Paula Dockery for governor?

State Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland: "Two weeks ago the thought of running for governor wasn't on my radar screen. It was my intention to examine a run for Putnam's Congressional seat. I was waiting until the session was over and the CSX issue was settled to discuss with Doc.

"Since then I have been surprised and flattered by numerous e-mails, phone calls and letters encouraging me to run. It's become very apparent that many Republicans want another choice in the governor's race by the interesting inquiries that I've been getting from people I respect in the process, and, more importantly, from voters along the I-4 corridor who were following the legislative session, many of whom I don't know.

"I am considering the governor's race as well as the congressional race."

Lucy Morgan, Times Senior Correspondent

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Comments

[Wants a better choice!]

Run Paula Run!!!

[whasup]

I'd have her as Governor over Mac the Dweeb any day.

[Is she high?]

Someone who can't even get one of her Senate colleagues to support her to lead her chamber thinks she should be Governor?

Where are the delusions coming from?

At least it would provide an opportunity to put all of her extra-curricular activities out for the public to judge.

[Catfight!!]

Let's guarantee a female the top spot!

[Ken Jennings]

Who are you? Never heard of you.

[Orlando Voter]

Paula should run for Governor!

[republican primary voter]

PLEASE RUN FOR GOV PAULA!

She isnt even laughable, I wouldnt waste the energy.

[Can't Wait to Get Paula Out of the Senate]

PLEASE RUN FOR GOVERNOR PAULA, PLEASE RUN PLEASE RUN.

[Can't Wait to Get Paula Out of the Senate]

PLEASE RUN FOR GOVERNOR PAULA, PLEASE RUN PLEASE RUN.

[Seriously?]

Go for it Paula, we need you in state government still!

[Democrat for Dockery]

It would be refreshing to have a governor that actually cared about the best interest of the citizens of the state of Florida over partisan politics or advancing his or her political career. Paula Dockery would be an excellent choice.

Listen, Senator Dockery. If you're done with being a Senator, serve your term and get out. Don't use a silly excuse like running for higher office as your exit strategy.

[ANGRY TAXPAYER!!!]

Certainly a better choice than any of the Republican males!

[fiscal conservative fan]

Run, Paula, Run is right! and Ken, ask CSX who Paula Dockery is. ask Big Sugar who Paula Dockery is.
Then ask Audobon who she is, or any other environmentally minded Floridian. Ask anyone who uses the park system,

Run, Paula Run is RIGHT!

[Please Run]

I would support Sen. Dockery, and I am a democrat. Her position on water and the environment have been right on, and she has what it takes to do the right thing. More politicians like Sen. Dockery are what we need - on BOTH sides of the isle.

[ginger]

Senator Dockery is a Republican that can truly represent Floridians. She has extensive legislative experience and is a consensus builder. She'd get votes from both sides of the aisle as well as a significant amount of independent votes, especially with her environmental background.

[Please Run]

I would support Sen Dockery for governor and i am a democrat.

[pippi]

Senator Dockery's district is made up of a big mix of Republicans, Democrats and Independent voters and her popularity continues to grow. Republicans need a strong woman who can lead the ticket and bring the party back together. She's young, probably the hardest working Senator in the chamber and very knowledge about all of the issues that face our great state.

[KIM]

Well, she sure got her Senate colleagues to support her in the fight against a boondoggle like the CSX welfare project (and in turn earned the respect of everyone across the state who would not have otherwise known her) I'd love to see her run for either office. We need her honesty in government. My only reservation is I shudder to see who would replace her in the Senate! RUN PAULA!!!!!!!!

[Bored?]

Paula must be bored since session is over, she's bloggin an awful lot today!

[ginger]

Even Governor Crist found Senator Dockery to be quite an effective legislator when he battled her on the bad CSX issue.

From The Lakeland Ledger 5/2/09

Crist, in the Capitol on Saturday to observe budget negotiations, complimented Dockery's parliamentary prowess.

"I thought it would be a great thing for Florida," Crist said. "But there is always another day and other ways of doing it.''

"Sen. Dockery is very effective," he added.

[annie]

Finally! This is the first candidate I have been excited about for the 2010 races. Someone who is not beholden to the special interests. Republicans can win again but they need to nominate smart candidates like Paula Dockery.

