Posted on 08/09/2002 6:18:35 AM PDT by floriduh voter
By KATHRYN WEXLER, Times Staff Writer © St. Petersburg Times published August 9, 2002
TAMPA -- The luncheon was sponsored by the Tampa Bay Black Republican Club and billed as a chance for African-Americans to get to know Gov. Jeb Bush.
But about half the audience of 500 wasn't black. Most weren't Republican.
Even the preacher who gave the invocation, Hillsborough Commissioner Thomas Scott, was a Democrat.
"What is it like to be black and Republican?" club president Eric Brown asked the crowd before introducing the governor as a friend he met a year ago.
"Sometimes we feel totally out of place," he said. "But deep down in my heart, I know I'm doing the right thing."
Only about 5 percent of Hillsborough's black voters are registered Republicans -- a major reason Thursday's event at Tampa's Doubletree Hotel was less a show of support than an introduction to the Republican way of thinking.
In the last election, Bush won 14 percent of the African-American vote statewide, an unusually high percentage for a Republican. But some of his policies have proven controversial, especially his One Florida initiative, which eliminated race as an explicit factor in college admissions and state contracting.
Over a lunch of chicken and cheesecake, Bush made the case that he has promoted the interests of African-Americans.
"As governor, I have woken up each day to embrace diversity," said Bush, who announced he will be the next chairman of the United Negro College Fund.
Contracts with African-American-owned businesses in Florida are up 120 percent, Bush said. And the percentage of black students in public universities has increased.
"It's worked," Bush said. Before One Florida, state colleges were "too lily white in my opinion."
African-American Democrats such as Lashune Harris were not convinced.
"I hear what he says about the education program," said Harris, an official with the Tampa Housing Authority. "But there are other statistics I've seen that contradict what he supports."
Others said the governor's track record speaks for itself. "I think he will go down as one of our education governors," said the Rev. Maxie Miller of Plant City.
The luncheon cost about $100 per table and was free for individuals, said Brown, of ROI Consulting Group Inc. in Tampa. The Tampa Bay Black Republican Club began in 1999 and has 25 members, he said. It was the group's largest function thus far.
Campaigning politicians were acknowledged and applauded, including City Council members Rose Ferlita, Charlie Miranda and Shawn Harrison, County Commissioners Jim Norman and Ronda Storms and Tax Collector Doug Belden.
But it was Bush who garnered the excitement. Spectators crowded around him, grabbing his hand and begging for snapshots. At the end of his speech, he appealed to people in fluent Spanish.
"He's almost like Elvis, " said Sheila Allen, a Town 'N Country resident and owner of a travel agency. "Everybody wanted to touch him. Everybody wanted to talk to him."
But not her.
"I don't like Jeb's father. I don't like Jeb's brother," she said.
Bush also pointed to his record in putting African-Americans on governing boards and on the bench. He noted that only black judges are facing opposition in Hillsborough, suggesting he was suspicious about the competition.
"I'm not saying anything other than stating the facts here," he said, to murmurs of agreement. "I hope this group supports (them) financially."
FYI: There was a correction in Saturday's paper. Jeb has been named the "Honorary Chair" of the United Negro College Fund in Florida. Hey, how many awards and honors has this Governor received? Guess the paper got a few phone calls yesterday about the UNCF quotation.
Jeb's support is so diverse and I think that's good in a state that is so diverse. Floridians love Florida and so does Jeb. That's why he's so popular (superstar - in the article). FV
Anyway, black conservatives are setting their own course in the nation and I say good job! FV
COP:} OK Pal,, you look a little jittery, how many beers you had tonight?
FV:} Well, Oscifer, only 43 O'Douls,,, BUT I gotta find a bathroom --NOW!!!!!!!
Have a good time FV!
Well...actually...they really were justified given all of Jebs statements:
"As governor, I have woken up each day to embrace diversity," said Bush, who announced he will be the next chairman of the United Negro College Fund.
Contracts with African-American-owned businesses in Florida are up 120 percent, Bush said. And the percentage of black students in public universities has increased.
"It's worked," Bush said. Before One Florida, state colleges were "too lily white in my opinion."
All I know about politics I learned from watching Jeb's campaign and I'm spending my future devoted to conservative ideals and supporting candidates like Jeb. He's made a tremendous impact on lots of people. You can't buy that with campaign contributions. Regards, FV
Finally, I often hear Republican leaders quote or mention past democrats but democrats never quote or mention Abraham Lincoln. They're just trying to hold on and it's going to be a bumpy ride for them from now on.
I want to be me, with my one vote, with my own look and identity that I grew into - all grownup and a Republican. That's all that matters, I am an individual.
If I choose to be associated with any cause or group, it is solely my decision and I'll have lunch with whomever I please, Ms. Wexler. FV
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