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House Democrats select Tampa's Miller as leader
By PETER WALLSTEN © St. Petersburg Times, published August 11, 1998
"We will emerge stronger. We are stronger now that we have a leader," Miller said after 34 House Democrats at the meeting voted for him. In the event the Democrats regain the majority in the House, Miller would become speaker. But of the party's 54 House members, 34 showed up, and one sent a letter supporting Miller. Eight of Miller's supporters are not seeking re-election. Of the 15 black House members, five showed up to support Miller. "I don't think it does much to unite," said state Rep. Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, an African-American who had hoped to win the post over Miller and who did not show up Monday. Lawson said he intends to challenge Miller after November, when a new crop of freshman lawmakers are elected. Florida Democrats are working to appear unified, even enlisting Vice President Al Gore for a feel-good rally last week in Broward County. Party leaders know that racial problems could doom the gubernatorial hopes of Lt. Gov. Buddy MacKay in November and pose problems for Gore winning Florida's 25 electoral votes in the 2000 presidential race. During Monday's meeting, Democrats whooped and hollered as Miller was elected. Later, they enjoyed a reception with lobbyists and supporters at a private club, compliments of the Democratic Party. "There's a good feeling here," said MacKay, who was present for the vote. As speaker-designate, Miller will be responsible for leading fund raising for House candidates. If he keeps the job after the elections, Miller would be the leading Democratic voice during policy debates and would try to cut deals with Republican leaders. Miller takes over the speaker-designate post from Rep. Anne Mackenzie of Fort Lauderdale, who shocked her colleagues by announcing she would retire from politics after November. Mackenzie was elected to the leadership post in January to replace Rep. Willie Logan, who was the party's first black speaker-designate. His ouster prompted widespread anger among black political leaders. Logan and some other black Democrats have since talked openly with Republican leaders. Logan said Miller's election would not change anything; he already has endorsed Republican John Thrasher as speaker. Although Miller walked off the floor with other black members, he remained loyal to the white leaders who organized the coup, working closely with Mackenzie and outgoing Democratic Leader Buzz Ritchie. Miller had little to say about the low turnout by black members. "I'm not going to talk about the past," he said. "I'm going to talk about the future." MIller won support from several North Florida conservatives, including
Reps. Janegale Boyd of Monticello, Randy Mackey of Lake City,
Doug Wiles of St. Augustine and George Crady of Yulee. The black
lawmakers who supported Miller were Reps. Josephus Eggelletion
of Lauderdale Lakes, Willye Dennis of Jacksonville, Alzo Reddick
of Orlando and Addie Greene of Mangonia Park.
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ALLAHASSEE -- State Rep. Les Miller of Tampa marched out of the
Florida House chambers in protest last January as white Democrats
ousted a black legislator from leadership.
