Former Gov. Kirk interested in U.S. Senate appointment, joining McCollum’s ticket
by Michael C. Bender | August 12th, 2009
The Floridian who cleared a path for Republicans to retake the governor’s mansion wants to find a way back into politics.
Former Gov. Claude Kirk, who in 1966 became the first Republican elected governor in Florida since Reconstruction, wants to be considered in the list Gov. Charlie Crist will choose from to appoint the state’s next U.S. senator.
Crist has said he will choose a replacement for Sen. Mel Martinez, who announced his resignation Friday, before the end of the month.
Kirk, an 83-year-old West Palm Beach resident, also said he would like to be the running mate for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum.
“I would be a voice that people listen to a little bit more because I bring a little more of a humorous approach,” Kirk said Wednesday.
(Read a great profile of Kirk we published in 2002 here.)
Asked about his health, the colorful Kirk said he was feeling “great” and planned to live until he was 112.
Kirk, who as governor once floated the idea of housing prisoners in decommissioned Navy ships, said he would be a strong voice of opposition to President Obama, a Democrat. Kirk said no Republican in Congress has properly filled the rival role.
“We’ve got a lot of people who don’t draw a crowd,” Kirk said.
Crist has refused to acknowledge the names of anyone he might appoint.
“I doubt that it would be somebody that I don’t know,” Crist said.
Tags: appointments, Claude Kirk
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August 12th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Good Heavens! While I wish for nothing but the best for former Gov. Kirk, in my opinion he was an awful governor, and should simply enjoy his retirement and not punish the citizens of Florida any longer. And, as for standing up to President Obama, what is needed is for more people to actually LISTEN to what the president is saying, rather than parroting inflamitory sound bytes from the ultra-conservative right wingnuts.
August 12th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I have seen the newspaper accounts of the “Crist” list and am dissappointed with all the political hacks.
Today, I suggested to the governor that Ken Plante be the appointee.
Ken Plante was an excellent Senator from the Orlando area, who introduced and passed legislation for people with disabilities. As the pro bono lobbyist, I found his door open every day. He currently is a Tallahssee lobbyist, and is respected by all of the lobbyists and current and past legislators.
As a republican in a democrat controlled senate he was successful. His ability to reach across the aisle has never been matched. When the democrats asked for a rule interpetation they turned to Senator Plante. This senator took the time to read the Senate Rules, and was the last word on the rules.
At this stage of his successful lobbying practice, we will have to twist his arm to accept the position. But we would get the finest of the finest people in Florida, and someone who cares about Florida and not himself and the rest of his career.
Denny R. Wood - dignity4@comcast.net
August 14th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
[...] additional applications. He said in an interview this week that he would eventually consider “about seven” [...]
August 27th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
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The Floridian who cleared a path for Republicans to retake the governors mansion wants to find a way [...]…