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TALLAHASSEE - They still call him senator. But Don Sullivan began a new political career Thursday as Florida's newest state representative.
The Pinellas Republican, whose Senate career ended last year because of term limits, took the oath of office because he won a special election earlier this month. Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero administered the oath.
"I've been around long enough to see some of the fruits of my labors," Sullivan told the House. "Now there's a couple of things that we don't want to talk about. But all in all, all of us have a wonderful opportunity to do some wonderful things."
Sullivan is a centrist and a longstanding advocate of higher education spending and tax reform. His philosophy is at odds with House Speaker Johnnie Byrd's conservative agenda, but his years of Senate service will come in handy when the two chambers are at loggerheads on policy issues.
Lawmakers welcomed Sullivan back with hugs and handshakes.
The 67-year-old retired orthopedic surgeon replaces John Carassas, a Belleair Republican who resigned the District 54 House seat to work for Attorney General Charlie Crist.
With Sullivan's swearing in, Republicans now hold 80 seats in the 120-member House. Democrats hold 39 seats. One seat is vacant due to the resignation of Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Lauderdale, who is running for Congress in southwest Florida.