Panama City, FL - Steve Southerland won the Second Congressional District Republican primary with 47% of the vote.  Surrounded by family and friends at his campaign headquarters, Southerland addressed the enthusiastic crowd.
 
"I am very grateful for the support and trust that you all have placed in me tonight with this victory.  I cannot say thank you enough to my family, my campaign team, all the volunteers and to all the voters who have worked so hard and helped us to achieve the success we are enjoying tonight.
 
"It is truly an honor to win the Republican Primary and to know I have earned your trust and faith in my candidacy.  This has been an incredible experience and I am blessed to have had the support and backing of everyone here tonight and so many others across the district. 
 
"In this primary we had many outstanding candidates who love their country and participated in a spirited debate.  I have enjoyed getting to know the other Republican candidates in this primary and am looking forward to working with them as we all continue to fight to take this seat back for the people.
 
"I started this campaign by asking a very simple question - have you had enough?  Have you had enough of out of control government spending?  Have you had enough of high taxes and huge government programs like Obamacare and big government bailouts?  It is time for us all to send Washington a message loud and clear - we have had enough!
 
"Our campaign will focus on solutions to help our families and businesses.  We need policies that will get our economy on the right track and bring jobs back.  Tonight is the first step in this journey and I am very thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me tonight.  
 
"I look forward to meeting with and continuing to build an open and transparent dialogue with all the voters in Florida's Second District."