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ALLAHASSEE -- Education Commissioner Frank Brogan is expected
to be announced today as Republican Jeb Bush's running mate in
the 1998 race to become Florida's next governor.
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In selecting Brogan, Bush has staked out education as one of the most important issues facing the state.
Bush began calling officials around the state to advise them of his selection Sunday night.
Brogan will leave a Cabinet post to become Bush's running mate, a step that will force the state's Republicans and Democrats to scramble to find candidates for Brogan's current job by July 17, the date when all candidates for state office must qualify.
Previously, most of the talk about a possible Bush running mate centered on former state Sen. Curt Kiser of Palm Harbor and state Sen. Jim Horne of Orange Park.
Just after 10 p.m. Sunday, Kiser said he had received a call from Bush advising him that Brogan would be his choice for a running mate.
Although personally disappointed, Kiser said he believes Brogan "is a strong choice" who will help the Republican ticket in November.
Kiser said he has heard that Horne and Sen. John Grant, R-Tampa, may decide to seek the Cabinet post Brogan will be leaving.
Some Democrats have speculated that Brogan's departure from the education commissioner race might lead Keith Arnold, a Democrat now running for governor, to switch races. Arnold has repeatedly said he would not be a candidate for another office, but Brogan's departure from the race could make a difference.
Rep. John Thrasher, who will be speaker of the House if Republicans maintain control in November elections, said he also talked to Bush Sunday night and is pleased with Brogan's selection.
"It's excellent," Thrasher said. "A definite winner. Frank Brogan is a proven commodity."
Thrasher said Horne, a close friend, was disappointed, but might consider making the race for education commissioner.
"I am meeting with him in the morning," Thrasher said Sunday night.
Brogan could not be reached for comment. He did not return telephone messages left at his home Sunday night.
Bush originally chose Secretary of State Sandra Mortham, a former legislator from Largo, but she left the ticket after controversy about her handling of various matters in her Cabinet-level office.
Brogan was elected commissioner of education four years ago by defeating the incumbent Democrat, Doug Jamerson. Jamerson, a former legislator from St. Petersburg, had been appointed to the post by Gov. Lawton Chiles.
Brogan was elected despite sharp opposition from teachers unions. Since then, however, he and unions have found some common ground while still disagreeing over his support of school vouchers, which would allow students to use public funds to attend private schools. Union leaders are also wary of charter schools, which Brogan wants to expand in Florida.
Brogan's announcement in February that he would seek re-election
as education commissioner was later than expected. He had put
off the decision because his wife was fighting breast cancer.
-- Times staff writer Curtis Krueger contributed to this report.
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