State: Reno woos Democrats at Capitol

TALLAHASSEE -- Former Attorney General Janet Reno swept through the Florida Capitol like a rock star Tuesday, besieged by people wanting their pictures taken with her and insisting that she is still in the race for governor.

Despite occasional jokes about the fainting spell that made national news last week, Reno took it all in stride, referring to the incident in a meeting with House Democrats as "going zoop."

She said she is in good health and wanted to meet with a number of the state's elected Democrats to seek their advice.

"Some people ask me why I don't go off in my red truck for a while, but I'm in this race because I love this state. It's something I care deeply about. I have an overriding interest in seeing a Democrat in the governor's office," Reno told House Democrats.

"I every now and then go zoop," she said, gesturing toward the floor. "But I have a good track record. Yes, my hands shake, but in the words of Stephen Hopkins, the delegate from Rhode Island who signed the Declaration of Independence with a shaky, palsied hand, "My hands may tremble, but my heart is strong.' "

Reno also met with Attorney General Bob Butterworth, the last Democrat remaining in statewide office; Sens. Buddy Dyer, D-Orlando; and Ron Klein, D-West Palm Beach; and Rep. Ed Jennings, D-Gainesville.

Reno insisted that she has the best chance of winning the governor's race because she can bring out the Democrats' base of support and avoid having to spend money gaining name recognition.

Everywhere Reno went in the Capitol she was readily recognized by tourists, state employees and legislators. Many of them stopped her and asked whether she would pose for pictures with them.

After a private visit with Reno, Butterworth said he was not endorsing her but praised Reno for her integrity and dedication.

Reno said she asked Butterworth for his thoughts and his assessment of what needs to be done in Florida. Everyone asked about her fainting spell and said they were glad to see her looking well, Reno said.

"We've been friends for 32 years," Butterworth said later. "I talk to her on and off."

He said there was no discussion of Reno's getting out of the race, and he described her as "looking more relaxed than I've seen her in a long time."

Butterworth said he could not see himself as a running mate on Reno's ticket -- or in any other elected position after he leaves office next January.

Klein said Reno told him she will not be a "spoiler" and remain in the race if she is convinced someone else will be a stronger candidate.

"I urged her to expand her group of advisers," Klein said. "She needs to get different perspectives."

Klein said he isn't endorsing any of the Democrats running for governor right now but wants to be sure whoever runs at the top of the ticket can help Democrats running for the Senate.

"I didn't get any indication she is getting out," Klein added. "She doesn't let people push her around. If she steps aside, it will be because she is convinced she is not the strongest candidate."

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Lucy Morgan

From the Times state desk