The team behind Republican presidential hopeful former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich unveiled their leadership organization in the Sunshine State, naming leaders to oversee all 67 counties in Florida.
There is a groundswell of support and enthusiasm for Newt Gingrich in Florida, insisted Jose Mallea, Gingrichs Florida director. "We are proud of the broad coalition of local elected officials, party activists, business leaders, faith-based leaders, and tea party members who have come together from throughout the state. These experienced and seasoned political grass-roots activists will ensure that Newt Gingrichs message to restore our country with bold solutions will resonate and be heard in every corner of our great state.
We are honored to have them on our team, working to ensure victory for Speaker Gingrich in Florida, Mallea added.
County chairmen are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the campaign in their respective counties, including the recruitment of volunteers, event coordination, get-out-the-vote efforts, and all grass-roots activities.
Campaigns are won on the ground and through the hard work of grass-roots activists such as those who have joined Newt Gingrichs team in Florida, said veteran party leader Deborah Cox-Roush, the former vice chairwoman of the Republican Party of Florida who is Gingrichs director of county chairs in the Sunshine State.
They are the backbone of our state organization, they understand the importance of this presidential election to our country, and they will help carry the state of Florida for Newt Gingrich.
Gingrich will be helped by some of Florida's leading Republicans. Rep. Michael Bileca, R-West Miami, will be leading Gingrichs team in Miami-Dade and he will be aided by Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami. Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, will serve as chairwoman for Indian River County.
Political strategist Greg Fournier of Advantage Political Consulting will be one of Gingrichs co-chairmen in Volusia County. Former Rep. Kurt Kelly, who ran for Congress in 2010 but lost in the Republican primary, will be leading Gingrichs forces in Marion County.
While Gingrich is sinking in polls in Iowa, the former congressional leader continues to battle former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts to lead national polls. Florida will hold its primary on Jan. 31 after the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
