It looks like Sarasota Republicans will have a big voice in politicking throughout the Sunshine State over the next two years. Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota, just won election as vice chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, a role he will hold through the next presidential election. That news comes at the same time state committee members from Sarasota County take on bigger regional and state roles.

“Any time Sarasota can place people in leadership positions for a statewide organization, that’s a win for the area,” said Gruters. “I’m excited about the future, and believe this shows Sarasota is doing a lot of things right.” Gruters four years ago ran unsuccessfully for RPOF chairman, but said this was a more subdued affair. He defeated Republican Party of Manatee Chairwoman Kathy King, who entered the race late. In addition to Gruters’ ascension in state ranks, RPOS State Committeeman Christian Ziegler was named vice chairman of the State Committeeman and State Committeewoman Caucus, while RPOS State Committeewoman Casey Pilon, was tapped to chair the Congressional District 16 Caucus. 

Statewide, the Republicans tallied victories in the last two gubernatorial elections with Gov. Rick Scott and won every Cabinet position in those cycles. They have faired less well in presidential years, with President Barack Obama winning Florida twice for the Democrats. But Gruters noted that in Sarasota, it’s been the opposite results, with the county in 2012 skewing more red than it did in 2010. Gruters feels the GOP will see success sticking to core messages about job creation and education, but also noted that the party serves primarily as a mechanism to get out the vote. Issues will be defined by whoever wins the Republican nominee for president. “Our job is to make sure our nominee is going to win,” he said. “The tone is set by the candidate himself.”