Dennis A. Ross (R-Fla.)

U.S. Representative (since January 2011)

Why He Matters

In Florida's 12th district, Ross ran successfully against a Democrat and a tea-party candidate for the open seat vacated by Rep. Adam Putnam in 2010.

During his eight years in the state House, Ross represented central Florida's largely conservative and agricultural Polk County. Ross is a pro-business and social conservative with "a reputation for independence and straight talk," according to a local newspaper.

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Background

At a Glance

Career History: Representative, Florida House (2000-2008); Attorney & Founder, Ross Vecchio (since 1989)
Birthday: October 18, 1959
Hometown: Lakeland, FL
Alma Mater: University of Florida (one year); Auburn University, B.A., 1981; Samford University, J.D., 1987
Spouse: Cindy

Religion: Presbyterian
Committees: House Oversight and Government Reform (chair, subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and Labor Policy)
Campaign Office: P.O. Box 7310, Lakeland, FL 33807
Email
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Path To Power

Born and raised in Lakeland, Fla., Ross is a native of central Florida's 12th district. He attended the University of Florida for a year and transferred to Auburn University, where he earned a degree in organizational management in 1981.

He later received a law degree from Samford University in 1987. After working as a lawyer for Disney World, he started his own practice. As a defense attorney, Ross specialized in workers' compensation and insurance.

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The Issues

As a pro-business, fiscal conservative, Ross said his top priority is to "incentivize the private sector." He also said extending the Bush tax cuts permanently is the key to restoring the economy and creating jobs.

Ross said unused 2009 stimulus and TARP money should be put back into the economy. He also backs the creation of a "sunset" committee to review each federal agency before renewing funding. "Some of these commonsense approaches would make [a] significant reduction in government spending," he said.

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Ross supports a flat tax and the reduction of corporate and capital-gains taxes. During the the 2010 campaign, Ross expressed interest in serving on the Financial Services and Agriculture committees.

Health Care

Ross said he favors repealing the 2010 health-care bill. During the campaign, he signed an online pledge to defund the law.

He supports market-based reforms like allowing the interstate sale of health insurance "Health care is a business. It's best when we keep out of the doctor-patient relationship," he said.

Ross also backs tort reform and high-risk pools, separate health-insurance plans for people with preexisting conditions.

Social Security

Ross firmly opposes changed to Social Security for those 55 and over "who need to be guaranteed what they have been promised."

Ross compared reforming the Social Security system to repairing a broken car. "We got to look under the hood and see what we got. We've got to fix it," he said.

For people under 55, he supports a thrift savings account based on the system used by federal employees. People would have the option of investing part of their Social Security in personal accounts. he explained.

Afghanistan

Ross said the U.S. should withdraw from Afghanistan, but opposes setting a timeframe for departure. "The task is to focus on making Afghanistan a democratic, self-administering government," he said. "We should not be there for national occupation."

Immigration

Ross opposes granting amnesty to illegal immigrants. Instead, he said illegal immigrants should return to their home country and apply for citizenship through legal channels. He believes strengthening U.S. borders should be the first priority.

Noting the need for migrant labor in his agricultural district, Ross has proposed expanding temporary entry for some workers. "The guest worker program would meet the labor demand, but it shouldn't lead to a path to citizenship," he said. "Guest workers can provide a valuable service for us and go back home."

Abortion Rights

Ross said he opposes abortion rights."I believe in the sanctity of life. If the mother's life is at risk, then it could be an exception," he said. He said exception could also be made in cases of forcible rape.

Oversight

In 2011, House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) chose Ross to chair the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and Labor Policy. Although it is unusual for freshmen House members to helm subcommittees, Ross was one of three freshman to whom Issa gave subcommittee gavels.

The Network

Ross has the support of prominent GOP leaders, including outgoing Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.). Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, House Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio), and Republican Whip Eric Cantor (Va.) endorsed his campaign.

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