More than 300 Republican grass-roots activists in Jacksonville erupted in loud cheers Monday as former Gov. Jeb Bush arrived for the second leg of a three city fly-around. Bush stumped with Attorney General Bill McCollum, who's in a dogfight with Rick Scott for the GOP nomination for governor.
Jeb is McCollum's not-so-secret weapon. The popular ex-governor can
fire up the base and make Republicans realize what's at stake in the
primary on Aug. 24. Many people in the audience said they hoped Bush
runs for president in 2012, and a few even wore red and white "Jeb!"
T-shirts from his campaigns.
"Bill doesn't have to read a poll. He's committed to conservative principles," Bush said. "I want a governor like that."
Inside a headquarters in a large strip shopping center, the intensity of Republican support for Bush was matched only by the intense dislike many expressed about Scott, who was viewed here as an arrogant interloper trying to buy his way into power.
Activists wore stickers proclaiming support for McCollum and for John
Thrasher, the area's state senator, state Republican Party chairman and
Bush loyalist who is seeking re-election. Twelve-year-old Bobby Graves
held a hand-made "Ospreys for McCollum" sign (that's the UNF nickname).
Bush and McCollum began the day in Miami, where Bush voted early on
the first day that was possible. The two men then headed for a third
rally in Tampa.
"Wow, Jeb Bush. He's really a great guy," said Betty Wolfe, 68, a
retired CSX railroad employee who was sporting McCollum and Thrasher
stickers. "And that Rick Scott, he gives me the creeps."
-- Steve Bousquet
Sorry Jebbie, those 300 are the only votes the puppet will get in Jacksonville.
Posted by: True Blue | August 09, 2010 at 02:02 PM
As The Florida GOP Goes In 2010, So Goes The National GOP In 2012
http://www.practicalstate.com/2010/08/09/as-the-florida-gop-goes-in-2010-so-goes-the-national-gop-in-2012/
Cheers
Posted by: Bloggy Bayou | August 09, 2010 at 10:18 PM