[Mary]

If Senator Dockery was to run for Govenor -that would be the only way I would vote Republican in the election-as a life long republican I am disgusted with the representation we have in Tallahassee w/Charlie and the most unhonoralble Just Dishonest Alexander-Senator Dockery would be a WONDERFUL govenor and I will support her 110%

[Vote Democrat - always]

I would support Paula if a qualified Democrat weren't running. Thankfully, Alex Sink beats any Republican on the issues I care about.

[vulcangal]

HEY 11:03

Senator Dockery isn't "done being a senator" nor is she using a potential run for governor "as a silly excuse for an exit strategy." She is considering running for Governor to give Republicans a better choice and to better the state.

[vulcangal]

HEY 11:03

Senator Dockery isn't "done being a senator" nor is she using a potential run for governor "as a silly excuse for an exit strategy." She is considering running for Governor to give Republicans a better choice and to better the state.

[ralph]

From what I know about Paula, so far she sounds like the best choice!

[annie]

Ditto Vulcangal!!!

[Anonymous]

I am a 40 something woman who is fed up with Gov. Christ and the Republican Party. I am fed up with the entire political process of "the boys club" up there. Quite frankly it is high time for a woman to take the lead as governor of Florida. And how refreshing to have a highly qualified woman in Paula Dockery to win that race and lead our state. Here you do have a seasoned politician who VERY well knows all the chicanery that goes on up in Tallahassee, is able to not only deftly circumvent it, but also STILL get the results she is after. A regular "David" vs Goliaths (CSX), one who fights FOR law enforcement, SMART rail expansion, a champion of the environment, my goodness-- is she not the most obvious choice??????

[Vote Democrat - always]

vulcangal: Republicans don't "better the state" - quite the opposite - they deregulate and slash taxes until the place becomes a polluted ghetto entirely owned by corporate interests.

[James P.]

Paula Dockery is the only candidate who can beat Alex Sink

[Rosemary Goudreau]

Paula Dockery is smart, inquisitive and puts the interests of citizens above all else. She’s a proven leader who, against all odds, got her colleagues to vote down the CSX deal despite the best efforts of leadership and moneyed interests. As the mother of Florida Forever, she’s a proven steward of the environment. As an advocate for open government, she has repeatedly challenged the backroom deals that overcharge taxpayers. Paula is an effective and principled leadership who would smartly guide Florida through the turbulence ahead. And she’s someone voters could get excited about!

[Happy Voter]

All I can say is "RUN PAULA RUN"!!!

[mamajamma]

Vote Democrat Always--

I disagree with ANYONE who will only vote for one party. I find it hard to believe that voting Democrat in EVERY single election or Republican in EVERY single election is a good idea. Sometimes people get the nod who are bad choices, so it's ok to SOMETIMES vote the other side of the aisle. If people could work together better, maybe our government would run a little more smoothly. Senator Dockery is a consensus builder. She's someone who has worked to better the interests of her constituents and our state. There are MANY Democrats and Independents who will vote for her because of her environmental championship and moderate views on some issues. She is certainly not the extreme right winger that Bill McCollum is.

[Central FL Voter]

After watching Dockery work the Senate this year and truly bring a bipartisan effort the defeat the bad Sunrail mayhem, I'd vote for her in a second. And donate money, and I don't part with my cash easily. I think the common man would win with her at the helm. Sorry Alex, you had my vote until Dockery came along.

[Republican]

Why didn't the RPOF think of her before annointing McCollum? Female vs. Female puts us in a good spot

[She is brilliant]

Paula Dockery is a master at manipulating the media. She has no intention of running for Governor. She is spreading the rumor to gain publicity and support for her congressional campaign.

[Honest John]

Don't be fooled by Paula's CSX dealings. She is squashing the deal until she can get a bigger cut of the pie. Paula is the Ronda Storms of Polk County -- crazy, bible-thumping, uber-crazy conservative. Let's please don't ever elect the idiot offspring of Ben Hill Griffin ever again.

[Check their votes.]

