Notes For Tuesday, November 04, 2003

U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, one of Florida's most venerable Democrats and a heavy favorite to win a fourth term next year, bowed out Monday, shocking party leaders and further damaging the Democrats' chances of retaking the Senate. "Graham leaving Senate". See also "Suspense over: Graham retires" and "Graham rules out run".


AND SO IT BEGINS - "Graham sets off scramble for his Senate seat". See also "Exit creates hot, wide-open race" and "It's time for Democrats' new face".


PIPE DREAMS - "Graham's exit gives GOP hope".


TIME TO LAUD BOB - See "Senator Bob Graham: Class act retires", "Goodbye to Sen. Graham", "Graham's exit", "Graham's decision", "A chapter closes" and "Farewell To A Real Leader".


SARCASAM 101 - Somewhere along the line, the governor has apparently begun to acknowledge that there really are three branches of government, three roles for leadership - not just his and two that play bit parts.


Jeb Bush is now officially on the record, saying to the Associated Press in a discussion regarding his intervention into the Terri Schiavo case, "I cannot unilaterally overthrow court decisions. It's not my job. "Thumbs up - A-plus for Jeb in Civics 101".


ONE MINUTE WE'RE BROKE, THE NEXT MINUTE . . . "Bush Signs Law To Give $310 Million To Biotech Firm".


HERE'S YOUR HAT, WHAT'S YOUR HURRY - Gov. Jeb Bush's budget director said Monday she will resign to take a similar job in the incoming Arnold Schwarzenegger administration in California.

Donna Arduin, who has been Bush's only budget chief, had already been on leave from the Florida governor's office to audit the California budget for Schwarzenegger as he prepares to take over from Gov. Gray Davis. "Budget chief quits to join Schwarzenegger". 6:15 AM [Go to current Florida Politics site (no popup ads)]