Gus Bilirakis
Gus Bilirakis | |
|---|---|
| File:Gus LEg Pic.jpg | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 9th district | |
| Assumed office January 4, 2007– | |
| Preceded by | Michael Bilirakis |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Eva Bilirakis |
Gus Michael Bilirakis (born February 8, 1963 in Gainesville, Florida) is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives for Florida's 9th congressional district. Bilirakis was elected to replace his father, Mike Bilirakis, who did not run for reelection after 23 years in the United States Congress. Before being elected to Congress, Gus Bilirakis had been a member of the Florida House of Representatives since 1998[1].
Early life
Bilirakis grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida, as the second-generation son of Greek immigrants. His grandfather opened a bakery in that town. At an early age, Bilirakis began working at his family's bakery. He attended Tampa Bay area public schools and continued to work in his grandfather's bakery while growing up.
College and career
Bilirakis graduated from Tarpon Springs High School and St. Petersburg Junior College. He then attended the University of Florida, where he graduated in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He received his law degree from the Stetson University College of Law in 1989.
Bilirakis has a Tampa Bay area law practice, the Bilirakis Law Group, specializing in probate and estate planning, which he took over from his father. He has helped run his father's campaigns for the past 23 years.
Bilirakis was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998 when he won the District 48 seat held for 10 years by Representative Sandy Safley, R-Clearwater, who decided not to run again. This district covers most of north Pinellas County and part of Pasco County.
2006 Congressional campaign
Bilirakis won the Republican primary on September 5, 2006, with 82% of the vote. In November, he defeated Democrat, Phyllis Busansky.
Bilirakis' staff members could not recall any past elections in which he participated in a debate. He declined to debate Busansky in a televised debate sponsored by the Hillsborough County League of Women Voters in early October. Bilirakis agreed to participate in a televised debate with Busansky at the end of October.[2]
References
- ^ Florida House of Representatives Members web page.
- ^ Robin Stein, "Bilirakis hides from spotlight", St. Petersburg Times, October 13, 2006