Jim Rosica
Republican presidential candidates John Kasich and Rick Santorum have added their names to the list of contenders appearing the Republican Party of Florida’s Sunshine Summit in Orlando next month.
The state GOP announced the news Tuesday.
Kasich, governor of Ohio, and Santorum, a former U.S. senator for Pennsylvania, now will join a lineup that includes former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, and real estate businessman and reality TV show star Donald Trump.
The only names missing now among leading GOP candidates are pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.
“As we continue to announce more candidates, the current 10 confirmed presidential participants will help build excitement for Florida’s grassroots leaders and volunteers in what will be this year’s premier presidential event in Florida,” said state party chair Blaise Ingoglia in a statement.
The event takes place at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel Nov. 12-14.
The RPOF was the butt of criticism when it floated the idea of not allowing GOP candidates to be in the March primary if they didn’t attend the summit.
Now, candidates can pay a $25,000 filing fee, file a petition with signatures of 3,375 registered Republicans, or they can still attend the summit.
