GOP elite celebrate Gallagher (Florida, Jeb)

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Feb. 20, 2004




GOVERNOR'S RACE


GOP elite celebrate Gallagher

Despite Jeb Bush's request to keep the focus on his brother's reelection, Republicans honor gubernatorial hopeful Tom Gallagher with a birthday bash.

BY PETER WALLSTEN

[email protected]


Gov. Jeb Bush cautioned Florida's Republican establishment last year against angling for the race to replace him in 2006 until after his brother has secured reelection to the White House. But the establishment apparently did not listen.

About 200 of the state's most important Republican fundraisers, lobbyists and political operatives flew to Key West this month to throw a birthday bash to honor the GOP's expected front-runner to succeed Bush, Tom Gallagher.

The reception, arranged by Gallagher's wife to celebrate her husband's 60th birthday, sent a clear message that Florida's elected chief fiscal officer has all but secured the nomination more than two years before Election Day, at least in the eyes of Florida's Republican elite -- and that Bush's power within his own party is ebbing as the GOP braces for life in the post-Jeb Bush era.

''It was a very impressive group of people,'' said Tom Slade, the former state Republican Party chairman.
(snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/7995268.htm

[mot78]

1. Jebbie is already gearing up for '08

Combine that with Frist's early retirement, and you can tell the next election will start in Nov '06.

[seasat]

2. I don't plan on voting for Gallagher in 2006 but...

he'd be a big improvement over Jeb. Gallagher is more moderate. Rumour is that Jim Davis (US Rep D Tampa) and probably Scott Maddox (D former mayor Tallahassee and FL D Party Chair) are both going to throw their hat in the ring in 2006. We should have a good crop of candidates to choose from.

[Judi Lynn]

3. DU'ers will surely be watching! Florida could use a Democrat. n/t