http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/index/ en rob@brushfiredigital.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-08T17:22:01+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/a_message_from_armando_gutierrez/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/a_message_from_armando_gutierrez/#When:17:22:01Z Dear Friends, I wanted to thank you for all the encouragement, well wishes, and prayers I have received over the past several months. As you may have heard, I've withdrawn my name as a candidate for U.S. Congress in Florida's 8th Congressional District. The decision hasn't been easy, but when I first mentioned bringing a baseball team to Orlando, I knew it would become an important economic driver and tax base for Central Florida. What I didn’t realize was the underlying hunger and fan fever for a team. Instead of running for Congress, I will dedicate all my energies to bringing baseball to Orlando. Far too many people are hurting and in need of jobs. I’ve heard the cries. A new, viable economic base for Central Florida is more important now than ever. At this point, I feel I can do a tremendous amount of good for the Central Florida economy by bringing a baseball team to the community. As the 2010 Campaign progresses, I urge you to get involved and support candidates who share our values: Less Taxes, Smaller Government, and Fiscal Responsibility. This year more than ever we can all make a difference in steering our nation in the right direction. Please keep in touch. Sincerely, Armando Gutierrez 2010-03-08T17:22:01+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/central_florida_conservatives_rally_around_gutierrez/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/central_florida_conservatives_rally_around_gutierrez/#When:04:08:06Z ORLANDO, FL -- Orlando businessman, and congressional candidate, Armando Gutierrez had one of the strongest first financial quarters of any rookie congressional candidate in history. Conservatives from across the country have answered the call to defeat Alan Grayson. Gutierrez raised over $210,000 from hundreds of donors throughout the country. As Gutierrez committed, he also put $100,000 of his own money into his congressional campaign. The campaign only spent a little over $10,000, leaving the campaign with $300,000 Cash-On-Hand. Gutierrez Finance Committee Co-Chairman Fred Leonhardt stated, "Armando Gutierrez has proven that he is the strongest Republican to take on Alan Grayson. He can raise the necessary funds to defeat Grayson and has the ability to reach out across the community to bring Republicans, Independents and conservative Democrats together behind his campaign to bring integrity and true leadership to District 8." "I am humbled by the vast support our campaign has been receiving," stated Armando Gutierrez. "We will continue to work hard to raise funds and earn the votes of the citizens of District 8." 2010-01-10T04:08:06+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/former_florida_cfo_tom_gallagher_endorses_gutierrez/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/former_florida_cfo_tom_gallagher_endorses_gutierrez/#When:18:26:22Z ORLANDO, FL - Republican leaders continue to line up to support businessman and congressional candidate Armando Gutierrez. Today, Tom Gallagher announced his endorsement of Gutierrez. "Armando Gutierrez is a bold fresh face for the conservative movement," said Tom Gallagher. "As a hard working and successful businessman, Armando Gutierrez understands that to grow this economy we need to lower taxes and decrease burdensome regulation. A tireless advocate for conservative candidates and causes, Armando Gutierrez will make a great Congressman for Florida." Tom Gallagher was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1974 and served until 1987. Gallagher served as the Secretary of the Department of Professional Regulation in the administration of Governor Bob Martinez. He served in the elected cabinet position of State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Fire Marshal from 1989 to 1995, and then in the elected cabinet position of Education Commissioner from 1999 to 2001, and again as Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal from 2001 to 2003. After the cabinet position of Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal was abolished, Gallagher became the Chief Financial Officer, with the additional duties of Comptroller. Gallagher served as Florida's Chief Financial Officer from 2003-2007. Armando Gutierrez is endorsed by a growing number of Republican leaders, such as former RPOF Chairman Al Cardenas, George P. Bush, Justin Sayfie, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congressman Aaron Schock, State Senator Steve Wise, State House Majority Whip Carlos Lopez-Cantera, State House Deputy Majority Leader Anitere Flores, State Representative Chris Dorworth, State Representative Bryan Nelson, State Representative Charles Van Zant, State Representative Jennifer Carroll, State Representative Erik Fresen, State Representative Mike Weinstein, former State Representative Randy Johnson, former Orange County Commissioner Tom Dorman, GOAA Board Member Jose Colon, and the Florida Federation of Young Republicans. 