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Romney Campaign Press Release - Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton and Jacksonville Leaders Endorse Governor Romney

September 12, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Romney Press Shop (857) 288-6390

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, former U.S. Ambassador John Rood and State Representative Don Davis have endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States. Additionally, Governor Romney named several new Jacksonville community and business leaders to his Florida Statewide Finance Committee. These individuals join a strong team that includes Romney for President National Finance Chairmen Mark Guzzetta and Ambassador Mel Sembler.

"I am pleased to have such tremendous support in Jacksonville, one of the fastest growing cities in Florida and a critical area for Republican candidates," said Governor Romney. "I share the same conservative values as many Northeast Floridians, and Mayor Peyton and all of these leaders will provide important counsel as I continue to campaign vigorously in the Sunshine State."

Northeast Floridians leading Governor Romney's campaign in the state include Florida Steering Committee Chair John Thrasher, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and Steering Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Carroll, a state legislator representing parts of Duval and Clay Counties. Additional area leadership includes State Representative Dick Kravitz, Jacksonville City Councilman Art Shad and former Jacksonville City Councilman Lake Ray. Previously announced Northeast Florida members of the Florida Statewide Finance Committee include Ward Blakely, Gary Chartrand, Henry Dean, J. Thomas Dodson, Mori Hosseini, Mitchell R. Montgomery and Duane Ottenstroer.

"In Massachusetts, Governor Romney applied conservative principles and successful private sector practices to grow the economy and restrain state spending. As President, Governor Romney will bring this same strong and innovative leadership to the White House as America faces new global and domestic challenges," said Mayor Peyton. "I look forward to working with this impressive group of Jacksonville leaders to deliver victory for Governor Romney in Florida."

Background On Mayor John Peyton:


John Peyton Has Served As Mayor Of Jacksonville, Florida, Since 2003. Recently re-elected to his second term, Mayor Peyton has been a strong advocate for growing and diversifying Jacksonville's economy, enhancing public safety, streamlining government and promoting early literacy. Prior to his election, the Jacksonville native served as vice president of Gate Petroleum Company, one of the largest privately held corporations in Florida. He is also the former chairman of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

Background On Former Ambassador John Rood:


John Rood Served As The U.S. Ambassador To The Bahamas From 2004 to 2007. In 2004, President George W. Bush appointed Ambassador Rood as the eleventh Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. He is the former Chairman of The Vestcor Companies, a real estate development and management firm. Ambassador Rood also previously served as commissioner and chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and director of the James Madison Institute.

Background On State Representative Don Davis:

State Representative Don Davis Has Represented Parts Of Duval And St. Johns Counties Since 2000. He currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Economic Development as well as serving on the Committee on Urban and Local Affairs and the Economic Expansion & Infrastructure Council. Prior to his election to the House, he was a member of the Jacksonville City Council from 1987-1999 and served as the President in 1993 and 1999. Davis is a decorated Korean War veteran and currently the vice president of Gate Petroleum Company.

New Members Of The Florida Statewide Finance Committee:


- Richard S. Browdy, Browdy and Browdy Incorporated

- R. Bruce Deardoff, Deardoff Automotive Group

- Steven T. Halverson, The Haskell Company

- Paul Harden, Harden and Associates

- Ashton Hudson, Rock Creek Capitol

- David W. Hutson, The Hutson Company

- Mac McGehee, Mac Paper

- Herbert Hill Peyton, Gate Petroleum

- William Walton, RockPoint Group, LLC

Mitt Romney, Romney Campaign Press Release - Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton and Jacksonville Leaders Endorse Governor Romney Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/296632

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