Thrasher Named Most Valuable Legislator by Florida Chamber and Draws Major Democratic Opponent

Busy day for Sen. John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Besides kicking off his campaign for re-election in Jacksonville at a fund-raiser with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Thrasher was also named Most Valuable Legislator by the Florida Chamber of Commerce -- but he also drew a major Democratic opponent.

It is an honor to receive the Most Valuable Legislator award from the Florida chamber, said Thrasher, who is only the second senator to ever win the award. I am proud of the work we have done this year to create jobs and continue positioning Florida as a strong competitor in the global economy, and I will keep fighting for the business community in the years to come.

The chamber praised Thrasher for his efforts leading the fight for SB 6, a measure to reform teacher performance pay, as well as his advocacy for legal reform.

Despite strong opposition from union leaders, Senator Thrasher remained steadfast in his commitment to innovative education reforms, wrote the chamber. His dedication to common-sense government paid dividends during this years session Governor Crist signed an important Florida chamber-backed bill sponsored by Senator Thrasher that provides for greater transparency and accountability in state contracts with private attorneys and limits plaintiff trial-lawyers profit to $50 million.

But Thrasher also drew a major Democratic opponent -- veteran Jacksonville news anchorwoman Deborah Gianoulis. Gianoulis, a fixture on the First Coast as co-anchor of WJXTs evening newscast for almost 25 years, has served as chairwoman of Save Duval Schools, an educational advocacy group.

Gianoulis, who won Emmy awards during her time in journalism, is claiming the mantle of the late Jim King, a longtime Jacksonville legislator who served as Senate president.

As a candidate, and a senator if elected, I will strive to follow Senator Kings example of leadership and statesmanship, said Gianoulis. I will listen to citizens rather than to special interests.

The new candidate will clearly make SB 6 an issue.

In recent years, the Florida Legislature has unfairly targeted teachers, parents, and local school districts rather than take responsibility for providing high-quality education, said Gianoulis.