Crisafulli Selected Speaker-Designate For 2014-2016 Term
By Space Coast Daily // December 14, 2012
POLITICS
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Florida State Representative Steve Crisafulli of Merritt Island has been chosen by the Republican members of the Florida House of Representatives as their choice for Speaker-designate for the 2014-2016 term.
“I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for trusting me with the important role as their future leader in the Florida House,” said Crisafulli.
“I understand the weight of the responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders, and I know with the support of the House, we will set forth a bold agenda that honors Floridians over the next four years.”
The unexpected race for Speaker occurred as a result of 2012 elections in Florida. Although leadership races can be difficult and drawn out, the 2008 Class of House Republicans united behind a single candidate and put forth Rep. Crisafulli for consideration to the entire Republican House Caucus.
“I am proud of the way our Republican House members have handled the adversity that has come our way over the past week,” said Speaker-designate Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel).
“The maturity of the caucus and the seriousness in how they have approached this matter bodes well for the future of the House.”
Pragmatic Conservative, Consensus Builder
Crisafulli, a native of Merritt Island, Florida was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008 and has been reelected subsequently.
His cousin was Florida Governor Doyle E. Carlton and he is the grandson of Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Vassar B. Carlton. He is married to Kristen Brown Crisafulli and they have two children, Carly and Kennedy.
During his service in the House of Representatives, Crisafulli has earned a reputation as a pragmatic conservative and consensus builder. His expertise as a small businessman has guided his legislative priorities including education, improving the small business climate and promoting responsible growth policies in Florida.
