Gov. Bush, Giuliani speak to Florida firefighters [and, check out these 8 great photos!](AP)

AP ^ | June 4, 2002 | Mike Branom

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Gov Bush accepts an honorary membership from FL firefighters.


Jeb and Rudy share a victory handshake.


Gov Bush receives a gift from FL firefighters.
[Check out those JEB! tee-shirts on the firefighters!]

Gov. Bush, Giuliani speak to Florida firefighters

Tuesday, June 4, 2002

By MIKE BRANOM, Associated Press

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS - Gov. Jeb Bush, accompanied by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, won the endorsement of the state firefighters' union Monday.

The Florida Professional Firefighters backed Bush, the first endorsement announcement of his gubernatorial campaign. The FPF represents 16,500 members from more than 150 departments around the state.

"I've had the privilege of riding with some of you, and I know the perils of your job and the difficulties that you face," Bush told attendees at the group's 58th annual convention.

Bush is running for a second four-year term. If he defeats his Democratic opponent in November, he would be the first Republican to hold the state's top office for consecutive terms.

At the event, the firefighters' union credited Bush for improving retirement, disability and worker's compensation benefits.

"And we're most proud of the telephone call that came (from Bush) on Sept. 12," FPF president Bob Carver said. "And he said, 'Can I do anything for you?' That, I'm real proud of, that you thought of us."

Giuliani's presence was an added bonus for Bush. Giuliani is one of the country's most popular politicians, as Americans took solace in his steady leadership in New York City after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

"This man rose like a giant to show his leadership skills, his passion, his sensitivity, his enormous ability to lead people in a very, very difficult time," Bush said. "It was inspiring, for me, to watch him work."

Then it was Giuliani's turn to praise Bush. The former mayor told the assembled firefighters and emergency workers that Bush understands how exceptional they are, "both intuitively and substantively."

"A true leader, like your governor, respects that," Giuliani said.

Giuliani is constantly in demand by Republican candidates across the nation. Since being forced out of office by term limits in January, Giuliani has stumped for New York Gov. George Pataki, California gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon, Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Mike Fisher and Nevada congressional candidate Jon Porter.

"We get a lot of calls," Giuliani spokeswoman Sunny Mindel said.

Susan MacManus, a University of South Florida political science professor, said that the Bush campaign was wise to have the governor appear with two surefire political weapons: Giuliani and firefighters. She equated Giuliani's star power to that of a "Super Bowl quarterback"

"It's a two-for-one," MacManus said. "You don't have those opportunities very often."

Ryan Banfill, a spokesman for the state Democratic Party, said the FPF's endorsement of Bush came as no surprise, considering that the union also backed him in 1998.

"They're just doing what they've done before," Banfill said. "I don't think it's breaking any new ground."

Earlier Monday, Bush and Giuliani appeared at a private $1,000-a-plate fund-raiser, which raised about $150,000 to the Republican Party of Florida.


Gov Bush arriving to FL firefighters' convention.


Gov Bush with FL firefighters.


Gov Bush and Guiliani on panel.


Gov. Bush speaks to firefighters.


NYC's former mayor endorses FL's fabulous governor.

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The first seven photos above are from the "Photos on the Road" section of Gov. Bush's official campaign web site at www.jeb.org

PS Yes, even you can post photos from there! :)

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And, afterwards, this column appeared in the Orlando Sentinel: JEB TURNS HOSE ON RENO WITH SEPT 11 HERO

[Bahbah]

Thanks for the great photos. Jeb is a big man in more ways than one.

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For index.

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My pleasure! Thanks for your post, Bahbah. :)

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FYI. :)

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FYI! :)

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FYI. :)

[Poohbah]

Didn't a democrat pundit say that the kindest thing to do to Reno's campaign would be to take it out behind the house and shoot it?

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Yes, that column is linked in my post #2 on this thread! :)

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FYI! :)

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Here's an excerpt, from my post #2 link:

Mike Thomas

Jeb turns hose on Reno with Sept. 11 hero

Published June 4, 2002

If Janet Reno's campaign were a dog, the humane thing would be to take it behind the barn and shoot it.

That was my thought after watching the state's firefighters union endorse Jeb Bush on Monday....

[Joe Brower]

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LOL!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Victoria Delsoul]

Great photos, Summer. I love Jeb Bush, I'm sure he is going to win the next election.

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I saw your post on the thread I linked to in my post #2 here -- and I thought you might enjoy seeing these great photos of the event!!! :)

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BTTT! :)

[backhoe]

I just mass emailed this to a pile of papers & opinionators- mayhap it will do some good. I suspect the last 2 weeks before the election will be the most critical to changing the minds of undecided voters.

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Hello, NYers, and FYI! :)

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Thanks, backhoe!!! -- because these are great photos!!! :)