Phil Ammann
Gus Bilirakis is airing the first television ad in his re-election effort for Florida’s 12th Congressional District.
Titled “Gus is for Us,” the ad highlights Bilirakis’ commitment to the community, featuring several enthusiastic people declaring how the Tarpon Springs Republican “gets things done.” It also touches on a number of issues, such as veteran care and how Bilirakis has worked to keep flood insurance rates low.
“Gus is for us,” the ad says. “All of us.”
“Gus stood up to his own party to stop flood insurance hikes,” it continues. “He’s protecting our veterans and our seniors. He’s fighting to keep America safe.”
The 30-second spot is available on YouTube.
“When I go to Washington, I take the issues affecting my community with me,” Bilirakis said in a statement. “Whether it’s fighting against harmful insurance hikes, protecting the rights of our seniors and military veterans, or keeping America safe, I’ve always stood up for those who put their faith in me to represent them in the U.S. Congress.”
Bilirakis currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and as vice chair of the Committee on Veterans Affairs. According to his campaign office, Bilirakis works in a “bipartisan manner to control federal spending, create jobs for middle-class Americans, lower taxes, and seeks ways to make government smaller and more efficient.”
As reported earlier by FloridaPolitics.com, Bilirakis has most recently pushed for the so-called “Open Act,” which gives pharmaceutical companies an incentive to perform clinical trials on drugs for a particular disease. That act is designed to address medications used as a treatment for rare diseases but can also be used “off-label” to cure or help other ailments. For example, a leukemia drug that also shows promise for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
CD 12 covers all of Pasco and parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, including the cities of Holiday, Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Crystal Springs. Bilirakis faces Democratic attorney Robert Tager Nov. 8.
