Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Traviesa's bid for top House post fails

The Winter Park legislator rounds up the early backing from GOP colleagues, nudging out Trey Traviesa of Tampa.

By STEVE BOUSQUET
Published July 26, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - First-term state Rep. Dean Cannon of Winter Park said Monday he has enough support from fellow Republicans to become speaker of the Florida House in 2010.

Cannon's victory spelled defeat for Rep. Trey Traviesa of Tampa, one of several legislators jockeying for power in a popularity contest among House members.

"Dean won, and I lost," Traviesa said. "He was able to convince people he'd make an excellent speaker, and I'm sure he will."

Cannon, a 36-year-old Orlando lawyer, said he was "grateful and humbled" by the support of his colleagues, and said his early designation would bring "continuity of leadership" to the Republican-dominated House.

Florida's term limits law has prompted lawmakers to chase leadership posts immediately after being elected, and some want to avoid lengthy power struggles that have caused problems in years past.

Cannon, Traviesa and several other first-termers in the House had spent months seeking pledges from fellow lawmakers to be speaker in their final two-year terms.

While Cannon quickly gained support from all fellow Orange County lawmakers, Traviesa was unable to unify the Hillsborough members. For example, Rep. Faye Culp, R-Tampa, threw her support to Cannon last week, saying she preferred his leadership skills and even-tempered personality.

"He has the ability to unite people," Culp said.

Traviesa said Hillsborough's lack of cohesion was a factor in his defeat.

"One's ability to unify one's delegation is always a major factor. For whatever reason, Hillsborough County was unable to unify," Traviesa said.

Elected in November, Cannon is a member of Gray Robinson, a law firm that has gained a higher political profile in recent years. The Lakeland native received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida and is married with two children.

Cannon cited economic development and Medicaid reform as policy priorities.

The next Republican in line to become speaker, in 2006, is Rep. Marco Rubio of Miami. He will be followed by Rep. Ray Sansom, R-Destin, assuming the party retains its majority.

[Last modified July 26, 2005, 01:14:05]