Posted on 03/31/2005 3:22:27 PM PST by SmithL
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - It seemed like Jeb Bush was in a no-win situation by taking up the cause of trying to keep Terri Schiavo alive.
He was going against polls that showed two out of three people thought government shouldn't get involved. Then when courts stopped him from stepping in, some of his conservative Christian base criticized him for not doing more.
But many people agree the Schiavo case was not a political issue for Bush and that the governor will not be hurt by it - especially since he doesn't have plans to run for office again any time soon.
"I can't see it having any impact on Jeb Bush and his political future," said Darryl Paulson, a University of South Florida political science professor. "He's not going to be running again in '06 and he says he's not running for the presidency and every one of his advisers is taking him at his word."
Florida limits governors to two terms and Bush's ends in January 2007. Even if Bush eventually decides to run for president, those close to him firmly say it will not be three years from now when his brother leaves office. By the time 2012 or 2016 roll around, the Schiavo case will be a distant memory.
"That's light years in political time," Paulson said. "This issue certainly would be laid to rest if he decides to run."
Those who opposed Bush's intervention may have had longer memories on the issue had he actually stopped the death through his lawsuits, or if he appeased the Christian right and defied a court order and taken custody of Schiavo.
Those on the Christian right may remember he was relentless - within the law - in pursuing a way to keep Schiavo alive. They are also likely to consider his overall record on issues they support and realize he is shared their views.
"He can get credit for trying, but not get blamed for going against her wishes if indeed that's what her wishes were," said Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political science professor.
Either way, Bush is adamant that his motivation was not political.
"This is not a political issue. This goes way beyond politics. I don't know if anybody wins politically having to participate in something like this, to be honest with you," Bush said.
Anyone who has paid attention to Bush's six years in office shouldn't be surprised by his efforts to keep Schiavo alive.
When Bush ran for re-election in 2002, he had already backed laws to restrict abortion, pushed through a voucher bill that allows some children to go to private religious schools at taxpayer expense and openly expressed his support for a state law that prevents gays from adopting children. He was re-elected with 56 percent of the vote.
"His involvement in the Schiavo case is not something out of the ordinary. He's put together a conservative social agenda from the beginning of his being governor," said Matthew Corrigan, a University of North Florida political science professor. "He's made a clear connection between his conservative religious values and his public policy."
What planet is this idiot from?
*****"That's light years in political time," Paulson said.*****
A light-year is a measure of distance, not time, you dope.
God forbid that an elected leader should actually have to LEAD! /sarcasm
Why won't he feel it? Will they give him morphine?
I support Jeb and thank him for all he has done for those without a voice.
That's right, lets get rid of Republicans like Jeb and support Democrats instead over this issue.
LOL
True that. Florida has been very lucky to have Jeb as governor.
Wrong! (They were hoping Roe vs. Wade would be forgotten, too.)
Perhaps.
If so, seeing Jeb Bush would rekindle it.
He's got no political future.
Elephants have good memories.
I support Jeb and all he has done well. He has comported himself with grace.
LOL! That's right. A light year is how far light travels in a year. So measured in time a light year is a year.
Me either. I don't blame the Bushes, for crying out loud.
" He's got no political future"
I agree. Isn't it great how will our "leaders" FOLLOW a corrupt and out of control judiciary?
Jeb is not the only Republican in town. Not supporting him doesn't mean supporting Democrats.
"That's right, lets get rid of Republicans like Jeb and support Democrats instead over this issue."
I meant the comment for the author, not Jeb. Jeb's going to feel it. I just don't know how much. I just hope the judges and Ole Mick feel steel bars.
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