| Senator Paula Dockery (R., Lakeland) is wowing the legislature with her knowledge of the "high speed" rail issue, and her political acumen in outmanuvering Senate President Jeff Atwater (R. North Palm Beach). In an earlier diary, I predicted something very similar to happen in her upcoming race against Attorney General Bill McCullom (R., Orlando) for Governor, next year. But, she is not the first Republican woman with extraordinary law making skills. I mention in my book, The Golden Years...The Florida Legislature, '70s and '80s, my honor to have served with Senator Mary Grizzle (R., Belleair) and Senator Toni Jennings (R., Orlando). Senator Grizzle had seniority dating back to her years in the House, starting in 1963. I worked very closely with Mary on the Committes dealing with the environment and social issues. Senator Jennings was a history setting Senate President, serving two terms. She also served with distinction as Lieutenant Governor under Governor Jeb Bush (R., Florida). All three Senators had one thing in common--they have served the public very effectively. |
