Bruising House session erodes Byrd's Senate endorsements
By Associated Press
Published May 6, 2004
TALLAHASSEE - A handful of Republican state representatives are either withdrawing their endorsement of Florida House Speaker Johnnie Byrd's U.S. Senate campaign or reconsidering it after a tumultuous legislative session.
However, most House members on Byrd's endorsement list who could be reached this week said they still support the speaker, who is seeking the GOP nomination for the Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Bob Graham.
"I endorsed him strongly and I still do," said Rep. Thad Altman of Melbourne. "I think he'll make a great U.S. senator."
Reps. Juan Zapata of Miami and Dave Murzin of Pensacola have withdrawn their support, and Ken Littlefield of Dade City said he will probably withdraw his. Several others said they are reconsidering.
"There was a time when I thought Johnnie Byrd had a tremendous amount of potential," Murzin said. "But time and time again, Johnnie Byrd has pursued some personal goals and ambitions at the expense of what I believe is good for the state."
Zapata, Murzin and Littlefield were among 16 Republicans who voted against a bill Byrd pushed this year to delay an increase in phone rates - an increase Byrd backed the year before. Zapata said the speaker broke a promise to support issues important to him.
Some criticized Byrd's reversal on the phone rate issue as merely an effort to win over voters. Some Republicans who voted against this year's bill say Byrd later blocked their bills in apparent retaliation.
"I am really just sleeping on it," Rep. Carl Domino, R-Palm Beach Gardens, said about his endorsement. "I want to cool down a while and think it through. I had a great first year with him."
Others who said they were rethinking their endorsement include Rep. Marty Bowen of Haines City, who called Byrd's leadership "contentious."
Rep. J.C. Planas of Miami said he is still endorsing Byrd "at the moment," and Rep. Marcelo Llorente of Miami said "anything could change."
Byrd's campaign called the dissension "politicians being politicians."
"There's no doubt that the legislative process can sometimes be a bruising one, but we still have a strong base of support," said campaign manager Wayne Garcia.
