Florida Republican women’s leader a finalist for national leadership award

Cindy Graves, president of the Florida Federation of Republican Women, is one of five finalists for the national Ronald Reagan Leadership Award.As president of the Florida Federation of Republican Women, Cindy Graves leads one of the most influential political organizations in the nation. For her hard work from her base in the nation’s fourth largest state, she’s been selected as one of only 5 finalists for the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award. The award is given every two years by the National Federation of Republican Women. Each recipient is recognized for extraordinary leadership and inspiration to her state and to the NFRW.

I’ve spent time with Graves and many FFRW members at various events. Aside from hands-on work for the party as well as for the community and our troops, they also focus on staying informed about legislation and policy.

Republican women are neither malleable nor docile. They do not hesitate to speak up when they disagree with their own party. These women are, however, loyal to the candidates their party nominates and they are a force to be reckoned with.

Graves has led Florida Republican women in the aftermath of the tumult of 2008 and the “shellacking” victories of 2010.

I know my fellow Republican Cindy Graves personally and she is one of the most politically literate people I’ve met. I can think of no one I enjoy talking politics with more than her. Regardless of the outcome of an election, she’s always planning ahead, rolling her extraordinary energy into supporting Republican ideals and candidates.

The US Report recognizes Graves’ hard work and that of her members. We hope to congratulate her again after the final decision is announced.

"I know all Duval Republicans will join me in congratulating Cindy. This is quite an honor and we are proud of her endless dedication to our Party that has brought her hard work to national attention. Cindy is a fine Republican leader and represents our community and our state with distinction at every level," said Lenny Curry, Chairman of the Duval County Republican Party [Jacksonville].

According to Graves, she was surprised and honored to be selected as a finalist. "In the last six years we have rebuilt the Florida Federation of Republican Women from the ground up. To be honored by our fellow Republican women leaders as a finalist on the national scale is humbling. This honor is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication from all of the Federated Republican women across the state," said Graves. (Filed by Kay B. Day/June 10, 2011)

Please help keep The US Report online by using the PayPal link in the top right column to make a donation.