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.

[Paul Atreides]

LOL!! Janet thinks she can sweep the state with the lesbo vote! She doesn't realize that they are the people that parents tell their kids not to go near.

[summer]

Re your post #39 - That would be an interesting ticket! Some here have said Jeb / Condi Rice or Condi Rice / Jeb, but your idea is interesint -- however, the only problem with Rudy is that he has some serious health issues. He may be just as happy to sit it out.

[summer]

It's going to be a landslide against whoever is the Dem nominee, in a fair election. Just watch...

[summer]

From the article linked in my post #2:

...He [Giuliani] sounded like a guy who seemed to love firefighters and simply wanted to tell them that. They responded with a rousing ovation, all wearing "Firefighters for Jeb" shirts for the TV cameras. I haven't seen so many happy people in red T-shirts since last Saturday at Disney.

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.

... Bush brings down Giuliani, while Reno prepares to campaign with Martin Sheen. Not only is he a pretend president, he is a very liberal pretend president who would have no chance of carrying Florida if he were a real president.

What's he going to say: "I remember a script from the second season of West Wing when I faced a terrorist attack. I sure could have used Janet Reno in the cast."

As Reno stumbles along, Bush campaigns like a man 10 points behind in the polls. The GOP not only wants to beat her -- that's a given -- they want to destroy her and end the Democratic rebellion in Florida that almost cost George W. the election.

In Mike Tyson lingo, they want to eat the Democrats' children.

They want the aftershock of a landslide to carry through to 2004, maybe even 2006 if Jeb decides to take out Bill Nelson....

[summer]

Thought you'd enjoy this thread as well! :)

[summer]

You might enjoy this thread! :)

[JMJ333]

Thanks. =)

[summer]

:)!

[pittsburgh gop guy]

This is good to see. While 99% of firefighters are great, their union is one of the WORST! I speak from personal experience on that. The IAFF is evil - just like the AFL-CIO.

[summer]

This is good to see....

I agree. Thanks for your post here! :)

[mafree]

GO JEB!!

[summer]

bttt

[summer]

It's a bird - it's a plane -
no, it's a "JEB!" firetruck!!

[floriduh voter]

That's ONE BIG JEB BUMPER STICKER! LOL Bump that Firetruck to the top for Jeb!

[floriduh voter]

Now I'm just showing off....

[Joe Brower]

Click on the above portrait of our awesome governor's smiling face for a whole bunch of great pics of Jeb!

Please feel free to link to and use these freely to spread the good word!

[summer]

WOW!!!!!!!!! What a great link! Thanks, Joe! :)!

[Joe Brower]

Feel free to pass it on. Helps me get my money's worth out of EarthLink.

[mafree]

Great pics- GO JEB!!

[floriduh voter]

Thanks for the great pictures, Joe, as usual. We had rain today and bttt!