Crist and Davis meet again

Charlie Crist and Jim Davis attended a gathering of the Florida congressional delegation Friday in what was likely the first meeting between the former opponents since the election.

Crist, the state's newly elected governor and featured guest, was greeted with handshakes and pats on the back. Davis was one of 17  Florida House members who attended, along with U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez.

When Davis walked in a couple minutes late, Crist got up from his seat at the head of the table, walked over to him and shook his hand.

"Jim was a worthy opponent,'' Crist said. "It was tough and spirited campaign and I appreciate the way you comported yourself throughout it. You are a gentlemen and a great public servant."

Davis responded: "I feel the same way, Charlie. I look forward to helping you succeed." His colleagues gave his a round of applause.

Even without the Crist-Davis drama, there were several other memorable moments from the last Florida delegation meeting of the 109th Congress which is set to adjourn Friday.

* Rep. Corrine Brown trying to speak after Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart but being interrupted by his brother, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, the next member scheduled to speak. "You think you can go next because he's your brother?" she asked. (We assume she was joking but she sure didn't sound like it and with her you just never know.) Mario Diaz-Balart let her speak.

* A late Rep. Katherine Harris standing in the hall, trying to get in through a locked door. She was able to slip in another door when Martinez left early to vote.

* Rep. C.W. Bill Young's kind words about all the departing House colleagues - Mike Bilirakis, Katherine Harris, Clay Shaw and, of course, Jim Davis. (There was no mention of former Rep. Mark Foley.) 

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MARCUS MAKES APOLOGY

The man who approached PB County Commish Karen Marcus about her interest in becoming soon-to-be Gov. Charlie Crist's secretary of the Department of Community Affairs wasn't acting in an official capacity and isn't a part of the Crist transition team.

High-octane lobbyist and former DCA big Paul Bradshaw told Page Two on Thursday that he asked Marcus to consider it because he wanted to give the incoming administration "the greatest number of opportunities in selecting leaders."

"I'm an enthusiastic supporter of Charlie Crist, and I want to help," he said. "But when Karen said she wasn't interested, I never discussed her with the Crist folks."

Transition boss George Lemieux, however, heard Marcus had told friends and reporters about the call, and reportedly threw a fit after an ink-stained wretch at The Palm Beach Post inquired about a possible Marcus appointment.

"I did get a call from George during the commission meeting Tuesday," a sheepish Marcus said. "I apologized to him. But this whole thing was blown out of proportion. I'm hoping it won't put me in bad standing with the administration. I'm a Crist supporter."

It figures that this was the day that Jim Davis decides to show up for Congress.

show up late that is

Marcus for dca? Looks shady. Isnt she invovled in that land deal scandal in palm bch. Why would Crist want her?