While he has only been in Congress for less than two months, U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla., has already generated some buzz as a possible candidate for statewide office and that noise will only increase as he is set to play a big role at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) later this week.
Rooney is scheduled to appear at a CPAC panel on national security on Friday and another on political correctness on Saturday.
Announcing Rooney’s role at the event, CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp praised the freshman congressman from the Sunshine State.
“Francis Rooney is a much needed and welcomed addition to Congress,” Schlapp said. “He will stand up for you and for conservative policies. We are proud to welcome him to our stage.”
“I am honored and thankful to speak at CPAC 2017, which has a long standing tradition of conservative activism, breaking through the Washington establishment with new ideas,” Rooney said. “This is a turning point opportunity for the conservative movement; it is our time to lead. I am thankful to join other conservative leaders, supporters and grassroots activists from across the nation who are coming together to reclaim America’s promise of limited government and a nation of the people, for the people and by the people.”
During his career in business, rising to become CEO of Rooney Holdings and owning most of Manhattan Construction Company, which built various projects ranging from the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium to the presidential libraries honoring both President Bushs, Rooney became one of the top Republican fundraisers in the nation. During President George W. Bush’s second term, Rooney served as ambassador to the Vatican.
Last year, Rooney decided to run for office in his own right when then U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, R-Fla., decided to retire. Rooney won a competitive Republican primary to win the seat which represents parts of Southwest Florida and is considered safe for the GOP.
Since then, Rooney has been the subject of much speculation about his future ambitions. Earlier this month, Rooney shot down speculation that he would run for governor in 2018.
