Jacob Ogles
The first Florida political leaders hit the stage in Milwaukee minutes after the Republican National Committee (RNC) officially opened.
U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz and state Sen. Joe Gruters, both in party positions, appeared on the to establish the party’s platforms and officially empower delegates to nominate their choice for President.
Waltz, the first federal official from Florida to take the stage, spoke as vice chair of the RNC’s Platform Committee.
“This platform is historic because it was written with one group of people in mind, the forgotten men and women of America,” Waltz said.
“That means something to me. Many of you know, and I’m proud to say, I’m the first Green Beret ever elected to Congress. And I’m also the son of a single mother raised on the wrong side of Jacksonville who worked three jobs just to get us by. Me and my family were the forgotten men and women of America, and now I stand as a testament to the American dream.”
He said the party platform formally crafted last week will advance the nation’s interests.
“With President Trump and the Republicans at the helm at every level of government, we will overcome every threat facing this nation,” he said. “We will close our disastrously open border. We will defend our justice system. We will restore our economy. We will unleash American energy and flood the world with clean, cheap American oil and gas. Drill, baby drill.”
Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, became the first Florida speaker. As Chair of the RNC’s Credentials Committee, the former Republican Party of Florida Chair managed to throw a shoutout to “Team Florida” before tackling some official business.
“It is my honor to certify the delegates and alternates to this convention who will serve to nominate the next President in the United States, President Donald J. Trump.”
Gruters, Florida’s Republican National Committeeman, served as Florida Co-Chair of Trump’s 2016 campaign.
