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Florida might move up primary
By PETER WALLSTEN © St. Petersburg Times, published February 18, 1999 TALLAHASSEE -- In a move that could boost the presidential hopes of Gov. Jeb Bush's brother, Florida is looking to move its presidential primary elections up by one week. The presidential primaries in 2000 would be moved from March 14 to March 7, putting Florida in the national spotlight on the same day as two other big states, New York and California. "We believe we should be right there at the beginning, to retain our importance," said Senate Majority Leader Jack Latvala, R-Palm Harbor. Latvala and House Majority Leader Jerry Maygarden plan to announce legislation today to move the primaries. Senate Democratic Leader Buddy Dyer also is expected to attend, adding bipartisan support for the measure. The change means Floridians would have a chance to choose their parties' nominees before some other Southern states. In the past, some candidates had conceded defeat by the Florida primaries. Now, in the nation's fourth largest state, Florida politicians relish the idea of playing a key role in choosing the next president. "It puts Florida in the limelight," Maygarden said. Bush's brother, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, is considering entering a growing field of Republicans seeking the GOP nomination. In a race against people such as Elizabeth Dole, former Vice President Dan Quayle and U.S. Rep. John Kasich of Ohio, George Bush could use a boost from his brother's state on his way to the Texas primary March 14. Cory Tilley, communications director for Jeb Bush, did not return a telephone call Wednesday to say whether the governor would sign the legislation. Bush has said he would be receptive to the idea of changing the primary. Republican leaders wouldn't say whether their goal was to specifically help the Texas governor. "It certainly can't hurt him," said Latvala. Maygarden said he supported former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander in 1996. Although Alexander is running again, Maygarden said: "I'm obviously real close to the Bush clan right now."
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