The RNC tapped Anitere Flores as a rising star on Thursday and theres no arguing she has some of the most potential of any of the several politicians making up the Republican bench in Florida.
Despite being only 38, Flores is already an established politico. Now in the Florida Senate, Flores is an old hand in Tallahassee, having worked as an education staffer in the Florida House before joining Jeb Bushs team in a similar role. Flores was elected to the House in 2004 and continued focusing on education, rising to chair the Pre-K-12 Appropriations Committee and serving on the Education Policy Council. During her last term in the House, she was part of the GOP leadership as deputy majority leader.
After being elected to the Senate in 2010, she was named GOP whip. She currently chairs the Fiscal Policy Committee and used to chair the Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee.
Even before the RNC shone the spotlight on her on Thursday, Flores has had a little taste of the national spotlight. Mitt Romneys people were impressed enough with Flores that she played a prominent role in their efforts to win Florida in last years presidential election. During Rick Scotts seemingly endless search for a replacement for Jennifer Carroll as lieutenant governor, Flores name warranted a lot of interest.
Its easy to see why Flores won the Romney campaigns, Scotts and the RNCs attention. Flores is one of the most prominent Hispanic Republicans in Florida. She also is a proven winner in populous South Florida, easily sweeping primaries and general elections. Flores has also shown herself a gifted politician. For example, she played a major role in pushing an immigration bill in 2011 while stressing her opposition to bringing an Arizona-style law to Florida. Despite her leading role on the issue, Flores kept Hispanics behind her when she looked to win re-election in 2012.
Flores has options for her political future. Her name keeps surfacing as running for county commission or another office in South Florida. For the moment, with the rise of Carlos Curbelo, Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen firmly installed, Congress doesnt seem to be much of an option for Flores in the short term. Still, she is a gifted public official who is not going away. Expect a congressional run and possible other bids for higher office in the future.
Democrats may continue to make inroads within the Cuban community and in Miami-Dade, but that won't alter Flores' status, dynamism or record of political success. Now leading the Fiscal Policy Committee, look for Flores to take a larger role in the Senate. And if Republicans are wise, they will put Flores on stage in 2016 as they try to win back Florida in the presidential race.
Tallahassee political writer Jeff Henderson wrote this analysis piece exclusively for Sunshine State News.
