Ballots and Blood by Ralph Reed Page B

Miller was irreplaceable. These are big shoes to fill. But I believe I’ve found the man who can fill them. Dolph Lightfoot was one of the most successful governors in the modern history of Florida. He has great experience, a remarkable breadth of policy knowledge, and he is a man of principle who is a consensus builder, not an ideologue.” Birch looked up from his notes, raising his chin. “I believe he is the most qualified person I could have chosen at this time to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming U.S. Senator Dolph Lightfoot.”
    Lightfoot shook Birch’s hand and bowed slightly at the waist in thanks. Birch gave an abbreviated bow of his own. “Thank you, Governor,” said Lightfoot, staring out at the faces wearing expressions ranging from shock to disbelief. Most assumed Lightfoot was enjoying retired life and had no interest in running again. “Let me first of all thank Governor Birch for the opportunity to serve the people of Florida again. As the governor said, no one can replace Perry Miller, and I will not even attempt to do so. But Perry and I were close friends, and we worked together over many years. I will work hard to live up to the example Perry set in his time in the Senate.”
    Cameras snapped, flashes exploded, and print reporters scribbled on steno pads. “While it is too early to lay out my legislative priorities, let me just say my main concerns will be economic growth and job creation, especially in the area of trade and tourism, which are so vital to our state. Second, given the looming specter of Iran’s nuclear weapons program, I will give high priority to national security. Assuming my appointment is certified by the secretary of state and I am seated in time, I will vote for the sanctions legislation currently pending before the Senate.” His words echoed off the stone walls of the Capitol, giving them an apparently increased gravity. “I also plan to request a seat on the Foreign Relations Committee, where I can contribute to the ongoing issues to which Senator Miller devoted his life. Let me say to the people of Florida how deeply honored I am by this opportunity. I look forward to serving them and earning their trust and support.”
    Lightfoot took two steps back, yielding to Birch. “Any questions?”
    â€œJust a few,” joked the Miami Herald to laughter. “Governor, by appointing a Republican, you have ensured the Senate now has only fifty-one Democrats. The GOP will likely gain control by picking up only one seat in November, assuming Vice President Whitehead breaks the tie. Given the speculation surrounding your seeking the presidency in the next election, did this factor at all into your calculus?”
    â€œI haven’t done calculus since college,” said Birch smoothly, cracking a relaxed smile. The reporters chuckled. “The short answer is no. This appointment was not influenced at all by partisan or political considerations. I appointed the best person to represent Florida in the Senate and that person is Dolph Lightfoot.”
    â€œSenator Lightfoot, what do you say to critics who say you’re too moderate?” asked AP.
    Lightfoot glowered defensively. “I was elected in my own right three times statewide, including governor twice,” he said, jutting out his jaw. “I think that says something about whether or not my views are in synch with the people of Florida. They were before and I think they are today.”
    â€œBut you previously criticized what you called ‘the extremist wing’ of the GOP,” said the St. Petersburg Times.
    â€œI think we need to focus on the issues voters care about. Right now that’s jobs and economic growth. I recommend we declare a temporary truce in the so-called culture wars and focus on putting people back to work.” Reporters scribbled the words furiously on their steno