11:27 You are very wrong. Paula Dockery has a long legislative career and that means she has a long list of many VERY anti consumer votes. Ms. Dockery has suddenly become a pro-consumer advocate because her husband has a real interest in getting back at those who spoiled his high speed rail plans. Though they were good plans, many in the political world with power wanted their own deals where they made the money, and they did the power brokering on the deal. That deal was CSX. CSX was a very bad deal, but I must seriously question if Ms. Dockerys husband did not have a personal interest would she have fought it as she did. I don't think so. The reason I feel that way is because I have examined Ms. Dockerys legislative votes, they have almost always been with the big industries. She voted for many anti consumer bills and she has close personal relationships with industry lobbyist. I just don't feel as though she has been for the consumers until recently, and that issue, while it was a good fight, was in her own best interests. I do not think that Ms. Sink's campaign will overlook Dockerys many bad votes, some that I don't believe Dockery can easily explain away. Do your homework in this Governors election. Those who have backgrounds to research, research them. Don't be fooled. If you want a pro-consumer Governor, make sure that is what you are really getting. Does Dockery or Sink have a long history of being pro-consumer? Or is it just a recent position? Look for consistency and votes that reflect that consistency. Dockery seems to do the things that matter, with exception of CSX, after the real fight, and when she knows its the popular thing to do. Don't be fooled again. Look for a long standing, consistent, proven agenda. Or you may wind up with the same thing you are trying to get rid of.

[duh]

Paula is NOT related to Ben Hill Griffin. JD ALEXANDER is related to Ben Hill Griffin.

Paula is also not Bible thumping nor uber conservative.

[beth gosnell]

Honest John? You may be the idiot if you think Paula is related to Ben Hill Griffin....
but she has been to the stadium that has his name on it!

[Anonymous]

Well, Honest John, maybe you should take a genealogy course. Paula Dockery is no kin to Ben Hill Griffin Jr. That would be idiot JD Alexander to you.

Paula's position on CSX is honest and true. There is no "bigger cut of the pie."

She is neither ultra conservative or a bible thumper. Actually, she is a moderate capable of seeing both sides of an issue. A true rarity these days. She is not motivated by personal gain either. Very refreshing.

As for a comparison to Ronda Storms -- am not seeing that either.

[Check their votes.]

11:40 She was not the reason Florida Forever was established. That was a leadership issue that was hers only because she was the chair of that committee responsible for that legislation. Where was she before that issue on the environment? Sovereign lands bill? Remember that one she did with Putnam? How many votes were anti environment before that one? Too many. Water law was mostly written by others way before Florida Forever. Horrible phone legislation, health care issues, education, even the man who was wrongly incarcerated for 20, she voted against him getting financial aid upon his release. She is a wealthy Republican who did not care about the consumers through most of her career. How does she explain that? A sudden pang of consumer advocacy? I don't think so.

[JD for King of Florida's water, NOT]

Let's see. Republican Speaker of the House Ray Sansom is indicted for a $6 million dollar deal in the panhandle because the FBI investigates and Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum, who should have been doing the investigation, did nothing.

J D Alexander Republican Chairman of Ways and Means, names himself King of Water, and again McCollum does nothing.

Republican Chairman of Transportation Appropriations leads his committee to give CSX hundreds of millions needlessly, and again McCollum does nothing.

Republican Governor Charlie Crist wines and dines with his CSX lobbyist buddy regularly, and again McCollum does nothing.

Perhaps when the FBI finishes investigating the whole bunch of Republicans in current state leadership then Dockery will be unopposed for the Republican slot.

Either she or Alex Sink will need to spend the first year as Governor cleaning up all the "good old boy" high jinks anyway.

So go for it Senator Dockery, we need to guarantee we'll have someone with ethics at the top of State government to clean up the mess these "little boys" made, anyway, if the Feds don't beat you or Alex to it first.

[conserv]

Paula Dockery is the best thing that could happen for this state!

[Paula, oh , I mean a interested person who loves Paula]

I am the greatest. I did everything good. No one else can be as smart or as great for this state as I am. I couldn't care less about the people before these boys made my husband spend all his money fighting for his wonderful high speed rail. I am the savinggrace of the Republican party and no one else can do all I can do. I can beat everyone and I am the greatest. I am the one who saved the state and I am the only one who can win at anything. Everyone loves me ans only me. Me Me Me, I I I, the best thing since sliced white bread.

[Paula is not for Florida]

this is a total joke! Who does she think she is? All for Paula, she is for the rail when her hubby could make money and the fought it like crazy to get even with those who had a better plan. The I-4 HATE Paula and will work hard so that she never get elected to anything!

[Dont fall for it.]

Where was Paula for the first 10 years of her legislative career? Check and you will find out.

[5]

Paula, you should really think about the things that will come out if you think you are the one to be Governor. Many votes. Pictures of you partying with the lobbyist like Beth and so many others. Don't think CSX will cover you for those things. Lay low and be cool