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Statement by Speaker-Designate Dean Cannon on the Scott/Carroll Republican Ticket

Statement by Speaker-Designate Dean Cannon on the Scott/Carroll Republican Ticket

Orlando-Speaker Designate Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park) released the following statement today commending Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scotts selection of State Representative Jennifer Carroll as his running mate.

Having served with Jennifer Carroll in the Florida House for the last six years, I know her to be a committed conservative who, like Rick Scott will stand by the values of lower taxes, limited government and personal responsibility.

Jennifer is a lifelong public servant whose record of military and legislative service, combined with her experience building and operating a small business, makes her an ideal choice for this important post during this historical time in our state.

Jennifer can relate to the business owner who strives to build a successful company, the service member whos just returned from a tough deployment, or the working families whove on numerous occasions trusted her to be their voice in Tallahassee.

I am energized by the strength and depth of our Republican ticket and looking forward to working hard to make sure Rick Scott and Jennifer Carroll are elected this November.

Democrat Ausley Objects to Democrat Sink's Taj Mahal

Democrat CFO and Gubernatorial Candidates at Odds over New Courthouse

TallahasseeThis week, CFO Alex Sink started back-peddling to get away from the controversy stirred up by her protand aspiring replacement Lorranne Ausley over the so-called "Taj Mahal" courthouse. Sink hastily called for an audit of the construction project when Ausley wrongly placed blame for the issue on legislative actions. In fact, state records show that it was Sink who moved - in an August 12, 2008 cabinet meeting - to authorize the funding for the courthouse.

Ausleys hollow claims that high-end finishes and elaborate designs of the new courthouse were directed by the legislature fly square in the face of fact, said RPOF Executive Director Ronnie Whitaker. The Florida Legislature did not approve line items for fancy televisions, granite countertops, marble floors or any other extravagance. Thats not how state building projects work and certainly not in the case of a courthouse. Both Ausley and Alex Sink know that nothing more than an authorization for construction was given by the legislature. Authorization is where the legislature's role ends and Alex Sinks responsibility to taxpayers begins.

On August 12, 2008, CFO Alex Sink made the motion - on behalf of the Florida Division of Bond Finance and the State Board of Administration - to approve bonds to pay for construction. It passed unanimously without objection and then became the responsibility of Alex Sink and her staff, who manage and oversee state contracts to ensure the appropriate expenditure of every state dollar.

It looks like the Florida Democrats have done a pretty good job pointing out the failure of CFO Sink to run her agency and protect tax dollars, said continued Whitaker. For the last two weeks, Loranne Ausley has desperately tried to feign a viable campaign and in doing so has put the spotlight on Alex Sinks failed leadership.

Maybe Loranne Ausley is unaware that her Democrat gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink signed every single State of Florida check that has been paid towards this project, or that as the head of the Department of Financial Services, Sink could have audited this project every step of the way, concluded Whitaker. The luxurious expenses incurred during the construction of the First District Court of Appeals courthouse begin and end at Alex Sink's office. After nearly four years, its about time Sink started paying attention to her current job, instead of ignoring her responsibilities to climb the ladder of political ambition."

RPOF Congratulates Rick Scott

TallahasseeRepublican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher today congratulated Rick Scott for his victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary election.

The stakes are high and I look forward to the debate ahead as we contrast Alex Sinks record of support for President Obamas ultra liberal, left-wing ideology in the form of donations to his campaign, endorsements of his government takeover of our health care system and support for his failed stimulus package, with Rick Scotts vision for Florida that will create 700,000 new jobs without expanding the size and scope government.

Im confident that Republicans across the state will rally around our new nominee as we move forward together towards the November election."

RPOF Applauds Incumbent Republican State House Members on Primary Victories

Scott Provides Fresh Ideas; Sink Embraces Obama's Failed Agenda

Last night Floridians embraced Rick Scotts commitment to conservative values and his plan for creating jobs, reducing government spending, and empowering the private sector.

What the majority of Floridians dont support is the Obama Administrations far-left liberal ideology, yet Alex Sink continues to embrace Obamas policies of tax, spend, and regulate. Whats worse is that she embraces the failed economic policies of the Obama agenda even in the midst of Floridas worst economy in decades.

There is no question that its time for a change. But, its not the left-wing, big-government type of change Barack Obama and Alex Sink promised in 2008. Floridians are looking for new leaders with fresh and innovative ideas, and thats exactly what they are going to get in 69 days when Rick Scott is elected Governor.