Republican Party of Sarasota County
2012 Statesman of The Year:Donald Trump

Dear Republicans and Fellow Conservatives:
It is with great pleasure that the Republican Party of Sarasota County announces Donald Trump as our 2012 Statesman of the Year.
A statesman is a sage, skilled and seasoned political leader. Importantly, a great statesman will have demonstrated great vision and perspective. Our past honorees, such as Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour in 2011, have demonstrated these attributes throughout their business and political careers. Donald Trump has clearly done so with unquestioned success.
As a conservative and a champion of free enterprise, Donald Trump is a keynote leader in this country who commands attention and serious consideration from people of all partisan persuasions. He does not shy away from controversy and is courageous in promoting the fundamental principles that conservatives endorse and strive to achieve.
With the electoral currents swirling from now through November, his support of our presidential nominee, Gov. Mitt Romney, is an essential contribution to taking back our country and returning to the path of limited, constitutional government.
Joe Gruters
Chairman, Republican Party of Sarasota County