Posted on 10/26/2002 9:54:23 PM PDT by PhiKapMom
Oct 27, 2002
The Tampa Tribune
Editorial
Bush Has Kept His Promises, Deserves Another Four Years
Florida voters have an admirable history of winnowing the gubernatorial field to two well-qualified candidates.
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So are two candidates this year, though you might not think it to hear the heated campaign talk.
Tampa Democrat Bill McBride, the political newcomer who is running a surprisingly strong race, led the powerful Holland and Knight law firm with vigor and imagination. He has long supported charitable and civic causes.
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Bill McBride is a man of character, but we worry about his wide range of liberal preferences, particularly his apparent intent to undo public school reforms and give teacher unions control over many education policies.
Beyond that, it appears to us that his wish list of education improvements would require tax increases unlikely to be applauded by the Legislature or most Floridians. Which is not to say that state tax reform is unneeded. It's just not in the cards any time soon.
The governor he seeks to replace is a man of principle and resolve. When campaigning four years ago, Jeb Bush pledged to overhaul state government. This bold, energetic leader has kept his promise, moving to make virtually every aspect of government more accountable and more efficient.
He has streamlined government operations, privatized some services, cut personnel and generally challenged the status quo.
While not free of missteps, he has been balanced and thoughtful on growth management and environmental protection. He has been a visionary ally of economic development and a strong proponent of law enforcement.
His controversial education plan has forced public schools to work harder to provide all students the skills they need to succeed in life. And he has been willing to make changes to address the concerns of educators and parents.
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Bill McBride is a quality person and candidate, but Bush has kept his word to the people of Florida and deserves a second term. For governor of Florida, the Tribune endorses Jeb Bush.
(Excerpt) Read more at tampatrib.com ...
This is great news!
They forgot to look at the poll numbers between Bush and McBride.
McBride is the way into the wilderness.
Whenever a newspaper defies the soulless teacher unions to support real progress it's a good thing.
"Janet Reno's poll numbers against Bush are appalling. We have to do something." "We have to get rid of Reno, she can't win." "Yeah! Yeah! Let's get rid of Reno."
I believe that they were testing the "Yellow Dog" theory. And they are now proving that there is a limit to how many people will vote for a Yellow Dog.
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