Speaker of the House, Marco Rubio
Thursday, February 22, 2007
He has become best known for his statewide initiative and recent book 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future-a book he assembled by traveling around the state gathering ideas from citizens. Among the ideas he has advocated are moving the Florida Primary to a week after the New Hampshire Primary, thus increasing the influence of Florida in a Presidential Primary. He has also advanced, with Governor Crist, the idea for real insurance reform in Florida. Marco Rubio, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and next featured program of the Tiger Bay Club, has also been seen by many as the ideological heir to former Governor Jeb Bush. This portrayal was most recently symbolized during his 2005 designation as Speaker when Governor Bush handed Speaker Rubio a sword symbolic of his role as a “conservative warrior.” To date, however, Democratic Leaders have praised Rubio’s inclusiveness of the minority party and expressed cautious optimism with the spirit of the new House Leader. He is also viewed by many as a sure bet to be a candidate for a future statewide election and many project him as a potential national candidate in years to come. Mr. Rubio was first elected to the Florida House as a Republican in January 2000 from the 111 th District and is a former City Commissioner from West Miami. Please join us at the Silver Slipper on Thursday, February 22, 2007 when House Speaker Marco Rubio shares his views and “ideas”, as well as his outlook for the Florida Legislature in 2007.