Jeb Bush Rivals Face Uphill Battle [WA Post: "we have a train wreck waiting to happen."]

The Washington Post ^ | Aug 24, 2002 | Ken Thomas

[summer]

Jeb Bush Rivals Face Uphill Battle

By Ken Thomas
Associated Press Writer
Saturday, August 24, 2002

MIAMI -- The 2002 governor's race was supposed to be payback time for Florida Democrats.

....

But in the waning days before the Sept. 10 [Dem] primary, the Democratic field offers uncertainty on how to challenge a well-heeled incumbent enjoying above-average approval ratings, who is trying to become the first Republican to earn re-election since Reconstruction.

"I think it's going to be a very, very, very hard job for Democrats to beat Jeb Bush," said Charles Whitehead, a former state Democratic party chairman.

....

"I think we've been put in a very difficult position in the state," said state Rep. Bob Henriquez, a Tampa Democrat. "Because the scenario most Democrats understand is that we have a train wreck waiting to happen in the Democratic primary."

....

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Note to FR -- Some new photos you may have missed:


Governor Bush speaks to crowd on the USS Kennedy upon
its return from deployment in the Middle East.


Gov Bush visits military personnel returning from Afghanistan.


Governor Bush shows off new t-shirt from the USS John F. Kennedy.


Lt. Governor Brogan visits with veterans at VFW Post in Jacksonville.


Lt Gov Borgan with vets.


Lt Gov Brogan at a GOP Rally in Nassau County, FL.


Gov Bush talks with FL elementary students.


Gov Bush lifts student for a 'helicopter ride' in the air.


Gov Bush receives a warm welcome from educators in Kissimmee, FL.

[summer]

Thanks for your post #50. I'm sure the military vote will go to: Gov Bush. No problem there!

[summer]

SBeck, Thanks for your post #47. Eala, FYI, see post #47.

[summer]

He's [McLawyer's] already a millionaire thanks to his wife.

Yeah, maybe she should have run for governor!

[summer]

BTW, VOA, in case you missed this thread, you might find it interesting:

Bush uses 'Wacky' stump strategy
[MSNBC: Jeb emphasizes his leadership in an often 'bizarre' FL]

[LarryLied]

Few have done more to degrade women, degrade American culture and degrade humanity than Summer Redstone. Hope his money buys happiness. He has nothing else to be proud of.

[summer]

I am wondering if he is a Democrat - do you know?

[sarasmom]

I would love to see this issue get high attention!The "elephant in the living room" phrase comes to mind. I just got off another thread that had some interesting points made on "stealth" progress possibly being made in curtailing illegal immigrants.

I would love to watch Reno and McBride flounder their way through a debate on the ramifications of uncontrolled illegal immigration. Particulary, as it relates to public education requirements and skyrocketing healthcare costs.They would not even have to go into the related crime and housing problems generated by enclaves of illegal immigrants.

By all means, let the fun begin.

[summer]

sarasmom, Thanks for your post above. jalisco555, what did I tell you? :)

[summer]

sarasmom, BTW, what I told jalisco555 earlier in this thread is simply that: I thought this was an issue FL voters would like to hear more about. And, you proved me right! Thanks! :)

[summer]

Re my post #86 - Well, I did a search, and though I did not stumble across his political party, it did come up right away that his birthname is Murry Rothstein, he is a big supporter of Israel, and, all the "hate" sites really hate him. I could not spend much time on those sites because they are too hateful to read, but, he seems to be well know on those sites because he is Jewish. All I can say is this: If your wife is actually worth anything to you, maybe you should think about leaving her somewhat more than ZERO dollars in your will, Summer Redstone. (Maybe enough money so she can afford to buy fresh flowers for you when you are resting in peace, or endow a university chair for you, or something -- ever think about stuff like that? That she might spend it on you anyway????) THAT "ZERO" amount is truly degrading to a woman who is your loving wife, IMO.

[jalisco555]

The Florida race kind of reminds me of New York's. A popular incumbent, no particular issues that are getting people's attention and two unattractive Democratic contenders, one a former Clinton cabinet secretary. The only difference is that it is hard to get enthusiastic about Pataki.

BTW, I hear that it can take up to a year to get a Florida medical license due to an extremely slow-moving bureaucracy :-( May be a while before I give any updates.

