With party leaders set to vote this weekend in Orlando on retaining Lenny Curry as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, one of the biggest names -- sporting tea party credentials -- is the latest big name to back his retention.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, advised state committee members to look beyond the election results of 2012 and instead focus on how Curry helped fiscally restore the party after the term of Jim Greer.
"Lenny has conducted himself as chairman in a way of which all Florida Republicans can be proud," Rubio stated in a release.
"As we look ahead to the challenges of 2014, Lenny is the right person to lead our party and I urge you to join me in giving him your support."
Greer, once a friend of former Republican and former governor Charlie Crist, continues to await a trial on charges he denies that money from the party was used for a company he created.
As for Curry, the outcome of the chairmanship shouldnt be in doubt.There is currently no publicly announced opposition.
Curry was unanimously elected chairman in September 2011 by the 257-member Republican Executive Committee, taking over from David Bitner who had died earlier that month after a short battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.
Gov. Rick Scott, who will be seeking a second term in 2014, has already expressed his support for Curry, as have all three members of the Florida Cabinet, Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and House Speaker Will Weatherford.
The RPOFs annual board meeting is set for Friday and Saturday at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando.
Scott is expected to attend and give an address, with Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater hosting a breakfast and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam the lunch (expect Fresh from Florida produce), both on Saturday.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
