Spotlight on the FL 12th Congressional District

Republican Winner, Dennis Ross
Florida's 12th Congressional District encompasses much of Polk County and in addition, parts of rural and suburban east Hillsborough County and a small slice of western Osceola County. Republican Adam Putnam, who is completing his fourth term as representative, will not seek re-election to the House. Instead, he is opting to run for state agricultural commissioner. Even though there are more registered Democrats than Republicans in the 12th, Republicans have occupied this seat for all but ten years since the district was created in 1963. In the 2008 Democratic wave that swept away many Republican incumbents across the country, Putnam emerged unscathed. He won by a margin of 15 points even though presidential candidate John McCain (R) barely eked out a one point edge over Barack Obama (D). That photo finish was a far cry from the presidential election of 2004, where George W. Bush (R) buried John Kerry (D) by 16 points. As soon as Putnam announced his impending retirement, State Rep. Dennis Ross became the favorite for the GOP nomination. Democrats touted Lori Edwards, the supervisor of elections in Polk County, as their candidate. By necessity, the Democratic Party was more focussed on defending their vulnerable seats than they were on targeting Republican leaning ones, like FL-12, for takeover. In fielding a very good candidate in Dennis Ross, Republicans easily held this seat as Ross took 48% of the vote to Edward's 41%. A Tea Party candidate took 11%. Ross was endorsed by a wide range conservative leaders and groups at the state and national levels.
Dennis Ross
  • Native of Lakeland, Florida
  • Graduate, Lakeland Senior High School
  • Attended University of Florida
  • B.S. in Organizational Management, Auburn University, 1981
  • Legislative aide in St. Petersburg to Rep. Dennis Jones, 1982
  • Worked in the micro-computer industry
  • Law degree, Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
  • Associate Attorney, Holland & Knight, Lakeland
  • In-House counsel with Walt Disney World
  • Started his own law practice in 1989, now known as Ross Vecchio, P.A.
  • Past President, Lakeland Bar Assoc.
  • Board Member, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
  • President of the Greater Lakeland Young Republicans, late ’80’s
  • Chairman of the Polk County Republican Executive Committee, 1992
  • Ran for the State Senate, 1996 (losing to Incumbent Rick Dantzler)
  • Elected to the State House of Representatives, 2000

ISSUES

A very comprehensive list of State Rep. Ross' positions on important issues can be found at:

http://electdennisross.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/RossAgenda.pdf

"This election could very well determine whether the next chapter in the story of America is one of government control and economic calamity or one of rejuvenation and economic expansion. Whether America's best days are behind her or whether our best days remain ahead. Whether we remain free individuals with unlimited future potential or whether we become statistics; our lives determined by bureaucrats and central planners. I believe the American people know where we want to go, we just need our government to work for us in some cases, but in most cases, get out of our way...I firmly believe America's best days are ahead. I believe we can turn the tide and ensure posterity the blessings of liberty left to us by our parents and grandparents. It will not be easy and tough decisions will have to be made. It will also not be without compromise and impurities. We remain today, as our founders were. When Hamilton, Madison, and Jay wrote the Federalist papers, many, including men like Patrick Henry, objected. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams could barely agree on the direction of the new government, yet both are looked to for guidance in sustaining our Republic. So should it be that people of goodwill, dedicated to freedom, be they Republicans, Democrats, or Independents, can work together. I humbly ask for your support in this endeavor. I realize that district 12 is just one out of 535 seats in Congress. But we must secure our home district before we branch out. Rest assured that when elected, I will advocate for our shared values, endeavor to ensure that more folks like us are elected throughout the country, and never rest until we can look our children and grandchildren in the eye and tell them, as Franklin did, that we have left them a Republic, if they can keep it."
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The Spotlight On reports are overviews of actual Republican primary winners or top Republican primary contenders. Spotlights should not be interpreted as recommendations to support specific candidates. Before supporting any candidate, do thorough research to confirm that the candidate shares your views on issues you deem most important.