RPOF Expands Staff for 2014 Elections

The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) continues to staff up as it prepares for the 2014 political cycle. On Monday, the RPOF announced it was teaming with the Republican National Committee (RNC) to bring on Tim Saler to serve as deputy executive director for political strategy while the RNC is bringing John Vinson in as its state director for Florida and Andrew Abdel-Malik is the new director of digital strategy.

"I am excited to welcome Tim, John and Andrew to RPOF, said RPOF Chairman Lenny Curry. Their expertise and experience will be an asset to our team as we look forward to 2014, ensuring a second term for Governor Scott and our Cabinet, and maintaining majorities in the state House and state Senate.

Curry also praised the RNC for helping the RPOF.

I am thankful to the Chairman Reince Priebus and the Republican National Committee for their support and collaboration in putting together a first-class team, Curry said. I look forward to working with the RNC over the coming months as we put programs in place that will reach every voter in every county, city and town."

"I am thrilled to announce that John will lead our Florida team heading into the midterm elections," said Priebus. "We're moving ahead with the recommendations of the Growth and Opportunity Report to have a constant year-round presence in communities across the country and I'm confident John will build a formidable operation."

"John will work hand in hand with the Florida GOP to deliver Republican victories in 2014 and beyond," Preibus added.

The three new hires certainly have experience. Saler had been director of strategy at the Republican Party of Wisconsin and the RNCs national turnout director. He was also the executive director of the Mississippi Republican Party and had stints in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A veteran of Tim Pawlentys failed presidential bid, Vinson, a fifth generation Floridian, helped out in his native Sunshine State during the 2012 presidential election and helped Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin survive a recall election. Abdel-Malik has been digital for the Michigan Republican Party and helped the RNCs digital efforts.