New York.- The retirement of Congressman Mike Bilirakis could heart the Greek American Community’s presence in the U.S. House of Representatives, if it wasn’t for his son Gus, who is up for his seat the November 2006 election. Gus Bilirakis, a Florida State Assemblyman is already the front runner in both the polls and the fundraising, having raised $316,000 some 16 months before Election Day.

Last week, Gus Bilirakis attended two fundraising events in New York, organized by the Greek American Community. The first at UNCLE NICK’s restaurant and the next at AVRA. Many prominent members of the Greek American Community were present, including John Catsimatides, Fr. Alex Karloutsos, Philip Christopher, Peter Papanicolaou, Charles Marangoudakis, Savas Tsivicos etc.

Candidate’s both parents, Mike and Evelyn, were present, and introduced their son.

Community leaders spoken at both events stressed the need ton keep Greek American presence in Congress strong, by electing one of our own.

Cypriot American Florida Attorney General, Charles Crist strongly supports Gus Bilrakis’ bid, while Greek Americans around the country contribute to his fundraising efforts. Greek American magnate Alex Spanos, has contributed 18,000 dollars for Gus Bilirakis’ campaign.

Bilirakis is running for the seat of the 9th district, in the Clearwater area, where many thousands of Greek Americans reside.

Over many decades, Gus Bilirakis has amassed quite an extensive political resume. For seven years, Gus has worked hard in the Florida House of Representatives building an impressive record of accomplishments. Gus has sponsored several bills that were passed into law, including laws that improved the quality of life for his constituents and improved education for their children. Gus fought for legislation that recognized the sacrifices made by our veterans as well as laws that have led to safer transportation and needed government reform. Gus Bilirakis began his first activity in politics decades ago working on his father’s campaign and interning in the Reagan White House. Gus was a Congressional Staff Member and is currently serving his fourth term in the Florida House of Representatives.

The retirement of Congressman Michael Bilirakis, Gus’s father, will leave a void in the political arena of issues important to the people of Tampa Bay. Mike Bilirakis’s 23 years of public service is marked with patriotism, integrity, and a strong work ethic. There is no one better suited to carry on the mission than Gus, who has been instilled with these vital attributes. Gus Bilirakis truly has the skills, the experience and the heart to make government work for the people.

In addition to his political success, Gus Bilirakis has a thriving Tampa Bay area law practice, where he practices probate and estate planning to help seniors prepare for their future. Gus plays an integral role in the communities he represents. Gus has been hailed on several occasions by different community organizations for his leadership and has been named Legislator of the Year. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Watson Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Tarpon Springs Elementary School Business Partner Board. He is a member of the Elks, Moose Lodge, Masonic Lodge, Egypt Temple Shrine and the Order of AHEPA. He has utilized his various Chairmanships in the House of Representatives including: Chair of Crime Prevention Committee, Public Safety Appropriations Committee, and the Economic Development Trade & Banking Committee to protect valuable community-based programs throughout the state.

Gus is strongly devoted to his family. For fourteen years, Gus has been married to Eva Lialios. They have four sons. As the son of Evelyn and Congressman Mike Bilirakis, Gus was raised with a strong sense of pride in who he is and where he comes from. The love and support of this tight-knit family has enabled Congressman Bilirakis to enjoy many successes in public life. It will be that same unity and strong family ties that will serve Gus Bilirakis well as Tampa Bay’s next Congressman.