Ex-senator is eager to return to Tallahassee

PINELLAS PARK - On his office walls, Don Sullivan shakes hands with the power elite.

Talking health care at the Don CeSar with President Bill Clinton. On the tarmac welcoming the first President Bush off Air Force One. Standing with governors Lawton Chiles and Jeb Bush.

Lately, memories aren't enough. The former Republican state senator from Seminole, forced out in 2002 by term limits, misses lawmaking so much that he is willing to run for a less-prestigious state House seat.

But if voters choose him in a special election Oct. 7, Sullivan, 67, wants more than to represent District 54, the beach towns from St. Petersburg to Clearwater.

He's aiming high. He wants a leadership position, or, as some powerful friends have suggested, the top job: speaker of the House.

"I can't deny that people have talked with me about it," Sullivan said. Sullivan's aspirations are partly the result of term limits, which have forced experienced hands to turn over the reins of state government to political novices. They also have something to do with Sullivan, who would be no ordinary freshman.

"Don's a no-nonsense guy who clearly understands the process," said former House speaker John Thrasher, now a lobbyist in Tallahassee. "He knows how to cut through the B.S., if you will, and get things done. I think he would come in with tremendous experience."

Sullivan, an orthopedic surgeon, served 10 years in the Florida Senate after entering politics late in life. He was chairman of appropriations subcommittees for six years and was known as an independent voice.

He challenged Gov. Jeb Bush for not spending enough on education and joined former Senate President John McKay in his campaign against sales tax exemptions.

His maverick streak and reputation as a moderate could clash with House speaker Johnnie Byrd, R-Plant City, an anti-tax conservative. Sullivan said he and Byrd are "very formal and correct with each other."

He expects the environment to change when Byrd leaves.

"The speaker has always had a lot of power," Sullivan said. "But this year, the authority was used to a greater degree than in the past. The rules were used to run through agendas, more so in the House.

"I think the next speaker-to-be will conduct business in a different manner. I think the style of leadership will probably change a great deal."

Byrd did not return calls seeking comment.

Sullivan will need to know Rep. Allan Bense, R-Panama City. As speaker-designate, Bense will likely replace Byrd in 2004.

Bense said Sullivan has the experience to lead if elected, but it is up to Byrd to give him a committee chairmanship, an important step toward becoming speaker.

Some might consider Sullivan's campaign a backward step.

House districts are smaller than Senate districts - about a third the size - so politicians traditionally build support in the House before moving to the Senate.

Yet that might prove advantageous for Sullivan, who will be seeking votes from many of the same people who sent him to Tallahassee as a senator.

Sullivan is a vice president for economic development at St. Petersburg College. He said he would continue there part time if elected and consider his role further after the election.

In 2002, Sullivan reported a net worth of $3.2-million, one of the highest of anyone in the Legislature. He has raised more than $32,000 in campaign contributions.

His only opponent, Democrat Dan Coleman, has raised about $1,300. Coleman was unfazed by Sullivan's aspiration for leadership.

"I think that's a little on the ambitious side," Coleman said. "More power to him, if he thinks he can pull it off."

But Coleman, a newcomer to state politics, said that being in the House is different than the Senate. "You may know something about it, but until you've had your boots on the ground in the House chamber, I can't see how you can make that claim," Coleman said.

Becoming speaker requires behind-the-scenes campaigning among House members. That means raising money, traveling the state and helping members look good in their districts.

Members won't vote for Byrd's successor until November 2004, but most have known for months that Bense will likely step into the role in 2004-06.

At least a dozen candidates already are vying for the top post in 2006-08. If Sullivan were elected, his best chance to be speaker might be in 2008-10.

Geoffrey Becker, executive director for the Republican Party of Florida, said Sullivan has a good chance because the class of House members first elected in 2002 - the group that will be the most senior legislators then - is the smallest in the House.

But all kinds of scenarios can play out that can "change one's mind-set," Becker said.

New legislators will arrive. Democrats could regain control of the House. U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Largo, could retire, setting the stage for a major political scrum among Pinellas County's top players.

Becker noted Sullivan's age.

"He's 67 now," Becker said. "That would put him in his mid- to late-70s. I'm just not so sure. It would be an interesting debate. But it's just so far away. It disturbs me that we talk about this stuff so far down the road."

Sullivan is aware that being too bold can have consequences. But he said it is naive to think others are not entertaining similar thoughts.

"I have to get there to see what happens. It gets self-defeating to go up with that kind of publicity ahead of time," he said.

Former legislators and lobbyists have raised the idea of him being speaker, Sullivan said. In the end, Sullivan misses being a lawmaker.

"I really did like being in the Legislature," Sullivan said. "Every year, I'd come home feeling like I contributed. I have 10 years of experience, probably more than anyone in the House. I hope that would give me access to leadership."

Among those he has consulted are former speakers Thrasher, a Republican, and Lee Moffitt, a Democrat. Thrasher said Floridians can expect to see more longtime legislators making comebacks with an eye on the circle of power. "It's an interesting phenomenon and I expect more of it will happen," said Thrasher, who led the state house in 1999 and 2000.

Thrasher said he expects him to be a strong candidate for a top position in the years ahead.

"Certainly, Don Sullivan comes in with a great deal of experience," Thrasher said. "I don't know how many people will be elected this coming cycle, but he certainly comes in way ahead of everybody in the process and certainly should be considered."

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