Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

U.S. Senate Candidates to Address Florida Realtors®

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 14, 2004 -- The Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) will host a forum for the candidates for Florida’s open U.S. Senate seat on Friday, Jan. 16, 2004. The forum will take place at FAR’s Mid-Winter Business meetings from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Wyndham Palace Resort, Lake Buena Vista.

As of today, Jan. 14, 2004, the following candidates had confirmed their participation in the forum: Former Education Commissioner Betty Castor (D-Tampa), U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch (D-Broward, Miami-Dade), Larry Klayman (R-Miami), former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez (R-Orlando), former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum (R-Longwood), and state Sen. Dan Webster (R-Orlando).

“There are many qualified candidates in this field,” says FAR President Russell Grooms. “Florida Realtors know that having the opportunity to see and hear the candidates in person will help our 100,000 members, their families, clients and affiliates make an informed choice in this important race. Floridians will certainly select a strong candidate who will help build a better future for all Americans.”

Realtor® concerns are many and range from retaining the mortgage interest tax deduction to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities. “Realtors also work diligently to ensure that land use, environmental and natural resource regulations do not violate the rights of private property owners, and that lenders and insurers disclose credit scores and insurance scores so consumers can correct errors that may impact their ability to obtain a mortgage or property casualty insurance,” Grooms says. “Ensuring a strong economy through cutting the capital gains tax rate on investment real estate and preventing national banking conglomerates from operating real estate brokerages and creating potential monopolies remain top legislative priorities as well.”

The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 100,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

© 2004 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS