November 22, 2002
 
 

The Honorable Marc Racicot
Chairman
Republican National Committee
310 First Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Dear Chairman Racicot:

We, the Republican members of the Florida Congressional Delegation unanimously and enthusiastically endorse the selection of Tampa/St. Petersburg as the site of the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Located on the pivotal I-4 corridor, Tampa/St. Petersburg allows the selection committee to host the convention in the fulcrum of the premier battleground state of the 2000 presidential election.  Florida's 27 electoral votes will be the key to a successful reelection bid by President Bush.

After supporting the President in 2000, Florida did so again in 2002, giving Governor Jeb Bush 56% of the vote and a winning majority of 650,000 votes.  The State is poised to deliver in 2004, and a focus on the Tampa Bay area during the Republican National Convention will energize Florida and National Republicans alike.

Any concern over a backlash stemming from the 2000 Florida recount was allayed by Governor Bush's tremendous victory over a well-financed, highly publicized opponent.  Not only did he become the first Republican Governor ever reelected in Florida, but Governor Bush's cabinet officers also achieved overwhelming victories.  A low turnout in the traditional Democratic counties of South Florida, combined with unprecedented Latino support for our party, resulted in the Governor's win in Miami-Dade County, and Republican seats were added to both Houses of the legislature.

Nationally, Florida continues to provide the margin of victory for Republicans.  In the midterm November elections, an aggressive redistricting effort by the Republican legislature netted 3 additional seats for our state, representing one half of the national gains made by our party.  With 18 Republican members, Florida's congressional delegation is second only to California.

What Florida has done towards expanding the Republican majority in the House of Representatives will result in a victory for President George W. Bush in 2004.  Our political community is overwhelmingly supportive, while our business community stands ready to offer the most delegate-friendly convention possible. Florida is a very economical site and offers a wide range of activities for all ages and tastes within minutes of the convention center

 The Sunshine State stands ready to illuminate our Party and her ideals!

 Sincerely,