With the session over, Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, wants to focus on his responsibilities as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida as well as his legislative ones.
Having taken over the RPOF after a number of financial scandals under previous chairman Jim Greer, Thrasher now heads the party as it responds to Gov. Charlie Crist leaving Republican ranks to continue his bid for the U.S. Senate as an independent.
Were going to try to be as positive as we can be, insisted Thrasher, even after the RPOF placed a portrait of Crist for auction on eBay. Thrasher expressed his hope that former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the near-certain Republican nominee for the Senate contest, would focus on his own ideas and experience and let Crists record speak for itself.
Thrasher said he hopes the three Republican gubernatorial candidates will avoid negative attacks during the primary campaign. Attorney General Bill McCollum is the favorite to win the nomination, but he faces challenges from conservative businessman Rick Scott and Paula Dockery, a state senator from Lakeland. Thrasher said that he met with Scott on Monday and was impressed with the political newcomer.
Ive encouraged all of them to run on the issues and let the best person win, said Thrasher.
While Thrasher lost one of the biggest battles in the session when Gov. Crist vetoed a teacher performance pay measure, the St. Augustine Republican said he thought the session had gone well.
I really thought it was a positive session overall, said Thrasher.
Thrasher was mostly complimentary of the budget process, praising the efforts of Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, and Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, in crafting the final version in the Senate.
There were a lot of desires and wishes, said Thrasher. But there was a stark economic reality for Florida.
There were no new taxes and no new fees, he continued, noting that the final budget helped education and job growth in Florida.
The only reservations that Thrasher expressed over the budget came over the Legislature pulling money from trust funds. One of the concerns I had, frankly, is the drawing down from the transportation trust fund, he said.
Thrasher sees other concerns looming on the horizon for the Legislature. He said Medicaid reform remains a challenge for the future and that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico poses a serious threat to Floridas environment and its economy.
Were hoping and praying that it wont be as bad as people are saying, he said, noting that future budgets in the Legislature could be shaped if the oil spill is as devastating as some predict.
Thrasher was hopeful that Gov. Crist would sign into law a measure passed by the Legislature in the last days of the session requiring ultrasounds be performed for pregnant women considering abortions in the first trimester.
It is a positive thing, said Thrasher, saying that the measure would protect women and unborn children. I hope the governor will evaluate it on the merits and not on politics.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or (850) 727-0859
