Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp has released the following statement following Governor Crist’s decision to run for the United States Senate as an independent candidate:

I have spent the last 30 years fighting for the principles of the Republican Party. In 1980 as a college student I was a proud volunteer in the Ronald Reagan presidential campaign. That campaign affirmed my lifelong commitment to the principles we hold dear as Republicans: limited government, lower taxes, reduced government spending and the preservation of the freedoms we cherish as Americans.

In the 1990’s as a member of the Lee County Republican Executive Committee I supported candidates who embraced those principles — candidates like Senator Connie Mack and Governor Jeb Bush. In 2000 I had the great honor of being elected as a Republican to the Florida House of Representatives. As a member of the legislature I had the opportunity to pass legislation to further advance those principles. I am particularly proud of legislation I sponsored to reduce and eliminate taxes, legislation to protect our citizens from violent felons, as well legislation to protect our Constitutional rights.

In 2006, I was part of the leadership team in the Florida House of Representatives when then-Attorney General Charlie Crist asked me to be his running mate. One of the reasons he selected me was my proven track record as a conservative. Being on the ticket was an opportunity for which I will forever be grateful. By the grace of God and with the support of more than 2.5 million Florida voters Charlie Crist and I were elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Serving the citizens of Florida as Lieutenant Governor continues to be the single greatest honor of my lifetime. Only 17 people in the history of Florida have had the privilege of serving in the position. During the last three years I worked hard to reduce taxes and to bring government spending under control. I have done everything in my power, within the confines of my position as Lieutenant Governor, to fight for the same Republican principles I have embraced throughout my life.

The position of Lieutenant Governor requires administrative and political skills, the ability to work closely with the legislature — and perhaps most importantly — steadfast loyalty to the Governor regardless of any personal opinions you may hold about a particular issue or decision. During our time in office the Governor has never had to question my loyalty or my commitment to serving the people of Florida.

I hope the Governor’s decision today to run for the United States Senate as an independent candidate, rather than as a Republican, will have no impact on our personal relationship. However, as a lifelong Republican I am committed to supporting my party and the principles I have fought for my entire life. I will support the Republican nominee for United States Senate.

Our country is at a crossroads. It is in this election cycle that we will decide if we will embrace the principles of our Founding Fathers and further the cause of liberty — or whether we continue down the path of big government, high taxes and the loss of our freedoms. I take the side of liberty and choose to support those Republican candidates who will further that cause for the benefit of future generations of Americans.

Source: Campaign of Jeff Kottkamp, Republican candidate for Attorney General