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Tom GallagherAmerican politician from Florida
Date of Birth: 03.02.1944
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early life and Career
Tom Gallagher, an American politician from the state of Florida, was born on February 3, 1944, and grew up in Delaware. In his high school years, he was part of the school swimming team. In 1961, he received a partial sports scholarship and enrolled at the University of Miami. After graduating, Gallagher served in the army and was assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. Upon his discharge, he returned to Miami and started his career in business.
Political Career
In 1974, Tom Gallagher was elected to the Florida House of Representatives as the representative for Dade County and served for ten years. In 1984, he proposed a ten-year moratorium on taxes and state expenses and became the Republican Party organizer. During Governor Bob Martinez's administration, Gallagher held the position of Secretary of the Department of Professional Regulation. From 1989 to 1995, he served as a member of the Insurance Commission and State Treasurer. He also held a position in the Fire Safety Commission. From 1999 to 2001, Gallagher worked in the Education Commission, and then returned to his previous position until 2003. After the elimination of the positions of State Treasurer and member of the Insurance and Fire Safety Commissions, he led the financial service and also served as the controller. In 2007, Alex Sink, a Democratic politician, replaced Gallagher in this position. During the 2006 gubernatorial campaign, Gallagher lost the primary election to Attorney General Charlie Crist.
Personal Life and Retirement
Gallagher has been married twice. In 1998, he married Laura Wilson, a representative of a long-standing Florida family. Laura is the chairwoman and CEO of the North Florida Ladies Prayer Brunch, Inc. The couple has a son named Charlie, who was born in 2000. After retiring from politics, Gallagher actively participated in charitable and entrepreneurial activities. He served as the chairman of Tom Gallagher Insurance Agency and was a member of the board of directors of The TRIAM Consulting Group, Inc., a consulting company.
