Former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts on Monday unveiled the organization he hopes will lead him to victory in the Florida Republican presidential primary on Jan. 31.
Romney, who placed second in the 2008 presidential primary, announced that three Florida Republican congressmen -- Ander Crenshaw, Connie Mack and Tom Rooney -- would co-chair his efforts in the Sunshine State. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who endorsed Romney earlier in the month, will serve as the state chairman, while Florida CFO Jeff Atwater will be the state finance chairman.
I am honored to have such a strong team in Florida, Romney said in a statement. They understand that President Obamas new regulations and tax-and-spend policies have failed to stimulate our economy and have only left our country mired in debt and uncertainty. As Americans make a critical decision about the future direction of this country, Florida will be an important state. This team will be essential to my campaign as I reach out to voters. With the help of these committed public servants, I am confident that we can defeat President Obama and turn around this struggling economy.
Were all proud to get behind Mitt in his campaign for president, said Mack. He will provide the conservative leadership Washington desperately needs. Florida voters are looking for a president who will bring back jobs to this country, restore economic growth, and get our fiscal house in order. From the private sector to the Olympics to Massachusetts, Mitt has the proven track record of successful problem-solving that will be required to get our economy moving again and Americans back to work. He is the best candidate to take on and defeat President Obama in 2012. I am glad to be part of his Florida team.
Atwater will be helped by three finance co-chairs who were unveiled on Monday: lobbyist and fundraiser Brian Ballard, businessman Jay Demetree and former Ambassador John Rood.
Romney also named 10 Florida co-chairs on Monday. These include two state senators: Anitere Flores, R-Miami, and John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville. Thrasher, who also served as speaker of the Florida House and as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, has been a longtime Romney backer. Romney chaired Thrashers kickoff event for his re-election bid in 2010. Incoming Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, and his father-in-law, former House Speaker Allan Bense, were also named co-chairs.
Other co-chairs named were former Senate President Tom Lee; former state legislator and Florida Christian Coalition leader Pat Neal;businesswoman Remedios Diaz-Oliver; political consultant David Griffin; and two former Jeb Bush aides -- new media publisher Justin Sayfie and veteran Republican leader Slater Bayliss.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859. Derby previously worked for the Sayfie Media Group which is owned by Justin Sayfie.
