Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Vying for union, Davis rips Smith

By ALEX LEARY
Published June 1, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - All the talk in the race for governor is how the Republicans are going to devour each other with attacks. But Democrats can punch, too.

U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa has spent this week firing away at his primary opponent, state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua, hoping to score the endorsement of the state's second-largest union Saturday.

In a series of statements, the Davis campaign is raising questions about Smith's record on labor issues.

They are among Davis' first and most aggressive comments toward his opponent, who has surged after a strong legislative session. Davis' campaign rejected talk he was acting tough in light of Smith's success.

Of course, that is how Smith viewed things.

"It's clear they are feeling the pressure of Rod's building support throughout Florida," said Smith's spokesman, David Kochman.

The salvos come as the 110,000-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees prepares to meet Saturday in Orlando. An exclusive endorsement would be key for either candidate since they share the teacher union backing and neither secured the AFL-CIO.

On Tuesday, a Davis statement pointed out Smith, who has worked as a labor lawyer, voted for a bill geared toward eliminating employees' grievance procedures and making it easier for them to be laid off. The union disagreed with Smith on that point, legislative director Doug Martin said. But he said it was a bill limited to stalled contract talks last year. "We've resolved most of those matters at the negotiating table."

Wednesday's statement was critical of Smith's involvement in Gov. Jeb Bush's "Service First" program, which made it easier to lay off state employees. Quoting a newspaper article, the statement said Smith played a key role in writing the 2001 legislation.

Voting records show Smith voted for the bill (SB 466) but opposed it when it came back from a conference committee in a weaker form.

The statement Wednesday also attempts to link Smith to the controversy over the state's contract with Convergys, noting he was one of three Democratic senators to vote for the deal.

Kochman said the Convergys deal was part of the overall budget that Smith voted for.

While the union is expected to make an endorsement Saturday, Martin was playing it cool Wednesday.

"We are making sure we scrutinize everyone," he said.

That means Davis' record is open for review, too.

[Last modified June 1, 2006, 09:56:16]