MINNEAPOLIS
– The Pawlenty for President campaign announced today that Florida
State Representative and future House Speaker Will Weatherford has
endorsed Gov. Tim Pawlenty for president and will serve as the co-chair
of Pawlenty’s Florida campaign. Representatives Chris Dorworth
and
Richard Corcoran will also join Pawlenty for President as regional
chairmen.
"Rep.
Weatherford is an extraordinary leader who has shown that he has what
it takes to unite the conservative party in Florida," Gov. Pawlenty
said. "Both voters and his peers recognized his talents by
electing
him Speaker-Designate of the Florida House of Representatives.
Will
Weatherford is a natural born talent, and I look forward to him leading
my campaign to victory in the Sunshine State."
"Our
Country needs a president who can achieve results not just deliver
speeches. I firmly believe Tim Pawlenty is that leader,” said
Weatherford. “Tim Pawlenty oversaw significant, conservative changes in
a traditionally blue state. His strong record of results amidst
challenging circumstances proves that he is ready to lead our Nation.”
Weatherford added, “Tim Pawlenty has the
ability to get our economy back on the right track and restore the
promise of America. I am 'all in' as an enthusiastic and motivated
member of Team Pawlenty."
Will
Weatherford grew up in a family of nine siblings in Pasco County,
Florida. He worked as an aide to former House Speaker Allan Bense
before his election as the Representative for District 61 in the
Florida State Legislature. He was first elected in 2006 and
re-elected
in 2008. He has been designated to serve as the Speaker of the House
for the 2012-2014 legislative term. Will Weatherford resides in Wesley
Chapel, Florida with his wife Courtney and two young daughters.
Reps. Dorworth and Corcoran,
the two men chosen by the caucus to serve as speaker upon conclusion of
Speaker Weatherford's term, have also endorsed Gov. Pawlenty.
"Gov.
Pawlenty does not just talk about getting things done; he has the
fortitude to make real conservative change and reign in government
spending," said Dorworth.
"I am proud to join Gov. Pawlenty's team and am excited
to
help introduce him to Floridians," said Corcoran. "Familiarity
with his record will ensure a Pawlenty victory."
Chris
Dorworth has represented District 34 since 2007. Before being elected
to the Florida House of Representatives, he served as Seminole County
Chairman of the Bush/Cheney 2004 re-election campaign. Having earned
the reputation as a dependable conservative, Governor Jeb Bush
appointed Chris to Seminole Community College’s Board of Trustees.
Richard Corcoran
was elected to the House of Representatives after winning the
Republican nomination for the State House of Representatives, District
45 on August 24, 2010. Before that, he served as an advisor
to three
Speakers of the Florida House: Daniel Webster, Tom Feeney, and Marco
Rubio. Richard also served as Marco Rubio’s Chief of Staff.