Greek
American Group Boosts Gus Bilirakis' Candidacy
WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, March 1, 2006, the Greek American Friends of Gus Bilirakis hosted a fundraising reception at Ozio Restaurant to support the Republican candidate’s campaign for U.S. Congress. Gus Bilirakis, currently a fourth term state legislator in the Florida House of Representatives, is running for office in Florida’s 9th U.S. Congressional District. He is vying to succeed his father, U.S. Congressman Michael Bilirakis, who is retiring at the end of this term.
Nick Larigakis, Gus
Bilirakis and Congressman Mike Bilirakis.
“Gus Bilirakis is well on
his way to achieving success and following in the grand legacy of his
father, Congressman Mike Bilirakis, who is with us here tonight,” said
Event Chairman Nick Larigakis. He also added that members of the Greek
American community represented at the event “absolutely look forward to
working very closely with Gus. No doubt he will be in the Congress, come
2007, to continue working on the many issues that are so dear to us:
U.S.-Greek, U.S.-Cyprus relations, the rule of law, but also, of course,
issues that affect us as Americans as well.”
Referring to his experience campaigning in the Greek American community thus far, Gus Bilirakis pointed out that, “We’ve been going around the country, and the support has been just wonderful, the reaction has been tremendous from the Greek American community.” He also noted his commitment to supporting the range of issues important to this group and underscored by Mr. Larigakis.
Gene Rossides, Gus Bilirakis and Congressman Mike Bilirakis.
Gus Bilirakis has an extensive
political resume, having begun his first activity in politics decades ago
working on his father’s campaign, interning in the Reagan White House,
and then working as a Congressional staff member. In his eight years in
the Florida House of Representatives, he has chaired several high impact
committees, including the Crime Prevention Committee, the Public Safety
Appropriations Committee, and the Economic Development Trade & Banking
Committee.
This range of experience
provides Mr. Bilirakis with the solid background and exposure he needs to
skillfully respond to constituent needs through effective policy making.
Combined with his tremendous drive to become the next Congressman for
Florida’s 9th District, he is well-positioned to meet the challenges of
a seat in U.S. Congress.
“This is what I want to do.
It’s a sacrifice…. But I know that a good part of the reason is that
we need a Greek American in Congress, and there’s a huge void there to
fill,” Mr. Bilirakis asserted.
Mr. Bilirakis’ parents were
both in attendance at the event to demonstrate their support. Congressman
Bilirakis underscored the importance of gaining a stronger Greek American
presence on Capitol Hill.
“My biggest message to
Greeks around the country… is to try to get young people, all Greek
Americans involved in the process not only as candidates, but also to get
involved in the network, to get involved in forming groups to communicate
with whoever the Congressman or elected official is in their area,”
stated the Congressman. Congressman Bilirakis is currently the only Greek
American in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In addition to his political
success, Gus Bilirakis
has a thriving Tampa Bay area law practice, where he practices probate and
estate planning to help seniors prepare for their future. He has been
hailed on several occasions by different community organizations for his
leadership, and has been named Legislator of the Year. He currently serves
on the Board of Directors for the Watson Center for the Blind and Visually
Impaired and the Tarpon Springs Elementary School Business Partner Board.
He is a member of the Elks, Moose Lodge, Masonic Lodge, Egypt Temple
Shrine and the Order of AHEPA.
The event host committee
included: Kostas Alexakis, Gus Andy, Thanos Basdekis, Nick Karambelas, Jim
Lagos, James Marketos, Peter C. Pappas, Jim Pedas, Ted Pedas, Andreas
Pericli, Gene Rossides, Savvas Savopoulos, and Ted G. Spyropoulos.
For additional information
regarding the Bilirakis for
Congress Campaign, including how to make a donation,
please log on to the campaign’s Web site at http://www.gusbilirakis.com,
or call (727) 439-5646. Photographs of the Greek American Friends of Gus
Bilirakis fundraising reception are attached.
