Republican Dennis Ross -- one of the few Republican legislators to challenge Charlie Crist's approach to property insurance -- formally kicked off his campaign for Adam Putnam's congressional seat today and rolled out a bunch of endorsements: former congressman Andy Ireland; Tom Feeney; Allan Bense; U.S. Reps. Connie Mack, Ginny Brown-Waite, Gus Bilirakis and Jeff Miller; Republican national committeeman Paul Senft; Polk GOP activist Jean Burt; Polk GOP chairman Gene Roberts; the Rev. Lynne Breidenbach; and Linda Ivell, president of the Florida Federated Republican Women. The biggest name? Jeb Bush, who said in a statement:

“I am pleased to endorse my friend, Dennis Ross, for Congress. In a time when far too many politicians go along to get along, Dennis is not afraid to take a stand or make tough decisions, regardless of the consequences. Dennis will remain true to our conservative principles in Washington, just as he has in Tallahassee. His record as a reformer is needed now more than ever. I encourage all of the voters of District 12 -– Republican, Democrat, or Independent -– to send Dennis to Congress.”

*