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2 political careers to end marriage

Jack Latvala says he will be his wife's political consultant when she seeks re-election.

By LUCY MORGAN and MICHAEL SANDLER
Published April 14, 2005

CLEARWATER - Former Sen. Jack Latvala and his wife, Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala, have filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage.

Jack Latvala, 53, called the breakup "a consequence of two political careers and differing goals for the future."

"It was a mutual decision, but I take the responsibility for it," Latvala said. "In eight years in the Senate I worked a lot harder at being in the Senate than being a good husband."

The Latvalas were perhaps the most notable power couple in Tampa Bay politics.

He spent eight years in the Florida Senate, quickly gaining a high profile as majority leader from 1998 to 2000. The moderate Republican represented north Pinellas and west Pasco. He had a reputation for being feisty and unafraid of political fights, including within his party.

She has been a county commissioner since 2000 after eight years on the School Board. She declined to comment.

They remain close friends, and he will be her political consultant when she seeks re-election, Jack Latvala said. He runs a political consulting business with his son, Chris, in New Port Richey.

"I'm not sure what the future holds for me," he added. He said he didn't know if he will run for office again.

Latvala sold a direct mail business for political campaigns. He is spending a lot of time in Steinhatchee these days and expects to get a second residence in the Tampa Bay area.

"When I figure out what I want to be when I grow up, I'll start letting people know," Latvala said.

[Last modified April 14, 2005, 01:14:09]