In honor of Black History Month, on Mondayconservative media outlet Newsmax released its rankings of the top 100 most influential African-American Republicans, with prominent figures with connections to Florida making the list.
Topping the list is neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson who retired from Johns Hopkins Hospital and moved to South Florida. After taking aim at President Barack Obamas federal health-care law at the National Prayer Breakfast back in 2013, Carson has become a favorite of conservatives and is expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
Ranking at 12th on the list is former U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Fla. While West lost his congressional seat in 2012, he remains politically active, taking over as CEO of the National Center for Policy Analysis in Texas last month. West appeared on Fox News on Monday to back former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulianis recent attacks on Obama.
Placing 79th on the list is Florida Rep. Mike Hill, R-Pensacola. A favorite of the tea party who won the seat in a special election back in the summer of 2013, Hill currently is the vice chairman of the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and he continues to work his way up the House leadership ranks.
Athletes and entertainers with ties to the Sunshine State also made the list. Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, who started his NBA career with the Orlando Magic and won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat, placed 14th on the list. University of Miami graduate Dwayne the Rock Johnson, part of the 1991 national champion football team before becoming a star actor and professional wrestler, placed 20th on the list. Nolan Carroll, the son of former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, R-Fla., and currently with the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL) after four seasons with the Miami Dolphins was 34th on the list.
The entire list can be read here.
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