Bradenton, FL – Physician, attorney and US Navy veteran Bob McCann filed the necessary paperwork today with the Florida Division of Elections to become a candidate for the Florida State House of Representatives, District 67.

“I am proud of my record of service as a sailor, police officer, paramedic and as a physician,” said Bob McCann. “I am ready to put my unique life experiences to work for the betterment of our community and state. These are definitely trying times for all of us. My pledge is to work to build a more efficient and responsive government, create a first-class K-12 education system for our children, foster an atmosphere where property insurance and taxes are affordable and renew the economy.” Improving health care will also be of particular importance to Bob McCann. “As a practicing physician, every day I see changes that need to be and can be made to benefit Floridians,” said Bob McCann.

Bob McCann is a native of Chicago and served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 through 1979. After completing his naval service, he attended college on the G.I. Bill and went on to graduate from medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri in 1988. While attending to his studies, Bob served the public as both a paramedic and police officer.

While practicing as a physician, working in urban and rural public health service areas for the underserved, Dr. McCann obtained his Juris Doctor degree with Honors from the Florida Coastal School of Law located in Jacksonville, Florida in 1999.

Bob McCann lives in Bradenton, Florida with his wife Rosemarie. He owns and operates McCann Medicine & Law, P.A. where he provides medical care and legal services. He has had a distinguished career (see attached) and has lectured on medical investigative techniques in the areas of bioterrorism and counterterrorism and on medical ethics. He was a candidate for both US Surgeon General in 2001 and US Assistant Secretary for Health in 2007.

Bob McCann was appointed to the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine by Governor Jeb Bush, where he now serves as Chairman. The Board of Osteopathic Medicine is responsible for enforcing health care standards, reviewing licensure applications and disciplining physicians when needed. To fully pursue his campaign, Bob McCann has stated that he will step down as Board Chairman after its next meeting in February.

State House District 67 covers south Hillsborough County as well as eastern Manatee and Sarasota Counties. HD 67 is currently held by State Representative Ron Reagan, who is vacating the seat in 2010 due to term limits. Bob McCann is a registered Republican. The primary election is scheduled for August 24, 2010 and the general election will be held on November 2, 2010. A formal campaign kick-off will be forthcoming.