2009-12-15T18:26:22+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/representative_carroll_endorses_gutierrez_for_congress/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/representative_carroll_endorses_gutierrez_for_congress/#When:05:19:27Z ORLANDO, FL -- State Representative Jennifer Carroll announced her endorsement of businessman Armando Gutierrez for Congress today. "The Republican Party has been searching for innovative young leaders, and we have found one in Armando Gutierrez. He's what the GOP needs in Washington to bring fresh ideas and strong conservative leadership," stated Representative Carroll. "We need a bold and aggressive leader to take on Alan Grayson. Armando Gutierrez has what it takes to win." "Jennifer Carroll is a true asset to the Republican Party," said Gutierrez. "She's a businesswoman, a veteran, a mother, and a role model for our youth. I'm honored to have her support as I fight to bring common sense leadership to Florida's Eighth Congressional District" Representative Jennifer Carroll was elected in 2003 as the first African American female Republican elected to the Florida House of Representatives. Carroll serves as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida African American Republican Leadership Council. She enlisted in the United States Navy in 1979 and served for 20 years. Carroll served as a jet mechanic and worked her way up through the ranks to retire as a Lieutenant Commander Aviation Maintenance Officer; receiving Meritorious Service Medal; two Navy Commendation Medals; two Navy Achievement Medals; National Defense Service Medal; Overseas Ribbon; two Coast Guard Special Operation Ribbons; and Expert Pistol Medal. Carroll also served as Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs under Governor Jeb Bush and was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Veteran’s Compensation and Disability Commission. Armando Gutierrez is endorsed by a growing number of Republican leaders, such as former RPOF Chairman Al Cardenas, George P. Bush, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congressman Aaron Schock, State Senator Steve Wise, State House Majority Whip Carlos Lopez-Cantera, State Representative Chris Dorworth, State Representative Bryan Nelson, State Representative Charles Van Zant, State Representative Erik Fresen, State Representative Mike Weinstein, former State Representative Randy Johnson, former Orange County Commissioner Tom Dorman, GOAA Board Member Jose Colon, and the Florida Federation of Young Republicans. 2009-11-17T05:19:27+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/florida_cant_afford_graysons_job-killing_healthcare_agenda/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/florida_cant_afford_graysons_job-killing_healthcare_agenda/#When:05:12:32Z Orlando, FL - Florida is in the midst of one of the deepest recessions in recent history, but Nancy Pelosi and Alan Grayson are advancing the most liberal anti-job agenda in recent memory. From the recent healthcare bill in the House of Representatives to the climate change bill they passed earlier this year, it is obvious that Alan Grayson and Nancy Pelosi do not understand that Americans and Central Floridians in particular are suffering. Alan Grayson is out of touch with Florida’s voters on healthcare. A recent poll showed that a plurality of Floridians do not support the public option, and as unemployment hits 11% in Florida and 10.2% nationally, it is clear that Floridians cannot afford his job-killing agenda. Small business in Florida is already struggling, but the Grayson-Pelosi agenda and yesterday’s healthcare bill only makes things worse. “We should be focusing on growing our economy,” said Armando Gutierrez. “The disastrous healthcare bill that Alan Grayson and Nancy Pelosi passed yesterday will only cost Floridians more jobs.” Gutierrez continued, “I would have voted against the House bill and spoken out demanding that the Congress focus on a plan that makes Floridians’ lives better and creates jobs. We should be working to bring Americans more opportunities, not higher taxes and fewer jobs.” 2009-11-17T05:12:32+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/grayson_out_of_step_with_floridas_8th_district/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/grayson_out_of_step_with_floridas_8th_district/#When:21:48:43Z Orlando, FL - Alan Grayson, has become the poster-child for all that is wrong with Washington. From runaway spending to hyper-partisanship, Grayson has demonstrated in just 9 short months in office that he is among the worst members of Congress. His statements are just the face for a Congressman that has run