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Politics

Contest for 2012 speaker is now

By ALEX LEARY
Published February 8, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - As one of 36 rookie lawmakers in the state House, Will Weatherford could still be finding the water fountain or trying to figure out which elevator goes to his office on the 11th floor of the Capitol.

But the 27-year-old Republican from Wesley Chapel shows none of that wide-eyed amazement. Instead, the former legislative aide is positioning himself to take over the top job in the House - in 2012.

Yes, 2012.

Weatherford has emerged as the front-runner in an intense, if cordial, behind-the-scenes contest to be the future speaker of the House.

If he succeeds - the race could be formally decided within a month - Weatherford will have gained immediate power.

He would be the first speaker from Pasco County since John B. Johnston assumed the position in 1893 and one of the youngest speakers in modern history.

"I think he brings a lot of energy and, quite frankly, a lot of maturity," said Rep. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, who recently dropped out of the race after seeing Weatherford's growing coalition.

That leaves one other Republican, Rep. Eddy Gonzalez of Hialeah.

On Wednesday, Gonzalez affirmed his desire to hold the position, but acknowledged that Weatherford has captured more support.

However bizarre it seems to campaign for a position so far in the horizon, and for one that assumes the Republican Party will still be in control, the early jostling is viewed as a byproduct of term limits.

When terms were reduced to eight years, those eyeing the speaker's job in their final two years felt increasing pressure to line up support, or written "pledges" from individual members.

Each race seems earlier than the other.

Current Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami, claimed the job after four years in Tallahassee. His presumed successor, Ray Sansom of Destin, secured the votes within three years. And Orlando's Dean Cannon, who is slated to take over in 2010, locked up the pledges after eight months.

Even so, the current contest is taking some by surprise.

"We need to see each other under fire," said Rep. Gary Aubuchon, a freshman Republican from Cape Coral.

Weatherford is cautious about discussing the race, saying his primary focus is on the upcoming session and the issues facing Florida.

"I've got a lot of support, and I'm very humbled by that," he said. "But this is a very long process."

Some of the 14 other freshman Republicans say Weatherford has portrayed himself as a keen listener who is energetic about the political process.

There's also some attributes that Weatherford does not have to mention. Weatherford worked as an aide to former Rep. Allan Bense, who just completed a term as speaker of the House.

"Everyone knows he can rely on former Speaker Bense" for advice and support, Gonzalez said.

Weatherford's ties to Bense extend beyond the office. He is married to Bense's daughter, Courtney.

He also has a famous brother, Florida State quarterback Drew Weatherford.

"I'm just thrilled to be up here working for my constituents," Weatherford said. "If this works out and I can be a leader, that makes it even better."

[Last modified February 8, 2007, 01:13:06]