counsel to the governors office, Putnam insisted.