I usually try to comment on stuff I copy and paste, but the NJ did a good job. A great look at those who we should keep an eye on....From the Hotline:
FLORIDA: Speed Demons
Several sources we talked to in FL emphasized the speed with which state legislators move through the ranks, thanks to term limits. That certainly holds true, as one of the stars to watch is already in line (albeit six years down the road) to be Speaker of the State House -- just one session into his first term.
The stars we've been watching since '03:
- State Sen. Jeff Atwater (R): Considered a strong candidate for Senate Pres.
- State Sen. Paula Dockery (R): FL's GOP is said to lack strong female candidates. "If she makes some right moves," she could see her stock rising.
- State Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R): We met him in the State House. Right after we mentioned him, he was elected in a special election to the Sen. A staunch conservative, Haridopolos is one of the leaders of the fiscal conservative wing of the party.
- U.S. Rep. Connie Mack (R): Just a State Rep. when we first laid eyes on him, Mack beat out a crowded primary field in '04 to win election to the House. "I think he's going to be" running for U.S. Senate "down the road."
- State Sen. Ken Pruitt (R): Incoming Senate Pres. "Rapidly rising star."
- State Rep. Marco Rubio (R): Incoming House Speaker, first Cuban-American speaker in FL.
- South Bay Mayor Clarence Anthony (D): "It's not a name that bounces up as much anymore."
- State Rep. Loranne Ausley (D): A new mother, Ausley is considered "a rising star, but she may choose to put family before politics."
- State Sen. Dave Aronberg (D): "He's on everybody's short list" for LG. May also run for Congress or State's Atty in S. Florida. Aronberg founded the Mainstream FL Dems, which recruits Dem candidates in rural counties. He's "already building himself a statewide base."
- Ex-FL Dem Chair/Ex-Tallahassee Mayor Scott Maddox (D): His aborted Gov bid this year reminded people that "he just can't get away from fumbling the ball." "He's done."
- State Rep. Joe Negron (R): Running for AG. If he makes it out of the primary with ex-Rep. Bill McCollum (R), "he'll be on his way."
- State Sen. Pres. Tom Lee (R): Running for CFO in '06. "Could be a real up-and-comer."
- State Rep. Andy Gardiner (R): The House Maj Leader. "He's in the right part of the state to make a real impact."
- State Rep. Dean Cannon (R): A freshman, Cannon is already in line to be Speaker of the State House in 6 years.
- State Rep. Dan Gelber (D): The new House Min Leader and former CoS to Sen. Sam Nunn (D-GA), Gelber is "on the escalator."
- Hillsboro Co. Commissioner Kathy Castor (D): "Assuming she puts together a good Congressional effort," she'll have a strong future, though "at this point her campaign is a little sketchy."
- Ex-FL Bank of America Pres. Alex Sink (D): Running for CFO in '06, her husband is '02 Dem GOV nominee Bill McBride. She "may be our best statewide chance this time" because "there's no part of the state where she doesn't have friends."
- Mike Scionti (D): Running for State Rep. in West Tampa. An Iraq war veteran and former prosecutor, Scionti inspires some Dems to get very excited. People are already talking about his future as a statewide candidate.
1 Comment:
This article doesn't seem to make any really insightful comments. They pick both major contenders for CFO as rising stars, which could apply to Alex Sink but the other is already the State Senate President.
It makes such self-evident statements as "if he makes it out of the primary... he'll be on his way." Yeah, and if the candidate wins the election, then they'll really be on their way.
They also make a rather dismissive summation of Former Mayor Scott Maddox, using a few uncredited quotes. I suppose, "Statements seem more authorative when quoted."
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