Local Republicans Get On Board With Newt

Newt 2012 in Florida has announced its statewide campaign structure of grassroots activists, chairs, and co-chairs in all 67 counties, according to the Miami Herald.

“There is a groundswell of support and enthusiasm for Newt Gingrich in Florida," said Jose Mallea, Florida state director of Newt 2012, in a media release. "We are proud of the broad coalition of local elected officials, party activists, business leaders, faith-based leaders and Tea-Party members who have come together throughout from the state.

"These experienced and seasoned political grassroots activists will ensure that Newt Gingrich’s message to restore our country with bold solutions will resonate and be heard in every corner of the state. We are honored to have them on our team, working to ensure victory for Speaker Gingrich in Florida.”

The release notes that county chairmen "are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the campaign in their respective counties, including the recruitment of volunteers, event coordination, get-out-the-vote efforts, and further grassroots activities."

“Campaigns are won on the ground and through the hard work of grassroots activists such as those who have joined Newt Gingrich’s team in Florida,” said Deborah Cox Roush of Tampa, Florida state director of county chairs, in the release. “They are the backbone of our state organization. They understand the importance of this presidential election to our country, and they will help carry the state of Florida for Newt Gingrich.”

The release notes several local residents representing Hillsborough County on the Gingrich campaign:

• Chairman for Hillsborough County is Brandon resident and political activist Sam Rashid, chief executive officer of HOLTEC USA Corp. Rashid was also chairman of the Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate Campaign in Hillsborough County.

• Kelly Clem Rickon of Lithia will serve as one of three co-chairs for Hillsborough County. She is a member of the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee, vice president of the Fishhawk Republican Club, a Tampa Tea Party member, member of Tampa 912, a Freedom Works Volunteer, and a volunteer for Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate, Pam Bondi for Attorney General, Gus Bilirakis for Congress, Dennis Ross for Congress and Rachel Burgin for the Florida House.

• Michael Goldrick of Brandon is another co-chair. He is a member of the Greater Brandon Republican Club and an auxiliary member of the Tampa Bay Young Republican's Club.

• Also serving as co-chairs are retired political activist Rene Luaces and Robin Lankford, a member of the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee and a volunteer for Marco Rubio for U.S. Senate.

Gingrich now leads the Republican presidential field in Florida with 41 percent of support from registered votes here, according to a poll released by the Florida Times-Union and InsiderAdvantage. The poll, conducted with 513 registered voters, has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is Gingrich's closest competitor, according to the poll, with 17 percent.

Support for Gingrich surged nationally after it was reported that Herman Cain was accused of sexual harassment during his time as president of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s.