When I decided to run for Leon County Republican State Committeeman in 2008, I had long been troubled by a trend of arrogant politicians and overreaching government. I was convicted to do whatever I could and use whatever talents I possessed to right the misdirected course of government. After some contemplation, I believed that the best opportunity for reform lay in running for State Committeeman and working within RPOF. During my 4 years of service, I have labored for the reforms I sought in running for elected office.

In 2009, Charlie Crist was the presumed Republican nominee for Senate, even before the former governor had formally announced that he was running. Marco Rubio endured establishment criticism, even questions about his character, from Republicans for daring to run against Crist. Political insiders wanted to crown Crist the Republican nominee, but the Republican Party doesn’t belong to the insiders. It belongs to all of the registered Republican voters of Florida. I fought at the county level to pass a resolution against trying to handpick Republican nominees and stood up to the state party insiders.

In 2010, Senator John Thrasher was elected Interim Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Our new chairman wanted to improve RPOF’s transparency, and he recruited me to draft a new code of ethics for the state party. The fight continues to ensure that this code is enforced so that RPOF embodies the highest standards.

In 2011, I was elected Treasurer of RPOF. I am proud of my service on both the county and state level. I do view it as service. I hope to continue serving the Republicans of Leon County by keeping the Republican Party on the right track.