Lakeland, FL – Today, Polk County Commissioners Ed Smith, Bob English, and Commission Chairman, Sam Johnson, endorsed Dennis Ross for Congress, District 12. After receiving the endorsements, Dennis Ross said,

“To have the support of leaders like Sam Johnson, Ed Smith, and Bob English is both gratifying and humbling. Gratifying because they represent the very best of Polk County and know her citizens well. Humbling because Commissioners Johnson, Smith, and English are such capable conservatives, Republicans, and community leaders that I can only hope to serve in Congress with as much honor and distinction. I want to thank them for their trust and support. I look forward to working with them in Congress to build a better Polk County and a more prosperous 12^th District.”

Chairman Johnson and Commissioners Smith and English join many of their fellow elected officials and community leaders in endorsing Dennis Ross for Congress. They join:

Former Governor Jeb Bush

House Republican Whip, Congressman Eric Cantor (R-Va)

Florida Congressman Gus Bilirakis

Florida Congressman Connie Mack

Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan

Florida Congressman Tom Rooney

Florida Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite

Florida Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

Florida Congressman Jeff Miller

Florida State Senator Paula Dockery

Former Florida Congressman Andy Ireland

Linda Ivell, President, Florida Federation of Republican Women

Rev. Lynne Breidenbach

Jean Burt, Former Polk County GOP Chair

H. Paul Senft, GOP National Committeeman

To find out more about Dennis visit his website : http://www.electdennisross.com

Paula Dockery

Lakeland, FL – Florida State Senator Paula Dockery (R – District 15), today announced her endorsement of Dennis Ross for Congress. In announcing her endorsement, Senator Dockery said, “After careful consideration and soul searching, I have ruled out a run for the Congressional seat being vacated by Adam Putnam. During that decision making process it became clear that my passion for public policy is in state government and not at the Federal level. Having said that, I can think of no one better to succeed Congressman Adam Putnam, then my dear friend and former Colleague, Dennis Ross.”

Senator Dockery continued, “I know something about standing your ground when the going gets tough, and gladly accepting the consequences of that stance. I have a deep appreciation for the courage and spirit it took for Dennis to stand his ground when contentious issues arose in the Legislature.

“Dennis has always put the best interests of his constituents and taxpayers first. Dennis has walked the walk and not just talked the talk. Dennis has proven to be a fighter for the principles he believes in. For this and so much more, it is my pleasure to endorse my friend, Dennis Ross and I look forward to his service in Congress.”

Upon receiving Senator Dockery’s endorsement, Dennis Ross said, “I am truly honored and excited to have the support of my friend of nearly 20 years, and former colleague in the Florida Legislature, Senator Paula Dockery. Paula and Doc have been dear friends to Cindy and me for as long as we can remember, and no political endeavor would be complete without them. The citizens of Florida know Senator Dockery to be a tenacious fighter on their behalf. Her selfless and tireless work on behalf of hard working taxpayers everywhere should serve as a model to all who aspire to public service.”

Ross went on to say, “Beyond her principled leadership in the Florida Legislature, I know Senator Dockery as a friend, a colleague, and a devoted wife to Doc. I value our friendship, I will continue to look to her for advice and guidance, and I look forward to Paula continuing to serve the people of Florida for many years to come.”

In addition to Senator Dockery, Dennis Ross has earned the endorsement of: Former Governor Jeb Bush as well as Members of Congress Gus Bilirakis, Ginny Brown-Waite, Jeff Miller, Connie Mack, Tom Rooney, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Vern Buchanan. Local leaders have also endorsed Dennis’ bid for Congress including, GOP National Committeeman Paul Senft, Form er Polk GOP Chair Jean Burt, The Reverend Lynne Breidenbach, and Florida Federation of Republican Women President Linda Ivell.

Senator Paula Dockery currently represents District 15 in the Florida Senate which encompasses portions of Polk, Osceola, Hernando, Sumter and Lake counties. She currently serves a Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee and serves on the Environmental Protection Committee, the Transportation Committee, the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee and the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight.

Senator Dockery has been prominently mentioned as a possible candidate for Governor of Florida and will make her future plans known at a later date.

You can find out more about Dennis Ross’ campaign by visiting http://www.electdennisross.com

Dennis Ross who stood his ground in the state legislature against the State Run Insurance released a statement following the Governor’s Veto of HB-1171

“Today’s veto of a bill to expand the free market, diversify our insurance base, and protect Florida taxpayers is unfortunate and short-sighted.  The insurance landscape in Florida needs serious, solution-oriented reform, and this bill was a giant first step.  Robust competition, mitigation, and responsible development should be the cornerstones of Florida’s property insurance market.  Job creators and entrepreneurs should always be welcome in our State and consumers should have choice in the marketplace.”

Ross continued, “In District 12 alone State Farm employs over 1,700 people just in Winter Haven.  It also employs dozens of agents, has over 45,000 policyholders, and is an outstanding corporate citizen.  I will continue to remind my party and our State that competition reduces cost, small business creates jobs, and government should not be in the business of business.”

You can find out more about Dennis and his campaign by visiting http://www.electdennisross.com