Question

Question: Mark, why did you wait until December to announce you are running for Chairman? Isn't that a little late to get started.

Answer: I had 2 reasons for waiting.

Reason 1. According to state law, I did not assume office until "the first day of the month following the presidential general election." This is automatic. There is no swearing in or other requirement. I wanted to announce my candidacy for RPOF Chairman when I was legally able to run.

Reason 2. I find it to be in extremely bad taste to announce an election for RPOF positions prior to the general election. Whenever you announce early you create divisions within the party. My goal is to unify the party, rather than divide it.

I'll have about 30 days to talk to members of the State Committee. There should be plenty of time to present my views on our challenge for the future.

Mark Cross to Campaign for RPOF Chair

For Immediate Release

December 1, 2008

MARK CROSS ANNOUNCES RUN FOR REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA CHAIRMAN

Kissimmee---Osceola County State Committeeman Mark Cross announced his candidacy today for the position of Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. During the coming weeks Cross will be traveling across Florida to visit with members of the State Committee about the future direction of the Republican Party. Cross is a traditional conservative from the Ronald Reagan wing of the party in sharp contrast to the current party leadership.

In announcing his candidacy, Cross called for a return to “principled party leadership”. “We have to get back to the principles that made this Republican Party grand...less taxation, less government spending, fewer government regulations, and more personal responsibility. We have to offer the voters more than just lip service. We have to deliver.”

Cross has promised to re-open the party to all Republicans. He pledged to end the blatant discrimination and infighting that has recently characterized the party. He recommended more financial assistance to smaller counties, recommended giving the RECs and the grassroots more local autonomy, and promised increased infrastructure for local elections. He pledged greater funding of the party’s federal account with better coordination and seamless integration for federal candidates.

He then challenged the other candidates to debate the issues. “Anyone can talk about Republican Party successes and ignore the losses,” Cross said, “but it takes “principled party leadership” to talk about specific setbacks and make the necessary course corrections. Debate denotes openness and self confidence and is a sign of health for the party. When people are afraid of openness, we lose.”

Cross has an extensive Republican activist background. In Florida, he served as a delegate to Presidency 3 under the Chairmanship of Tom Slade. He served as Chairman of his local REC under RPOF Chairman Al Cardenas and served on Chairman Carole Jean Jordan’s transition team. During his last term as County Chair, he led his REC to 100% Republican victory in a blue county. Cross is currently an enrolled agent, licensed by the US Treasury Dept. He is also a real estate broker.

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PAID FOR BY THE CROSS FOR FLORIDA REPUBLICANS COMMITTEE