Gruters loses GOP campaign

The head of the Republican Party of Sarasota County lost his bid for the state party chairmanship.

Joe Gruters finished third in the Jan. 15 election.

"I'm disapponted, but I campaigned as hard as I could," he said.

Former state legislator David Bitner was selected to lead the Republican Party of Florida.

Gruters traveled the state to garner support in each of Florida’s counties, but his effort came up short.

The 33-year-old said he would continue to lead the party in Sarasota County.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].