After almost a decade in Congress, Gus Bilirakis could soon be taking a larger role.
With fellow Florida Republican Jeff Miller heading to the sidelines, Bilirakis has a chance to take over the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Bilirakis is currently the vice chair and has a good shot at replacing Miller though having a Floridian at the helm of the committee for that long might not play well with other states’ delegations.
First elected to Congress in 2006, Bilirakis is far more of a legislative workhorse than a showhorse. In recent years, Bilirakis has focused on veterans’ issues, including expanding treatment options and regulating how the VA manages opiate prescriptions. The congressman has also been leading the charge to have the VA provide alternative medical treatments for veterans. A proud product of the Greek community based around Tarpon Springs, Bilirakis also co-chairs the Hellenic Caucus which has more than 100 members in Congress and has worked to ensure its members also support Israel as well as Greece.
Bilirakis seems to be content where he is. Even with an open Senate seat this year and speculation growing about which Republican will challenge Bill Nelson in 2018, Bilirakis’ name isn’t part of the equation. Of course the congressman’s father Michael represented much of the district for almost a quarter century and the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Bilirakis looks like a man of the House.
After the latest round of redistricting Bilirakis, should feel right at home. He continues to represent all of Pasco County and parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties in the Tampa Bay area under the latest map.
That's good news for the GOP which should be able to retain this seat without much difficulty. Mitt Romney took 54 percent of the vote here and Republicans have a solid registration advantage in the district. Army veteran Damian Stone has filed to run against Bilirakis as a Democrats and, while he has an interesting background and some impressive education credentials, he’ll be hard pressed to make it a competitive race.
In the meantime, Bilirakis can do what he can as he attempts to replace Miller at Veterans Affairs, all the while looking safe at home.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
