Tom Slade weighs in on RPOF chair race

The ever-quotable Tom Slade, former chair of the Republican Party of Florida, is weighing in on the race for RPOF chair (a contest in which he doesn't get to vote). Here's a letter he's sending out to Republican Executive Committee members in support of Jefferson Committeeman Dave Bitner, a lobbyist and former legislator.

My dear fellow Republicans:

In Florida, the GOP has worked hard for our successes: all four cabinet seats and historic, veto-proof majorities in the state legislature.  The only thing missing is an RPOF Chairman to harness the grassroots energy we have, promote our conservative , and convert our resources into success up and down the ballot in 2012. 

However, with the very recent infighting that has plagued our Party, it is clear now more than ever that we need strong, principled leadership.  We need a statesman with solid experience but who is open to fresh ideas and new tactics. 

Dave Bitner is that leader.

Over the past twenty years, it has been an honor to know Dave and work with him in the trenches to elect Republicans. 

Dave is a rock-solid conservative leader with the vision, passion, and competence to be one of the best RPOF Chairman we’ve ever had.  Dave have remarkable bona fides to be Chairman - successful businessman, experienced legislator, hard-working family man, and diligent state committeeman. Dave is also an honest broker who has the rare ability to bring folks together to get things done.

Now that Florida has 29 electoral votes, we are truly the number-one battleground state for 2012.  In addition to day-to-day operations, our next Chairman must reorganize the state party apparatus, handle the redistricting process, and prepare for the RNC convention. As an aggressive fundraiser, Dave can raise the money it will take to carry out these additional initiatives. 

As a Jefferson County Committeeman, Dave understands how to balance cutting-edge campaign technology with tried-and-true methods of direct personal contact and listening to the people.  Dave knows that there is no better spokesman for our party than local party officials, precinct leaders and neighbors.

Dave has the legislative experience to support the pro-jobs, pro-growth policies of Governor Scott, Senate President Haridopolos and Speaker Cannon, while also working closely with the grassroots to ensure that they have the resources they need in counties across the state. 

Years ago, I was entrusted to lead our Party into battle, and now there’s no one that I would trust more to lead us into battle than Dave. I am proud to wholeheartedly endorse Dave Bitner for Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.

Sincerely,

Tom Slade

 

However, with the very recent infighting that has plagued our Party, it is clear now more than ever that we need strong, principled leadership.  We need a statesman with solid experience but who is open to fresh ideas and new tactics. 

Dave Bitner is that leader.

Over the past twenty years, it has been an honor to know Dave and work with him in the trenches to elect Republicans. 

Dave is a rock-solid conservative leader with the vision, passion, and competence to be one of the best RPOF Chairman we’ve ever had.  Dave have remarkable bona fides to be Chairman - successful businessman, experienced legislator, hard-working family man, and diligent state committeeman. Dave is also an honest broker who has the rare ability to bring folks together to get things done.

Now that Florida has 29 electoral votes, we are truly the number-one battleground state for 2012.  In addition to day-to-day operations, our next Chairman must reorganize the state party apparatus, handle the redistricting process, and prepare for the RNC convention. As an aggressive fundraiser, Dave can raise the money it will take to carry out these additional initiatives. 

As a Jefferson County Committeeman, Dave understands how to balance cutting-edge campaign technology with tried-and-true methods of direct personal contact and listening to the people.  Dave knows that there is no better spokesman for our party than local party officials, precinct leaders and neighbors.

Dave has the legislative experience to support the pro-jobs, pro-growth policies of Governor Scott, Senate President Haridopolos and Speaker Cannon, while also working closely with the grassroots to ensure that they have the resources they need in counties across the state. 

Years ago, I was entrusted to lead our Party into battle, and now there’s no one that I would trust more to lead us into battle than Dave. I am proud to wholeheartedly endorse Dave Bitner for Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.

Sincerely,

Tom Slade