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McCollum: I’ve got Jeb

Posted Nov 3, 2009 by William March

Updated Nov 3, 2009 at 10:43 AM

Bill McCollum’s immediate reponse to Paula Dockery’s announcement that she’ll run against him in the GOP primary for governor is to send out a news release trumpeting his backing by former Gov. Jeb Bush.

It’s no surprise that Bush is now backing McCollum against her. Bush hosted a fundraiser for McCollum in June.

At one time—in the 1990s—Dockery’s husband, Doc Dockery, was one of Bush’s most important supporters. But in recent years, there’s been little love lost between Bush and the Dockerys.

In the last session of the Legislature, Paula Dockery led the fight against the state’s deal with CSX for a commuter rail line that Bush engineered as governor. In 2000 and 2004, Doc Dockery spent millions promoting a state commuter rail line in opposition to Bush’s efforts.

“I am proud to support my friend Bill McCollum as Florida’s next governor,” said a statement by Bush, which the McCollum campaign just sent out.  “At this critical time in our state’s history, we need a chief executive who will meet our challenges head on and stay true to the core conservative principles of limited government, fiscal discipline and the protection of liberty tempered by personal responsibility.

“Bill McCollum is a tested and accomplished leader who will tackle the tough decisions with the commitment and focus expected from the CEO of government in the nation’s fourth largest state.  Florida needs Bill McCollum, and I will work hard to ensure he is elected our next Governor.”