amuck. After all, he is the one that said that the Republican healthcare plan was for people to “die quickly.” He followed that up by saying that Republicans deserved the Nobel Prize for “fear, hatred and racism” and that we were “knuckle-dragging Neanderthals.” Mr. Grayson‘s overblown rhetoric demonstrates that governing is not his forte. Listening to trial lawyer Alan Grayson talk almost makes you feel embarrassed for him. “He just doesn‘t get it. He’s out of touch,” stated businessman and congressional candidate Armando Gutierrez. “His values are not in line with the values of Florida voters and the people of the 8th district. People didn’t send him to Washington so he could make offensive statements and go on the Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow and Bill Maher television programs. They sent him to work for them,” Gutierrez continued. “He‘s failed, and it‘s time for him to go. Leadership is about more than just going on television and spewing insults. It‘s about fighting for the people of Florida.” Gutierrez spokesman Brian Graham commented, “Armando Gutierrez understands that these are serious times for America. Serious times require serious leaders. The government is getting too big, spending is out of control, and the only thing that our representatives in Congress seem to want to do is spend more of our money.” Graham continued by saying, “as a business and community leader, Armando can bring to the table what Alan Grayson has forfeited: credibility and a willingness to work in a professional way to improve the lives of Floridians.” 2009-11-09T21:48:43+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/congressman_aaron_schock_endorses_republican_gutierrez_for_congress/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/congressman_aaron_schock_endorses_republican_gutierrez_for_congress/#When:04:05:28Z Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock will fly political wingman for Armando Gutierrez Jr. in his Republican bid to take on U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, next year. The youngest member of Congress said he likes Gutierrez's "can-do job creating expertise" and conservative principles. Schock said in a press statement that Gutierrez is also "gifted with the ability to communicate our conservative message in an appealing and compelling manner." Schock was profiled this fall by GQ as one of the new conservative voices in Congress. Gutierrez is 28-years-old, too, and he's trying to grab that same New Face of the GOP mantle. Gutierrez keeps pulling in near-daily endorsements, from former state party Chairman Al Cardenas to Apopka state lawmaker Bryan Nelson. 2009-11-06T04:05:28+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/alan_grayson_unfit_to_serve/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/alan_grayson_unfit_to_serve/#When:08:41:32Z Grayson’s remark describing a Fed Official as a “K-Street Whore“ shows that he is "One Fry Short of a Happy Meal." Orlando, FL - Most in Florida have known for a long time that Alan Grayson is unfit to represent the people of the 8th Congressional District in Washington. Today it was revealed that Grayson referred to Linda Robertson, an official in the Federal Reserve, as a “K-street whore.“ The tragedy of this is that the gross recklessness of statements such as this seems to be lost on Grayson. From accusing Republicans of murder on the scale of Holocaust to labeling an honorable public servant a “whore,“ Grayson has once again shown America that he is, to borrow the words of his fellow Democrat, Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York, “one fry short of a happy meal.“ "The people of the 8th District deserve better than Alan Grayson,“ said businessman and congressional candidate Armando Gutierrez. “I am embarrassed that he represents the good people of Central Florida." Armando Gutierrez is a common-sense conservative who is not afraid to reach across party-lines to make the lives of the people of the 8th District better. As opposed to Grayson, Armando isn‘t as much concerned about getting on MSNBC as he is with making a difference. “These are serious times for America,“ said Gutierrez. “Alan Grayson has shown us once again that he is unfit to lead.