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Gus Michael Bilirakis (Born: February 8, 1963), was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998. He is currently the Republican frontrunner in the race for the state's Ninth Congressional District (map) to replace his father, Mike Bilirakis, who decided not to run for re-election after 23 years of service in Congress.

Gus Bilirakis grew up in Tarpon Springs, Fl., as the second-generation son of Greek immigrants who eventually settled in the area. He has a thriving Tampa Bay area law practice specializing in probate and estate planning to help seniors prepare for their future. According to his campaign web site, Bilirakis is a fiscal conservative who cares deeply about his community and shares his father's profound sense of pride in public service.

Early Life

Gus Bilirakis's grandfather opened a bakery on Pinellas Avenue in Tarpon Springs. At a very early age, Bilirakis began working at the family bakery, which is where he developed his work ethic and his strong sense of community and service. He caught the political bug in second grade when he helped install campaign signs in the neighborhood for a Greek who was running for Governor. In fact, Bilirakis is the one who convinced his father to run for Congress. Bilirakis attended Tampa Bay area public schools and continued to work in his grandfather's bakery while growing up. He also interned in the Reagan White House.

College and Career

Bilirakis graduated from Tarpon Springs High School and St. Petersburg Junior College. Then, he 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. He helped run his father's campaigns for the past 23 years, knocking on doors, talking on front porches and attending countless community meetings. He also took over his father's law practice, the Bilirakis Law Group, which specializes in probate and estate planning.

Politics

Bilirakis was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998 when he won the District 48 seat held for 10 years by Rep. Sandy Safley, R-Clearwater, who decided not to run again. This district covers momst of north Pinellas County and part of Hillsborough County. Since he was elected to state office, Bilirakis has sponsored bills that helped improve the quality of life for his constituents an improved education for their children. He fought for legislation that recognized the sacrifices made by veterans and led to safer transportation and needed government reform. He also has demonstrated his strong support for law enforcement and public safety issues. In 2000, Bilirakis helped current law enforcement officers regain penion money that was taken away from them by previous legislation.

Bilirakis's Congressional campaign received national attention for a strong fundraising effort in 2005. His campaign also has received noteworthy endorsements from Pinellas and Pasco firefighters, Gov. Jeb Bush and other key Republican leaders such as Congressman J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill), Congressman Roy Blunt and Congressman Tom Reynolds. Bilirakis also has received the support from the Clearwater Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10 and Gus Stavros, a longtime friend and prominent area businessman.

• Florida politicians