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Lawmakers' views differ on session
By JIM ROSS © St. Petersburg Times, published December 12, 2000 TALLAHASSEE -- Florida's election controversy is always taking a new turn. But Monday afternoon, state Rep. Nancy Argenziano was able to sit in her office and enjoy a brief lull in the action. It was 3:30 p.m. The U.S. Supreme Court had heard oral arguments but had not yet issued an opinion. State lawmakers had held special committee meetings, but a vote on any legislative action was still at least one day away. How would the situation change in a day? In 12 hours? Argenziano, a Republican, didn't know. But she did know one thing: Her support for this historic special legislative session, and her resolve to protect Florida's electoral votes, was as firm as ever. Another member of Citrus County's legislative team, Democratic state Sen. Richard Mitchell, was equally set in his thinking: The legislative session and a move to prepare a slate of presidential electors were not necessary. Argenziano said appointing electors was the best way to preserve Florida's say in the Electoral College amid legal challenges to the state's vote count. Joining her in that opinion was the third member of the Citrus delegation: Republican state Sen. Anna Cowin, who could not be reached for comment Monday. Argenziano said her duty under the state and federal constitutions could not be more clear. If the finality of Florida's presidential election is in doubt, the Legislature must take matters into its own hands. Republicans have cited several legal experts to support their opinions. But Democrats have their own legal warriors who read the constitutions and arrive at different conclusions. The U.S. Supreme Court could help clarify the matter. But sitting in her office Monday afternoon, Argenziano said she would have to read the high court's opinion before she knew what effect, if any, it would have on her vote to support a slate of electors. In other words, even if the court were to rule in George W. Bush's favor, Argenziano would need to check out the language and determine whether it would bring finality to other legal brushfires that still smolder. If there is any credible evidence of a contest or a challenge to Florida's election result, she will continue to support legislative action. Meanwhile, Argenziano said again Monday that she is so upset with what she called the Florida Supreme Court's meddling into legislative waters that she would support a move to increase the number of justices on the court. "We've realized the damage that can occur," she said. "This whole thing is unfortunate. It really is." She won't get much support from Mitchell. "The Legislature needs to leave the courts alone," Mitchell said. Lawmakers might or might not like the court's ruling. "That's just the way it is," he said. Mitchell continued to maintain that because Florida has certified a slate of electors the Legislature's move was not necessary. "My main sense now is that people are just ready for it to be over with," Mitchell said. He welcomed the nation's high court becoming involved in the case. The court "gives people comfort," Mitchell said. "It's a really historic time," the senator said. "A time, of course, we're going to remember the rest of our lives." Coverage of the Citrus County recount:Citrus County ballot counts upheld Voters suit now in judge's hands Overseas ballots now federal case County election officials head to court County sued over absentee vote tally Special session coverage:State legislators undaunted by court decision Legislature meets today to ensure Bush electors Legislators call session over election Legislators delay special session Senate leader's prudence may avert acrimony Despite reports, special session not a lock yet Freshman class, senior decision State Legislature still waiting to take action on choosing electors
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