May 18, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2005
CONTACT: Brett Doster, (850) 491-2056

"I am prepared to lead and to define my vision for Florida."

Tallahassee - Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor of Florida in 2006. Treasurer Gallagher was joined at his announcement by his wife Laura, and son, Charlie, after they delivered his filing papers to the Florida Division of Elections. "I have a very personal reason for wanting to ensure Florida's future, and his name is Charlie, my six-year-old son," said Gallagher.

Gallagher outlined his agenda for governance as he began his campaign. "The security of our seniors, our children, and our families will be my highest priority. I will work to expand our economic opportunities and defend the values that keep families strong, and I support the proposed Florida Marriage Protection Amendment. I will appoint justices to the Florida Supreme Court who respect the separation of powers and the rule of law." Gallagher promised to keep educational opportunity at the forefront of his agenda. "I will never forget handing out the first Opportunity Scholarships," Gallagher said. "Florida parents deserve choice in their children's education."

He stressed that Floridians want a Governor who has a vision for the future and the experience to implement it. "From Miami to Pensacola, we are diverse and we are strong," said Gallagher. "I am prepared to lead and to define my vision for Florida. We've come a long way under Governor Jeb Bush's leadership, but the actions we take over the coming years will determine the opportunities for future generations."

Gallagher also announced that Brett Doster will serve as his campaign manager. Doster served most recently as the Florida executive director for the Bush-Cheney '04 Campaign, served as the Florida political director for the Bush-Cheney 2000 Campaign, and served on both the 1994 and 1998 Jeb Bush for Governor Campaigns.