“ 2009-11-02T08:41:32+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/gutierrez_unveils_finance_chairs/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/gutierrez_unveils_finance_chairs/#When:08:36:46Z ORLANDO, FL -- Armando Gutierrez unveiled today the Finance Chairs for his Congressional campaign; Businesswoman Bertica Morris, Attorney Fred Leonhardt, Pediatrician Ray Caron, and Businessman Marty Berman. "I have lived in Florida since 1981. Today, more than ever, we need real leadership," said Bertica Morris. "I am a mother and a businesswoman who supports sounds government and leaders who make the evening news because of innovative ideas and smart business decisions, not because of some crazy stunts. I believe Armando Gutierrez will bring real leadership to Washington, and that's why I'm supporting him for Congress." Finance Co-Chairman Fred Leonhardt said, "Armando Gutierrez represents the best of the Republican Party. He will fight for our core principles of less government and lower taxes while serving constituents with the highest integrity." "I thank Mrs. Morris, Mr. Leonhardt, Mr. Caron, and Mr. Berman for their support. They have been instrumental in my decision to run for Congress, and they are a vital part of helping me raise the funds needed to defeat liberal Alan Grayson," stated Armando Gutierrez. Orlando Pediatrician, and leading national Republican fundraiser, Dr. Ray Caron suggested Gutierrez is what the GOP needs, saying, "Armando Gutierrez is the breath of fresh air that we in the GOP desperately need. He's young, innovative, and conservative. I'm honored to support Armando Gutierrez for Congress." Another young business leader, Marty Berman, will also be helping Gutierrez raise funds, "as a Central Florida business leader, it's refreshing to see the new conservative leadership of Armando Gutierrez. Gutierrez will be our strongest candidate against Grayson. I look forward to helping him raise the needed funds to win this race!" Gutierrez has been involved in the Central Florida community for many years. He serves on the Board of Regents of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, Central Florida Business Force, and a Trustee for the Here's Help Abuse Center. Gutierrez holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Miami, Masters in Management from Harvard University, Masters in Public Administration from the University of Miami, and completed the Essentials of Management program at the Wharton School of Business. Armando Gutierrez is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Citizens Academy. Gutierrez is endorsed by a growing number of Republican leaders such as Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Florida House Majority Whip Carlos Lopez-Cantera, State Representative Chris Dorworth, State Representative Bryan Nelson, and the Florida Federation of Young Republicans. 2009-11-02T08:36:46+00:00 http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/graysons_political_career_that_will_die_quickly/ http://www.gogutierrez.com/index.php/site/graysons_political_career_that_will_die_quickly/#When:08:09:56Z Armando Gutierrez Says It’s Grayson’s Political Career That Will "Die Quickly" Harvard Grad Pledges $100,000 of Own Money in Campaign Launch Congressman Alan Grayson’s recent outrageous comments results in a new opponent, Armando Gutierrez, Jr. Armando, joined by supporters will be officially announcing his intentions to run against Grayson Monday, October 12th at 11:30 a.m. at Loch Haven Park near Florida Hospital (corner of Rollins St. & John Lewkowicz Ln.). "I could not stand by any longer watching Grayson get away with yet another outrageous comment. He is an embarrassment to our state and to the voters of Central Florida. After months of seeing no one step up to the plate to challenge him, I decided something had to be done. That’s why I am filing my paperwork, and I am running," said Armando. Armando got his start in real estate in college. He used his $20,000 life savings and purchased a small run down store-front. He renovated and rented the property eventually selling it years later for a significant profit. For Armando seeing potential future values didn’t stop with real estate. Armando began diversifying his business a decade ago moving aggressively into the burgeoning internet technology sector. Armando’s company, Conglomerate.com holds a large inventory of domain names which it leases and sells to various corporations. Armando was born and raised in South Florida, earned his undergraduate degree from University of Miami and his Masters Degree from Harvard University. Armando now lives in Orlando and serves on the Board of Regents for the Central Florida Chamber of Commerce, is a Trustee for Here’s Help Abuse Center, and is a member of Central Florida Business Force, the Association of Builders and Contractors, and is a "Platinum Paw" for Orlando Animal Association. "We need a Congressman who understands that business is the vehicle for job creation for everyday Americans, not a tax grab bag to feed our ballooning federal government," stated Armando. "This may be a David versus Goliath battle because I can’t write a check for a few million dollars like Mr. Grayson can, but I do plan on making an initial investment of my own money. I will also be calling upon my fellow Republicans to join me in stopping this Grayson-Obama train wreck. America is on the edge of a cliff, and I will not sit by any longer allowing Grayson to get away with such outrageous comments and bad public policy," stated Armando. "The only thing that’s going ’die quickly’ is Grayson’s political career," stated Armando. 2009-11-02T08:09:56+00:00