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

AP ^ | June 4, 2002 | Mike Branom

[summer]

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.

[medved]

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

Having one of the nations two political parties go rogue is not a laughing matter. The fact that the dems could even think about running Reno for governor of a state strongly indicates that the dem party needs to be outlawed and banned, and added to the list of goof organizations you swear not to know anything about when filling out government forms.

[Gophack]

Great photos! Thanks!

[summer]

My pleasure! Thanks for your post, Gophack! :)

[TADSLOS]

Cool!!

[summer]

And, what's even more amazing is that she WILL be the elected winner of the Dem Primary, and the Dem nominee. You would think they would be rallying around someone else, but - noooooo....

[summer]

FYI! :)

[summer]

bttt! :)

[kinganamort]

awww i have tears in my eyes... shhh dont tell anyone

[MeekOneGOP]

BIG Firefighter/Bush bump!
Did I ever tell ya my Dad was a fireman in the Air Force in his 27 years service??

[summer]

No! BTTT for your dad! :)

[summer]

Your secret's in the vault... :)

[summer]

FYI. :)

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!

[summer]

:)!

[Boxsford]

From the news article you linked us to: Janet Reno, meanwhile, has been endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Bush has the support of the heroes -- and Reno the bureaucrats.

Reno also has announced the endorsement of EMILY's List, a political action committee that supports pro-choice Democratic women; the National Women's Political Caucus of Florida; and the Florida National Organization for Women.

You may not have heard about these. Because, who cares.

Love it!! Thanks Summer!!!

[Boxsford]

**smile**

[summer]

LOL...you're welcome. Frankly, I am very surprised she is getting ZERO traction from all her recent endorsements.

[summer]

FYI! :)

[princess leah]

Looks like a preview for 2008 Presidential Campaign: Guiliani/Bush or Bush/Guiliani either way it's a winner! You put Guiliani on the Presidential ticket and Hillary will SCREAM!

[Paul Atreides]

Jeb turns hose on Reno

Who cleaned up the mess after she melted?

It is not wonder that troglodyke is losing so badly; it is such a stark contrast to put her mouth flatulence up against someone who is actually getting things done. What is just as much of a contrast is Jeb having Rudy in his corner and Janet only has the anemic Martin Sheen in hers.