[jalisco555]

Oops, my little frowny-face got bisected when my message was posted.

[summer]

BTW, I hear that it can take up to a year to get a Florida medical license due to an extremely slow-moving bureaucracy...

Hey, I think you should tell that to Gov. Bush! jeb@jeb.org Seriously. :)

[summer]

I agree with you - there are a lot of similarities in these two state gov races. I read the NYT and the NY Post whenever I have time, and I must say: Andrew Cuomo and FL's McLawyer seem to be running neck and neck for the worst campaign EVER award. I was ROTFLMAO when I read today that Cuomo's dad, former NYS Gov Mario Cuomo, actually publicly rebuked his son for the comments Andrew Cuomo made about Pataki and 9-11. I mean, HELLO ANDREW! GROW UP - OK?

In addition to the fact Pataki is not as exciting of a campaigner as Gov Bush, is the fact the Dem opponents seem to be lining up people in the Lt Gov post. Not so in FL, as no one seems to be paying enough attention to the Dem gov candidates to want the job! LOL...

BTW, in the NY Post, there was also a run-down of all the past Lt Govs in NYS - and it was mentioned that Mario Cuomo's first Lt Gov hated Mario for ignoring him. Now, I thought: How do ANY voters expect to get the attention of their Dem leaders when the NYS Dem Lt Gov can not get the attention of his boss, the Dem Gov? That's a sad commentary on the responsiveness of Dem leaders, or, rather, the lack thereof.

[fhayek]

Is it just me, or are the Democrats fielding some really abysmal candidates this year? Do the Democrats really think that people like Janet Reno, Kathleen Townsend Kennedy, and Jean Carnahan are qualified to be among our nations leaders? Then you add the Torch, Paul Wellstone, Grey Davis... Just pathetic.

[summer]

From the NY Post --

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ANDY [Cuomo]: MY 9/11 SLAM BACKFIRED

By SARAH GILBERT

August 25, 2002

-- After spending a night in a Brooklyn homeless shelter, governor wannabe Andrew Cuomo yesterday admitted his criticism of Gov. Pataki's post-Sept. 11 leadership has hurt his gubernatorial campaign.

Cuomo was clearly stung by his father telling The Post his son had made a "political mistake" and used "bad judgment" by saying former Mayor Rudy Giuliani was the only "hero" of 9/11, and the governor had merely "held the leader's coat."

Cuomo said: "My father's said it before, I've said it before - obviously it was a diversion."

Giuliani is backing Pataki's campaign for re-election, and his support lent major muscle to Mayor Bloomberg's campaign.

Cuomo said he made his comments about Pataki to highlight "the governor's leadership on matters important to New Yorkers, like rebuilding downtown Manhattan, like fixing public education."

Cuomo stayed at the Brooklyn shelter from Friday night to yesterday morning to highlight what he says is a crisis in the New York City system, where a shortage of beds has forced homeless people to sleep in former jails.

Cuomo said he would create a homelessness-prevention program, boosting services aimed at the causes of homelessness, such as domestic violence, lack of education, mental illness and substance abuse.

[summer]

No, it's not just you - they seem especially out of touch this year, for some reason.

[gitmo]

summer,
Jeb need to get you on staff! I don't live in Florida, but I'm planning on voting for him for Govenor.

[summer]

PS Note to Andrew Cuomo re:

Cuomo said he would create a homelessness-prevention program, boosting services aimed at the causes of homelessness, such as domestic violence, lack of education, mental illness and substance abuse.

Andrew, One of the major causes of homelessness in NYC is the rent stabilization system your father signed into law years ago (yes, I know it existed in some form before that). But, it's only gotten worse for the average person. Sure, Mia Farrow has her mega apartment for pratically no dollars, but, it's a system that doesn't work for others. I think it makes people mentally ill, and it may even contribute to the reason some people abuse substances. Also, I would not be surprised to learn it adversely impacts people of all educational backgrounds, and causes a rise in domestic violence across economic backgrounds. It is the worst thing NYC ever did to law-abiding people who are law-abiding tenants and law-abiding landlords. And, if you or any political leader in NY really had a spine, this sytem would be the first to go. Forver. Just my 2 cents.

[Amelia]

Maybe even a three-fer. Daddy McKinney's in a run-off.

Think we'll be that lucky? :-D