Citing security concerns, some of the delegates to the Republican convention want their names kept private.
By LUCY MORGAN
Published August 5, 2004
TALLAHASSEE - They'll be seen on national television, surrounded by every big-name Republican in the country.
But don't ask to see a complete list of the 112 Florida delegates to the Republican National Convention.
Some of Florida's delegates are so nervous about security and privacy, they don't want their names released, said Florida GOP spokesman Joe Agostini.
"Our priority is the safety and welfare of our delegates," Agostini said.
Privacy of delegates was Florida GOP chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan's top concern, Agostini said. Jordan was not available for comment.
In previous years the party routinely distributed the names of delegates, who volunteer for the positions and pay their own expenses. Democrats identified all their delegates before last month's convention and encouraged reporters to interview them.
Agostini said the party is checking with individual delegates and will release the names of those willing to go public. Late Wednesday the party released the names and phone numbers of two delegates: Wilhelmina Austin of Miami and Nancy Patterson of the Orlando area.
Inside each political party there is serious competition to become a delegate. They are selected by state party executives. Some states elect their delegates.
Some Republicans questioned the secrecy, saying delegates who fear being publicly identified should consider staying home.
"You don't want to give in to terrorism," said outgoing Florida Senate President Jim King. "But a lot of people I have talked to thought about going to New York where the largest group of powerful Republicans would be located and thought it was too tempting a target. Some have decided to stay home."
King usually attends the conventions, but not this year. "Why tempt fate if I don't have to?" King said. State Sen. Tom Lee, the Brandon Republican who will become Senate president in November, is going. "What are the terrorists going to do, pick off the next Senate president?" joked Lee.
He disagreed with the secrecy. "I don't think security is a reason for keeping it secret," Lee said. "In the interest of open government, I don't think it is a good idea."
Sid Dinerstein, chairman of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County, said he thinks many delegates want their selection known.
"My guys are so proud and so happy. Some of these people were so honored and so appreciative. Nobody ever said to me, "Don't tell anybody,' " said Dinerstein, who also will serve as a delegate.
But he said he has fielded comments from family members who are concerned about the safety of attending the Republican National Convention in New York, which runs four days starting Aug. 30.
Paul Bedinghaus, chairman of the Pinellas GOP, said he understands those who have concerns "but I personally don't have a problem with people knowing I'm a delegate. I'm proud to say I'll be casting my vote to re-elect George W. Bush."
Security was a major concern even before Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced the heightened terror alert Sunday. The Secret Service has been coordinating security with federal, state and local officials for more than a year, and Congress allocated $50-million for security.
More than 30,000 people are expected to attend, including President Bush, Vice President Cheney and dozens of top government officials, governors and members of Congress.
Many other states are releasing the names of their delegates and some, like Mississippi and New York, posted names, home addresses and telephone numbers on their Web sites. Some Florida delegates are named on local GOP Web sites.
Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie has called a news conference today to talk about the diversity of delegates to this year's convention. Floridians will have to take his word for it.
