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The Buzz: Florida politics

What's a little redistricting among fellow Democrats?

By Times staff writers
Published October 16, 2005

A big part of state Sen. Rod Smith's message in the Democratic gubernatorial primary is that he's proved he can win in rural north Florida, where Democrats increasingly are getting clobbered.

But Smith was not so sure of his appeal in rural counties around Gainesville that he would turn down the opportunity to augment the Democratic strength of his district during redistricting in 2002. He helped get more registered Democrats in his district by taking some from the district of fellow Democratic Sen. Richard Mitchell of nearby Jasper. The result was that Mitchell lost his next race to Republican Sen. Nancy Argenziano.

So what does Mitchell think of Smith's political skill in North Florida? "I really don't want to go back there, I really don't," he demurred recently. Buzz wondered whether maybe he would endorse a fellow North Floridian like Smith in the gubernatorial primary: "I'm not going there," he repeated. "I'm not politically involved any more, and I'm more blessed now. My trust is in the Lord."

BILL'S SUGAR DADDY: Republican Senate candidate Katherine Harris insists her fundraising will pick up steam after a slow start. But some logical sources for money may not be quite as receptive as she hopes.

Agricultural interests are a huge source of political money, and Harris happens to be the granddaughter of citrus and cattle tycoon Ben Hill Griffin. So what does a U.S. Sugar Corp. lobbyist say about the race? "We've been strong supporters of Bill Nelson in the past and will support Bill Nelson in the future."

CANTERO ON SCHIAVO: The popular legal Web site Abstract Appeal (www.abstractappeal.com) reported that Florida Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero addressed the Tampa chapter of the Federalist Society last week about the Terri Schiavo case.

"Justice Cantero proceeded to criticize the critics who declared the court decisions in the Terri Schiavo case to be the work of activist judges. From Judge Greer's initial weighing of the evidence on Terri's condition and her wishes, to the appellate courts' review of the trial and posttrial proceedings, to the federal courts' application of traditional principles governing injunctive relief, Justice Cantero explained that the state and federal judiciary exercised restraint, not activism."

This from a Gov. Jeb Bush appointee.

CRIST AND SLOTS: Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist says he doesn't like gambling and he doesn't think a constitutional amendment that allowed slot machines in Broward County was a good idea. But he signaled last week that he won't be out front with other state Republican leaders, including political rival Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who are advocating the Legislature ask voters in November 2006 to repeal the amendment.

"Personally, I think it's a good idea, but I have a very healthy dose of respect for democracy," Crist said in a phone interview. "We only govern with the consent of the governed. I'm trying to be respectful. I don't think that gambling should expand, but I very much respect the will of the people."

BIG CFO MONEY: Senate President Tom Lee, the Brandon Republican, is proving that even a guy who loathes the influence of money on politics can raise a bundle: $576,255, he reports pulling in in his first quarter. State Rep. Randy Johnson, a fellow Republican from Celebration, took in another $150,000, bringing his total raised to more than $266,000.

Meanwhile, Democrat Alex Sink of Tampa showed what her own Rolodex can produce in just 30 days as a candidate: nearly $193,000.

ATTORNEY GENERAL DOLLARS: With Republican Bill McCollum's entry into the attorney general's race, state Rep. Joe Negron may need every penny and then some of the nearly $1-million he's reported raising through Sept. 30. Fellow Republican candidates state Rep. Everett Rice of Treasure Island, (nearly $176,000 raised to date) and state Sen. Burt Saunders of Naples (more than $94,000 raised) will need to pick up the pace.

Meanwhile, the lone Democrat in the contest, state Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell, is off to a brisk start chasing dollars: nearly $181,000 in just over two weeks in the race.

AGRICULTURE MONEY: Republican Agriculture Commissioner incumbent Charles Bronson has raised nearly $187,000 for his re-election, while Democrat Eric Copeland, a Miami lawyer who until recently had been running for chief financial officer, is a first-class spender. He reports raising nearly $24,000 to date, loaning his campaign another $24,000 - and spending more than $46,000.

ONLINE BUZZ: For more Florida political news check out Buzz online at www.sptimes.com/blogs/buzz/

Adam C. Smith and Joni James contributed to this week's Buzz.

[Last modified October 16, 2005, 01:31:12]