Sun-Sentinel

Even Democrats admit Reno can't win

Buddy Nevins

May 26, 2001

Janet Reno for governor? The news she is considering a run has some Democrats quietly muttering, "Gimme a break!"

The fact that Democrats are talking seriously about Reno highlights their problem: They have nobody with a name to run for governor next year.

Pete Peterson is another Democrat who wants to knock off Gov. Jeb Bush. Who's he? He's the ambassador to Vietnam and a Vietnam War hero. But he is practically unknown outside of his Panhandle home.

Lois Frankel, the Democratic state House leader from West Palm Beach, also wants a shot at Bush. She's a liberal with a thick New York accent, which sells among voters north of here about as well as Brie and white wine sell in Yeehaw Junction.

There are several other potential candidates sniffing around, but they also are little known across Florida.

So far Reno appears to be the biggest name Democrats can come up with. Candidate Reno, the attorney general under Bill Clinton who was once Miami-Dade County's chief prosecutor, would gain the Democrats what they need most: money and attention.

She excites some Broward Democrats and Reno already has an appearance scheduled here to gauge her appeal. She will speak to a Broward Bar banquet June 19.

But amid all this excitement, if you pull Democratic leaders aside, they concede that Reno can't win. She has more baggage than an airport luggage handler.

Waco turns many off. Her connection to Clinton doesn't help in most of Florida. The FBI was a mess of scandals and poor administration during her tenure. And don't forget Elián.

At this juncture, Reno has a better chance of becoming a regular on Saturday Night Live than moving into the governor's mansion.

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2001

Answers

Well. I sure hope that's right. But then I couldn't see how Hillary could win in New York.

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2001