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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson makes his first visit to the area since being sworn in.
By JENNIFER FARRELL
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 21, 2001
SPRING HILL -- John and Mary Stahl are registered Republicans, but they crossed party lines on part of the ticket last November, helping to elect Democrat Bill Nelson to his first term in the U.S. Senate.
The couple spent Friday night making tuna fish sandwiches for Nelson's first trip back to the area since being sworn in.
On Saturday, the Stahls arrived in their golf cart at a gathering where they were a decided minority: a predominantly Democratic reception at the home of their friends and Timber Pines neighbors, Dolores and Glenn Claytor.
"There are real live Republicans and here we are," said Mary Stahl, as dozens of guests sipped punch and mingled around the pool as they waited for Nelson to arrive.
The crowd, which included several local politicians, gave a round of applause when Nelson walked through the door about 40 minutes late.
Nelson quickly charmed the crowd of about 50 who gathered on the patio to hear his thoughts on subjects ranging from campaign finance reform (he's for it) to proposed oil and gas exploration off the Florida coast (he's against it). He drew a laugh with a reference to the state's high-profile role in the recent presidential election. Grinning, he waited a beat, then drawled slowly: "Florida is a big deal in Washington, D.C."
Nelson fielded questions on topics including: tax cuts, free trade, energy conservation, selection of state Supreme Court justices, health care reform, the governor's race and the impact of lobbyists on the political process.
"We've got our hands full," he told the group at one point. "We need balance in the approach."
When Nelson finished speaking, Mary Stahl quickly asked for his autograph, announcing later: "I liked him. I'm glad I voted for him."
The hourlong stop in the neatly manicured, gated retirement community came in the middle of Nelson's three-day inaugural town hall tour of Florida.
The whirlwind trip started early Friday in Dade City, followed by visits to Bushnell, Inverness, Tavares and Gainesville. On Saturday, Nelson made stops in Gainesville, Ocala and the Villages -- a giant subdivision south of Ocala.
He was scheduled to speak Saturday night with U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman at the Hernando County Democratic Executive Committee's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner at Silverthorn Country Club before returning to Tampa.
In Tampa, Nelson planned to visit predominantly black churches Sunday, then fly back to Washington.