On Friday, incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, continued to name members of his leadership team -- tapping Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, to serve as Republican conference chair and appointing two newly elected Republicans, Sen. Anitere Flores of Miami and Sen. David Simmons of Altamonte Springs, to serve as majority whips.
The new picks join five members that Haridopolos announced earlier in the week. Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, will serve as president pro tempore while Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, will take over as majority leader. Haridopolos also named Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Winter Haven, to handle the budget; Sen. John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, to take charge of rules; and Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, to take the point on redistricting.
Haridopolos named Lynn to head the newly formed Republican Conference. First elected in 2002, Lynn served four terms in the House. She represents parts of Clay, Marion, Putnam and Volusia counties.
As Republican Conference chair, Senator Lynn will have an important role on my leadership team, said Haridopolos. Senator Lynn is one of the longest current serving members of the Legislature. Her valuable insight and experience will keep the Republican Conference unified as we begin our work on behalf of all Floridians.
Flores, who was elected to the Senate last week, served as deputy majority leader during her three terms in the House. Flores represents part of Miami-Dade County.
Senator Flores brings enthusiasm and a strong grasp of policy issues to this assignment, said Haridopolos. Shell do an outstanding job keeping majority senators informed on issues and ensuring we have the needed votes to pass legislation.
Simmons is also a veteran of the House, serving four terms until leaving Tallahassee in 2008. Like Flores, he was elected to the Senate last week. The conservative Simmons, who received the Christian Coalition of Floridas Faith and Family award four times during his tenure in the House, represents parts of Orange and Seminole counties.
Senator Simmons brings passion for good state policy to his position as majority whip, said Haridopolos. Having served with him in the House of Representatives, no one is better prepared with a grasp of the broad issues we address in the Legislature than Senator Simmons.
The newly appointed members of the leadership take will assume their new positions next week when the Senate meets in special session.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
