Doug Gallagher Formally Announces Bid for Florida Senate Seat

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 16, 2004--Doug Gallagher, founder and CEO of Gallagher Financial Systems, announced today his entry into the Republican primary race to replace outgoing United States Senator Bob Graham.

"It is never too late to make the right decision, and fulfilling my commitment to a life-long desire to serve the citizens of Florida is absolutely the right decision," said Gallagher.

“It is never too late to make the right decision, and fulfilling my commitment to a life-long desire to serve the citizens of Florida is absolutely the right decision”

Gallagher, who is the younger brother of Florida's chief financial officer, Tom Gallagher, plans to distinguish his candidacy by stressing the critical importance of electing to the U.S. Senate an individual with proven business background.

"I believe that my message of fiscal growth and budget restraint will not only lead to my victory as the Republican nominee, but will be enthusiastically embraced by all Floridians in November," said Gallagher. He went on to say "The average family cannot spend more than they take-in, nor should our government."

Gallagher has served as chief executive officer of Coral Gables-based, Gallagher Financial Systems, Inc., a multi-million dollar financial software company providing technology solutions to banks and financial institutions throughout the United States and Australia, since 1985. During this time, he has guided the company to become one of the leading technology providers in the mortgage industry.

In addition, Gallagher has dedicated almost thirty years of volunteer and fundraising service to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at the University of Miami School of Medicine, where he has served as both a board member and president. His commitment to the foundation was inspired by the untimely death of his brother, Dennis, from diabetic complications in 1974.

Gallagher graduated from the University of Delaware in 1971, and holds a master's degree in Science and Management from Florida International University. He has been married to his wife, Susan, for 31 years, and has four sons, Steven, Michael, Andrew and Brian.