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Graham supports Davis for governor
The former U.S. senator says he'll campaign for whoever wins the Democratic nomination, but he sees the congressman as the standout.
By ADAM C. SMITH
Published May 13, 2005
Former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, the most winning politician in modern Florida history, is throwing his considerable clout behind U.S. Rep. Jim Davis' gubernatorial campaign.
Graham said Thursday he "enthusiastically" backs Davis over two other expected Democratic candidates and will happily campaign on Davis' behalf. As a private citizen, he no longer feels constrained from choosing favorites in a primary.
"I have known and worked with Jim when he was in the Legislature and in Congress," Graham said in a phone interview from Miami Lakes. "He is a very serious person. He is disciplined, and he has an unusual understanding of the people of Florida. ... He will be an appealing candidate to Democrats in the primary and to all Floridians in the general election."
Davis, a 47-year-old Tampa lawyer, faces state Sen. Rod Smith, D-Alachua, and probably former state Democratic chairman Scott Maddox of Tallahassee in what could be an unpredictable primary with no overwhelming frontrunner.
"I'm honored to have the support of Sen. Graham," Davis said, "because of our shared commitment to serving the people of this state and our mutual vision of building a world-class economy and school system that helps all our children reach their God-given potential."
In a race in which none of the candidates is well-known statewide, Graham's endorsement offers significant bragging rights. Smith supporters include former Attorney General Bob Butterworth. U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler of Delray Beach has said he will support Maddox if he runs.
Graham said he will campaign enthusiastically for whoever wins the nomination, but sees Davis as the standout. He plans to co-host a fundraiser for Davis in Coral Gables June 1. Though he will be teaching at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government from September to May, Graham said he will campaign with Davis when asked.
Davis is known more for his knack for policy than for charisma, and a chuckling Graham said he is living proof such traits don't hinder people from winning Florida elections.
Adam C. Smith can be reached at 727893-8241 or adam@sptimes.com
[Last modified May 13, 2005, 00:56:15]
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