Thompson Campaign Names Florida Campaign Co-Chairs and Announces Endorsements from State Legislators

Contact: Jeff Sadosky, 571-730-1010; www.Fred08.com

MC LEAN, Va., Jan. 9 /Standard Newswire/ -- Senator Fred Thompson's presidential campaign today announced the endorsements of Florida Congressmen Adam Putnam (R-Bartow), Jeff Miller (R- Chumuckla) and 14 members of the Florida Legislature. As co-chairmen of Senator Thompson's political organization in the Sunshine State, Putnam and Miller will lead a team comprised of members of the state legislature, local elected officials and community leaders throughout Florida.

"I am grateful to Congressmen Putnam and Miller for their support of the campaign and for their leadership on issues critical to the future of our country," said Senator Thompson. "We share a belief in common sense conservative values, and I am looking forward to working with these gentlemen to continue to spread our message throughout Florida."

"Senator Thompson's dedication to freedom, free markets and the rule of law will help our country face important challenges and opportunities head on," said Putnam.

"Through his principled leadership, he will insist on transparency and full disclosure in government spending and will promote the common sense, pro-growth policies that have helped Florida maintain a low unemployment rate and a high quality of life."

Congressman Adam Putnam represents Florida's 12th Congressional District.

He is chairman of the Republican Conference, third in line in the Republican leadership of the United States House of Representatives. A fifth generation Floridian, Putnam graduated from the University of Florida and was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1996-2000. He was elected to Congress in 2000, and reelected subsequently. Congressman Putnam and his wife reside in Bartow, Florida, with their four children.

Congressman Jeff Miller represents Florida's 1st Congressional District. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. A Florida native, Miller graduated from the University of Florida and served in the Florida House of Representatives. He was elected to Congress in 2001, and reelected subsequently. Congressman Miller and his wife reside in Chumuckla, Florida. 

In addition to Congressmen Putnam and Miller, endorsements of Senator Fred Thompson's presidential campaign announced today in Tallahassee include:

State Senator Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland)

Speaker Pro-Tempore Marty Bowen (R-Haines City)

State Representative Larry Cretul (R-Ocala)

State Representative Clay Ford (R-Gulf Breeze)

State Representative Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach)

State Representative Denise Grimsley (R-Lake Placid)

State Representative Doug Holder (R-Sarasota)

State Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami)

State Representative Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland)

State Representative Mitch Needleman (R-Melbourne)

State Representative Bryan Nelson (R-Apopka)

State Representative Stephen Precourt (R-Orlando)

State Representative Garrett Richter (R-Naples)

State Representative Dennis Ross (R-Lakeland)

Endorsements of Senator Fred Thompson by local elected officials previously announced include:

Mayor Lynda Bell, Homestead

City Councilman, Daniel Burgess, Zephyrhills

County Commission Chairman George A. Bush, Clay

County Commission Chairman Ronnie Duncan, Pinellas County

Vice Mayor Gene Gallo, Bradenton

Mayor Protem Steve Van Gorden, Dade City

County Commissioner Joe Martinez, Miami-Dade

City Councilman Patrick Roff, Bradenton

County Commissioner Natacha Seijas, Miami-Dade

City Councilman Bemis Smith, Bradenton

City Commissioner John Sorey, Naples

County Commission Chairman Jeff Stabins, Hernando

Property Appraiser Mike Wells, Pasco County