Republican Party of Florida Chairman Dave Bitner's decision to step down for health reasons was accepted with regret by party leaders. Now he wants them to ratify his choice for successor.
Bitner, who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) shortly after he assumed office last winter, announced Wednesday that he would step aside Sept. 23, during the party's Presidency 5 summit in Orlando.
The chairman recommended to members of the Republican Executive Committee that they elect Vice Chairman Lenny Curry to succeed him as chairman.
"He is 100 percent confident in Vice Chairman Curry as the right choice to be next chairman," RPOF spokesman Brian Hughes said.
Hughes said Bitner will work "side by side [with Curry] to ensure a smooth transition."
"He hopes the REC will support this," Hughes said, noting that most, if not all, executive committee members will be in Orlando for P5.
Chris Ingram, a Tampa-based Republican consultant, said a smooth transition is crucial for the party.
"My heart goes out to Dave and [wife] Wendy. He showed a lot of courage and brought real honor and dignity to the office -- something we needed following the Jim Greer fiasco. He's leaving the party in a good place," Ingram said.
Calls and e-mails of appreciation poured in on Wednesday.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said, Over the past six months, Dave has made making Barack Obama a one-term president his central focus. Because of his leadership and hard work, Florida Republicans are unified and moving forward to ensure Republican victories up and down the ballot in 2012."
South Carolina GOP Chairman Chad Connelly issued a statement calling Bitner "a source of inspiration and strength for tens of thousands of Americans living with ALS, as well as countless members of the Republican Party who have personally witnessed his resilience. I am humbled to call him my friend."
Brian Graham, head of the consulting firm Dixie Strategies, said, "I admire Dave Bitners service to our state and courageous fight against Lou Gehrig's Disease.Whoever is Chairmans Bitners successor will certainly have one of the most important tasks in a very long time; defeating Barack Obama."
Topping four rivals for RPOF chairman last winter, Bitner was widely credited with bridging the party's internal divisions.
"He has not only worked tirelessly to advance the mission of our party, but he has truly united us all," said Senate President Mike Haridopolos, who called Bitner "a tremendous leader."
Hughes said Bitner knew "there was always going to be a day he would make a decision" on his tenure. "He promised leadership if anything interfered with his ability to do his job, he would move on," Hughes said.
After the political website Shark Tank posted an unconfirmed report that Bitner would be resigning, a letter from the chairman surfaced Wednesday afternoon. Addressed to "my fellow Republicans," Bitner's letter stated in part:
"Today, amid speculation about my current capacity to serve as your chairman, I wanted to update you. Whether out of malice or in the interest of political posturing, some who had been entrusted with my thoughts about the future shared that information with the media.
"Something I would never allow to happen on my watch is for the future of the RPOF to be called into question. So, today, after talking with my wife, my friends, and trusted advisers, I have decided to resign my position as chairman effective Friday, Sept. 23."
Bitner's letter went on to recommend Curry as his successor.
"Lenny is more than qualified to continue the work I have begun, and there is no need for the party to face a protracted race or divisive infighting," Bitner wrote.
Ingram agreed that "continuity of leadership is important" as the party gears up to host the Republican National Convention in Tampa next year.
Curry, who also chairs Duval County GOP, appears to fill the bill with a long resume of local and state party activity, having previously served as a secretary and treasurer. He could not immediately be reached for comment.
Peter Schorsch, who edits the center-left SaintPetersBlog, said, "The reality is that the Republican Party of Florida, with almost two decades in the majority, marches on. Lenny Curry will fill in admirably, with leaders like Joe Gruters and Blaise Inoglia waiting in the wings."
Meantime, Patricia Sullivan, a Republican and tea party activist from Lake County, tossed another name into the mix.
"I would love to seeDeborah Cox-Roush lead the party," she said, while saying her "thoughts and prayers go out to the Bitners."
Cox-Roush, of Tampa, served as vice chair under interim Chairman John Thrasher and was one of Bitner's rivals for the chairmanship this year. The others were Gruters, Tony DiMatteo and Sid Dinerstein.
Gruters, Cox-Roush, DiMatteo and Dinerstain said they will support Curry as the next chairman.
Ingram, voicing the sentiment of many Republicans, said, "Let's hope we don't have a big internal dispute. That only benefits the Democrats."
Florida Democratic Chairman Rod Smith issued this statement:
I have known Chairman Bitner for a number of years. While we often differ on our views, I have always respected him as a talented and able spokesman on behalf of his party. Party allegiance aside, we all wish Bitner the very best in the difficult days ahead. We pray Gods grace is upon him and his family.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hasner was equally ecumenical.
There are days to set politics aside, and today is one of them. Throughout his long career, Chairman Bitner has been the embodiment of integrity, honor and dignity.His steady, principled leadership will be deeply missed."
U.S. Senate candidate George LeMieux also praised Bitner, saying, "I admire Chairman Bitner's courage and his service to the Republican Party and to all Floridians. Later this month, grassroots Republicans from all over Florida will gather in Orlando for Presidency 5, which will celebrate Chairman Bitner's career and success."
Meantime, other big-name Republicans issued statements expressing their condolences and appreciation.
Gov. Rick Scott said, "In his short tenure as chairman of the Republican Party, Dave Bitner has communicated an inspiring vision for Florida Republicans and he has laid the foundation for a successful 2012 election cycle. I embrace that vision and will do all I can to abide by his wishes and help him carry his vision forward."
House Speaker Dean Cannon said, "I trusted Daves ability to lead the Republican Party of Florida, and I continue to trust that he has used the same good judgment and forethought in recommending an equally qualified successor."
Similar laudatory messages -- along with endorsements of Curry's successorship -- were issued by members of the Cabinet: Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.
Republican National Committee Co-Chairman and Floridas RNC National Committeewoman Sharon Day said she was "deeply saddened" by Bitner's decision to bow out and declared that Curry has her "full support."
"I have had the wonderful opportunity to serve with many outstanding leaders, but Dave has shown us all what it truly means to be a fighter.
"Throughout his career as a legislator we witnessed how he fought for his principles and for what he believes in.Now, in his personal fight against ALS, he has illustrated time after time what grace under fire truly means," Day said.
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Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 801-5341.
