Steve Southerland II
| Steve Southerland II | ||
 | ||
| U.S. House, Florida, District 2 | ||
| Incumbent | ||
| In office | ||
| January 3, 2011-Present | ||
| Term ends | ||
| January 3, 2015 | ||
| Years in position | 2 | |
| Party | Republican | |
| Predecessor | Allen Boyd (D) | |
| Compensation | ||
| Base salary | $174,000/year | |
| Elections and appointments | ||
| Last election | November 6, 2012 | |
| First elected | 2010 | |
| Next election | November 4, 2014 | |
| Campaign $ | $3,115,028 | |
| Term limits | N/A | |
| Education | ||
| High school | A. Crawford Mosley High School (1983) | |
| Bachelor's | Troy State University | |
| Associate's | Jefferson State Junior College [1] | |
| Personal | ||
| Birthday | October 10, 1965 | |
| Place of birth | Nashville, Tennessee | |
| Profession | Businessman, Mortician | |
| Net worth | $2,826,001 | |
| Religion | Christian | |
| Websites | ||
| Office website | ||
| Campaign website | ||
 | ||
Contents |
Southerland was first elected in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012.[2]
Southerland is a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee's Patriot Program and a signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.[3][4]
Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Southerland is one of the most reliable Republican votes, meaning he can be considered a safe vote for the Republican Party in Congress.
Biography
Southerland is a lifelong resident of Panama City, Florida. He is the fourth generation of five in his family to live in Bay County.
Education: [5]
- 1983: A. Crawford Mosley High School
- Jefferson State Junior College, A.A. degree in Mortuary Science
- Troy State University, B.S. degree in Business Management
Career
Below is a summary of Southerland's professional achievements:[5]
- Current Co-Owner and President of Southerland Family Funeral Homes, founded in 1955
- Two term member of the Florida Board of Funeral Directors (Gubernatorial Appointment)
- Two term Chairman of the Florida Board of Funeral Directors
- Founding partner in Genesis Granite and Stone, LLC]
- Founding partner in K & B Land and Timber Company, LLC
- Past Member of the Florida Funeral Directors Association
- Past Member of the National Funeral Directors Association
- Member of the Leaders Network (personal and professional growth organization)
Committee assignments
U.S. House
2013-2014
Southerland serves on the following committees:[6]
- Committee on Natural Resources
- Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs
- United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
- Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
2011-2012
- Committee on Agriculture[7]
- Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry
- Subcommittee on Nutrition and Horticulture
- Committee on Natural Resources[7]
- Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure[7]
- Subcommittee on Aviation
- Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
Campaign themes
2012
Southerland's campaign website lists the following issues:[8]
- Fixing the Economy by Empowering Job Creators
- Excerpt: "The problem today is that too many Washington politicians believe they can fix our economy. In reality, what government needs to do is get out of the way. Only by unleashing our job creators to do what they do best can we truly ignite a long term economic recovery. As a small business owner, Steve understands this all too well. He’s met a payroll and created local jobs. And he’s brought that small business common sense to Washington."
- Lowering Taxes So You Can Keep More of Your Money
- Excerpt: "If there is one area where almost all Floridians can agree that we’ve had enough, it is in the enormous tax burden weighing down families and small businesses. We must drastically reduce taxes in order to stimulate this economy."
- Keeping The Commitment To Our Seniors
- Excerpt: "Steve believes the federal government must honor the commitments that have been made to our seniors. As Congress debates the future of Medicare and Social Security, Americans who are at or near retirement age deserve the peace of mind in knowing that they will receive their Medicare and Social Security benefits, while ensuring the solvency of both programs for future generations. That’s exactly what Steve is fighting to do."
- Shrinking Spending and Reducing the Size of Government
- Excerpt: "For years, both Democrat and Republican politicians contributed to America’s crippling national debt. With little concern for our children and grandchildren, both parties became addicted to wasteful Washington spending. Well, times have finally changed."
- Family: The Foundation of America
- Excerpt: "Without question, the basic fundamental unit of any civil society is the family. Other than personal individual freedoms, no issue is more critical than issues concerning the family. There is no greater commitment that can be made than the commitment between a husband and wife. It is from that union that the family is birthed and the next generation of American citizens is born."
