Posted on 05/18/2005 2:15:49 PM PDT by kingattax
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida's chief financial officer announced Wednesday that he will run for governor in 2006, setting a conservative agenda that includes tax cuts and a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
Tom Gallagher, a 30-year veteran of state government, becomes the second notable Republican to enter the race to replace Gov. Jeb Bush, who must leave office because of term limits. Attorney General Charlie Crist announced he's running last week.
Gallagher, 61, served 12 years in the Legislature before being elected insurance commissioner, education commissioner and chief financial officer.
This will be Gallagher's third run for governor. He lost in the primaries to Bob Martinez in 1986 and to Bush in 1994.
"I'm better prepared now to lead than ever and I'm better prepared to define what I believe is our state's future," he said Wednesday on the Capitol steps.
Democratic candidates include former state party chairman Scott Maddox, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis (news, bio, voting record) and state Sen. Rod Smith
Tom Gallagher
Go Charlie!
Go Shanequa !
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