Notes For Thursday, February 27, 2003

LT. GOV SHORT LIST. Bush has apparently narrowed the field for the Lt Gov. replacement. "Insiders say that [Toni]Jennings and [Jax mayor John] Delaney have emerged in recent days as front-runners, and that Bush will select one as early as next week." Also on the list are state Rep. Gaston Cantens and former Orlando mayor and brand new Secretary of State Glenda Hood.

* "Jennings, an Orlando construction executive whose difficulties with the governor were well-known during her tenure in the Senate, met with Bush during a recent visit to Tallahassee and is said to have warmed to the idea of working in his administration."

* Jennings "is viewed as more politically compatible to Bush than Delaney, who has worked closely with Jacksonville Democrats such as U.S. Rep. Corinne Brown and supports abortion rights."

* "Hood joined Bush's administration with great fanfare as a rising star in her party but some viewed her new office location -- two blocks from the Capitol and far from the center of action -- as a sign that she may not wind up on Bush's inner circle."

* "Cantens, first elected to the House in 1998 and now a top lieutenant to House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, was viewed by Bush advisors as a smart legislator respected by his colleagues, but some worried that his lack of political gravitas might prove treacherous."

As an aside, doesn't it speak volumes about Bush that many consider Delaney out of the running simply because he is pro-choice and "has worked closely with Jacksonville Democrats". 5:56 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]

SENSIBLE LEGISLATION? According to the Sun Sentinel, "a sound and sensible government reform idea is winning hearts and minds in Tallahassee. This "legislative initiative" process would let voters bypass the Legislature to write and enact state laws by petition and referendum."
5:47 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]

THE TERRORISM BANDWAGON. "Bracing Floridians for the likelihood that the nation will be at war with Iraq within 30 days, Gov. Jeb Bush said Wednesday he is considering supplemental spending requests for homeland security and potential new cuts in other areas of the state budget." Bush cautioned, however, "that he's not yet developed any "specific plans" for adjusting his budget proposal, and that he is "just looking at things." He predicted, though, that any revisions aren't likely to cause any radical or painful effects on Floridians." Sun Sentinel. A related story story by Lucy Morgan: "Governor writing a state war budget".

And, check this out: "Bomb drill prepares state for 'imminent' war". 5:47 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]

NELSON FOLDS ON ESTRADA, GOP REPS CARRY EQUAL RIGHTS TORCH. Nelson folding on Estrada is no huge surprise. What has been on interest, though, is seeing the dopey Florida GOP delegation - particularly Feeney and Diaz-Balart - on C-SPAN carrying on like Hondouran civil rights warriors about Estrada; it was a hoot. In the meantime, the fight drags on in the Senate. 5:47 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]