Specific votes
Fiscal Cliff
Southerland voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 151 Republicans that voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257/167 vote on January 1, 2013.[9]
Elections
2014
Southerland is a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee's Patriot Program. The program is designed to assist vulnerable Republican incumbents heading into the 2014 election.[10]
2012
Southerland ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Florida's 2nd District. Southerland ran on the Republican ticket. Leonard Bembry, Jay Liles, Alvin Peters, and Alfred Lawson ran as Democrats, while Nancy Argenziano ran as an Independent. Primary elections were held on August 14, 2012. Southerland ran unopposed in the Republican primary. He was re-elected on November 6, 2012.[11]
| U.S. House, Florida District 2 General Election, 2012 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Al Lawson | 47.2% | 157,634 | |
| Republican |  Steve Southerland II Incumbent |
52.7% | 175,856 | |
| Independent | Floyd Patrick Miller | 0.1% | 228 | |
| Total Votes | 333,718 | |||
| Source: Florida Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" | ||||
Full history
To view the full congressional electoral history for Steve Southerland II, click [show] to expand the section. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Campaign donors
Comprehensive donor information for Southerland is available dating back to 2010. Based on available campaign finance records, Southerland raised a total of $3,115,028 during that time period. This information was last updated on April 3, 2013.[13]
| Steve Southerland II's Campaign Contribution History | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Office | Result | Contributions | |
| 2012 | U.S. House, (Florida, District 2) |  |
$1,823,957 | |
| 2010 | U.S. House, (Florida, District 2) | |
$1,291,071 | |
| Grand Total Raised | $3,115,028 | |||
2012
Southerland won re-election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Southerland's campaign committee raised a total of $1,823,957 and spent $1,722,317.[14]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Florida's 2nd Congressional District, 2012 - Steve Southerland II Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $1,823,957 |
| Total Spent | $1,722,317 |
| Total Raised by Election Runner-up | $713,999 |
| Total Spent by Election Runner-up | $720,886 |
| Top contributors to Steve Southerland II's campaign committee | |
| Eastern Shipbuilding Group | $15,000 |
| Gulf Coast Dermatology | $14,201 |
| Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic | $12,350 |
| Associated Builders and Contractors | $11,923 |
| American Farm Bureau | $11,000 |
| Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
| Health Professionals | $174,467 |
| Retired | $101,418 |
| Leadership PACs | $86,500 |
| Crop Production and Basic Processing | $59,205 |
| General Contractors | $43,124 |
2010
Southerland won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. During that election cycle, Southerland's campaign committee raised a total of $1,291,071 and spent $1,290,929.[15]
| U.S. House of Representatives, Florida's 2nd Congressional District, 2010 - Steve Southerland II Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $1,291,071 |
| Total Spent | $1,290,929 |
| Total Raised by General Election Opponent | $2,690,989 |
| Total Spent by General Election Opponent | $3,814,064 |
| Top contributors to Steve Southerland II's campaign committee | |
| Gac Contractors | $12,050 |
| Associated Builders & Contractors | $10,000 |
| Every Republican is Crucial PAC | $10,000 |
| Freedom Project | $10,000 |
| Southerland Family Funeral Home | $8,250 |
| Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
| Retired | $162,111 |
| Health Professionals | $95,466 |
| Leadership PACs | $91,650 |
| Misc Business | $90,020 |
| Real Estate | $37,752 |
Analysis
Ideology and leadership
Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Southerland is a "moderate Republican follower," as of June 10, 2013.[16]
Lifetime voting record
According to the website GovTrack, Southerland missed 4 of 1,695 roll call votes from Jan 2011 to Mar 2013. This amounts to 0.2%, which is better than the median of 2.2% among current congressional representatives as of March 2013.[17]
Congressional staff salaries
The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Southerland paid his congressional staff a total of $802,265 in 2011. He ranks 50th on the list of the lowest paid Republican Representative Staff Salaries and he ranks 57th overall of the lowest paid Representative Staff Salaries in 2011. Overall, Florida ranks 36th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[18]
Staff bonuses
According to an analysis by CNN, Southerland is one of nearly 25% of House members who gave their staff bonuses in 2012. Southerland's staff was given an apparent $24,500.00 in bonus money.[19]
Net worth
2011
Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org - The Center for Responsive Politics, Souterland's net worth as of 2011 was estimated between $500,0004 and $5,151,998. That averages to $2,826,001, which is higher than the average net worth of Republican Representatives in 2011 of $7,859,232. His average net worth did not change from 2010.[20]
2010
Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org - The Center for Responsive Politics, Southerland's net worth as of 2010 was estimated between $500,004 and $5,151,998. That averages to $2,826,001, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican Representatives in 2010 of $7,561,133.[21]
National Journal vote ratings
- See also: National Journal vote ratings
2012
Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of congress voted in the previous year. Southerland ranked 34th in the conservative rankings in 2012.[22]
2011
Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of congress voted in the previous year. Southerland ranked 40th in the conservative rankings.[23]
Voting with party
The website Open Congress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus. According to the website, Steve Southerland II has voted with the Republican Party 98.8 of the time, which ranked 20 among the 233 House Republican members as of June 2013.[24]
Personal
Southerland and Susan, his wife of 24 years, met in the first grade and have spent most of their formative years together. Steve and Susan have 4 daughters, Samantha (20), Stephanie (18), Allison (14), and Abby (12). [25] [5] They reside in Panama City, Florida.[25]
Recent news
This section displays the most recent stories in a Google news search for the term Steve + Southerland + Florida + House
- All stories may not be relevant to this page due to the nature of the search engine.
Steve Southerland News Feed
- Gwen Graham gets national notice as challenger to Steve Southerland - Tampabay.com (blog)
- Florida Morning: Dems looking beyond Scott- House: Senate immigration bill ... - Florida Times-Union (blog)
- Scott pushes food stamp work requirements in DC - Tampabay.com (blog)
- Work for food stamps a proven path to combat poverty - MiamiHerald.com
- Report: Fla. Dems Are Leaving Their Registration Advantage on the Table - National Journal (blog)
- Congressional Races Across Florida Start to Form - Sunshine State News
- Commissioners Worried about Area Lakes - WCTV
- Latest phase of Water Wars plays out in Congress - Atlanta Journal Constitution
- Aggressive action called for in fight for Apalachicola River - Tallahassee.com
- A Fight Over Water, and to Save a Way of Life - New York Times
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External links
- Social media:
- Biographies:
- Political profiles:
- Financial:
- Interest group ratings:
- Issue positions:
- Public statements:
- Voting record:
- Media appearances:
- Media coverage:
References
- ↑ Southerland Family Funeral Homes and Crematory:About Us:Staff "Steve Southerland II " Accessed October 17, 2011
- ↑ ABC News "2012 General Election Results"
- ↑ Americans for Tax Reform "113th Congress" Accessed June 11, 2013
- ↑ The Washington Post, "11 House Republicans named to incumbent-protection program," April 22, 2013
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Southerland for Congress "About Steve Southerland" Accessed October 17, 2011
- ↑ CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Congressman Steve Southerland "Committee Assignments" Accessed October 17, 2011
- ↑ Campaign website, Issues
- ↑ U.S. House "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff" Accessed January 4, 2013.
- ↑ The Washington Post, "11 House Republicans named to incumbent-protection program," April 22, 2013
- ↑ ABC News "2012 General Election Results"
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010"
- ↑ Open Secrets "Steve Southerland II" Accessed April 3, 2012
- ↑ [www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00031204&cycle=2012 Open Secrets "Steve Southerland 2012 Election Cycle," Accessed February 13, 2013]
- ↑ Open Secrets "Steve Southerland 2010 Election Cycle," Accessed November 9, 2011
- ↑ Gov Track "Southerland" Accessed June 10, 2013
- ↑ GovTrack, "Steve Southerland," Accessed March 29, 2013
- ↑ LegiStorm "Steve Southerland"
- ↑ CNN Politics, "Congressional bonuses in a time of cuts," March 8, 2013
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Southerland (R-Fla), 2011"
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Southerland, (R-Florida), 2010"
- ↑ National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," February 27, 2013
- ↑ National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," February 23, 2012
- ↑ Open Congress "Voting With Party"
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Congressman Steve Southerland "Full Biography" Accessed October 17,2011
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Allen Boyd |
U.S. House of Representatives - Florida District 2 2011–present |
Succeeded by - |
