Celebrating his brother's victory, Gov. Jeb Bush says he looks forward to finishing his last two years "with the same energy, the same passion."
By LUCY MORGAN
Published November 4, 2004
TALLAHASSEE - Filled with enthusiasm and plans for his final two years in office, Gov. Jeb Bush credited a sweeping GOP victory to hard work and the reluctance of Floridians to change leaders in a time of crisis.
Bush arrived uncharacteristically late for a post-election news conference Wednesday morning.
His reason: His brother had just called to say John Kerry had conceded.
"Actually we were up in the elections office when he called. It was right after he took a call in the Oval Office," Bush said. "Sen. Kerry had graciously called him, and he went over to the residence to get a hug from Laura and then probably saw my dad up there ... and then I got a call."
Before meeting with reporters, Bush thanked Secretary of State Glenda Hood and her employees for handling the pressure and national attention surrounding Florida's first presidential election since the bitterly contested 2000 election.
The governor credited energized Republicans, new voters and volunteers for his brother's victory.
"Plus President Bush has been darn good to Florida," the governor said. "He eliminated oil drilling, helped restore the Everglades, provided tax relief, prescription drugs for seniors and financial support after the hurricanes. He's been there for us."
The governor said he's not about to sit back and do nothing. First, he has a budget to prepare and a special session in December for hurricane relief.
"I have made a commitment to myself and the people that I'm going to finish as strong as I started, with the same energy, the same passion," Bush said. "I have a lot of ideas that relate to education, university governance, growth management, budget reform, issues that are still out there to be done."
He looks forward to working with a new Legislature after a dysfunctional two years in which little was done.
"I intend to work with the legislature to accomplish big things, not little things," Bush said. "I'm not on a downward slope. Then I'll be here for the swearing in of the next governor in January 2007 and I'm going back to Miami."
Bush spent more than 30 minutes answering questions and speculating on the reasons for Florida's overwhelming support for his brother. When an aide tried to stop the questions, Bush brushed the suggestion aside, saying "I'm having too much fun."
On the conflicting constitutional amendments approved by voters: "I can't explain it, but it was a phenomenon. Everybody was in a yes mood."
Bush also said he's ready to join legislators to change the way the state Constitution is amended.
