OCALA, SEPT. 12, 2007 – “Not only is Florida a linchpin in our presidential elections, it is also a big prize in the primary process,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). “Over the next week, three Republican candidates for President will be visiting our area to answer questions, meet the people, and build support. I look forward to meeting Gov. Huckabee and Sen. Thompson here in Florida, but votes in Washington, D.C. will prevent me from meeting with Gov. Romney. However, I appreciate the candidates coming to north central Florida to make their case to the people of Florida.”

Sen. Fred Thompson will visit Jacksonville on Thursday, September 13th at the Landing at 8:50 AM, and then The Villages at the Lake Sumter Landing Market Square at 1:00 PM. Both events are open to the public. Stearns will meet Thompson during the University of Florida/University of Tennessee football game in Gainesville on Saturday, September 15th. Stearns then will meet Gov. Huckabee on Sunday, September 16th in Ocala. Huckabee will be holding press availability at 5:00 PM at a private residence followed by a fundraiser at the same location. On Tuesday, September 18th, Gov. Romney is holding an open town hall event in Orange Park at 5:30 PM at the Thrasher-Horne Conference Center and the next day there is a rally in The Villages starting at 3:30 PM at the Lake Sumter Landing Market Square.

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