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Daniel Webster (R-Fla.)

U.S. Representative (since January 2011)

(Florida Senate)

Why He Matters

The longest-serving legislator in Florida history, Webster earned a reputation during his 28-year career as a staunch advocate for the religious right.

He was the chief sponsor of legislative efforts to prolong the life of Terri Schiavo, the brain-damaged woman who would become a symbol for the national right-to-life debate.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Florida Senate Senator (1998-2008); Speaker of the Florida House (1996-1998); Florida House of Representatives (1980-1998)
  • Birthday: April 27, 1949
  • Hometown: Charleston, West Virginia
  • Alma Mater: Georgia Tech, B.S. 1971
  • Spouse: Sandy Jordan
  • Religion: Southern Baptist
 

Path To Power

Webster was born in Charleston, West Va., on April 27, 1949. His family moved to Florida when he was 7, after a doctor correctly predicted the change in climate could alleviate Webster's sinus problems. He has been a resident of the state ever since.

Webster graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1971 with an engineering degree. That same year, he began working as an air-conditioning contractor for his family's Orlando-based business.

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The Issues

Much as Webster's church involvement inspired his first foray into politics in 1979, his religious beliefs have guided his political positions and legislative stances. Socially and fiscally conservative, Webster does not believe church and state are meant to be separate.

A member of the First Baptist Church of Central Florida, Webster supports conservative family values. He is against same-sex marriage and backs covenant marriage. Made famous nationally by 2008 presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, covenant marriage only allows divorce in cases of proven infidelity. Webster and his wife Sandy home-schooled their six children, following the Scripture-based Institute for Basic Life Principles, a fact that has drawn public criticism from opponents.

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The Network

As a Florida state legislator, Webster worked alongside many Republican state leaders, including former Govs. Jeb Bush and Bob Martinez, both of whom endorsed Webster in his 2010 congressional run.

Webster has also received support and an endorsement from former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, conservative activists George P. Bush and Jeb Bush Jr. and the National Rifle Association. While Webster is not a member of the Tea Party, he was endorsed by the Central Florida Tea Party Council, which praised his conservative record.

 

Additional Resources

  1. McArdle, John. CQ Politics. "Boyd Hangs On; Grayson Gets Daniel Webster." August 25, 2010.
  2. Project Vote Smart. "Voting Record." 2010.
  3. Orlando Sentinel. "Daniel Webster." 2010.
  4. "Decision 2010: Florida results," November 2, 2010
  5. Padgett, Tim. TIME. "In Florida, A Dem Tries to Survive in a GOP District." September 20, 2010.
  6. Hollis, Mark. The Ledger. "Webster is poised to become House speaker." August 14, 1996.
  7. Damron, David. Orlando Sentinel. "Former Florida Sen. Dan Webster challenges Alan Grayson." April 22, 2010.
  8. Daniel Webster's website. "News." 2010.
  9. Padgett, Tim. TIME. "Florida's Eighth Congressional District: Alan Grayson vs. Daniel Webster." September 17, 2010.
  10. Daniel Webster's website. "Issues." 2010.
  11. Schlueb, Mark. Orlando Sentinel. "Webster is GOP nominee to take on Alan Grayson." August 24, 2010.