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Bilirakis succession not automatic

The state representative's run for his father's congressional seat may become a contest between GOP factions.

By CANDACE RONDEAUX
Published January 19, 2005

PALM HARBOR - It's official. Nearly a year after state Rep. Gus Bilirakis declared his desire to take his father's place in Congress, the Palm Harbor Republican has filed papers with the Federal Election Commission to run.

"It's going to be a grass roots campaign, and we're going to put a good organization together," Bilirakis said Monday.

But now that Bilirakis is officially in the starting blocks, the race for the congressional slot appears to be heating up.

Former state Sen. John Grant said Monday he's giving "very strong consideration" to a run. Grant, a Tampa attorney, hasn't filed any official paperwork yet, but he said he told his potential rival he's pretty sure he'll run for the seat in 2006.

"I think people want experience. I think they want maturity," said Grant, 61. "I think people realize a seat in Congress is something you earn and not something you inherit."

Grant's interest in the race could set up a contest between two factions of the Republican Party. Bilirakis has built a reputation as a low-key, moderate with roots in Tarpon Springs, while Grant's base comes from religious conservatives in the northern Tampa suburbs.

Grant, a Carrollwood resident, said he expects to draw much of his support from Hillsborough and Pasco counties, where he was a state senator from 1986 to 2000. Grant's strong ties there could be a boon because Hillsborough and Pasco account for the majority of House District 9's roughly 640,000 residents.

The district, which also includes part of Pinellas County, was redrawn in 2002.

Grant gained notoriety after he criticized the University of South Florida student government for inviting gay Olympic diver Greg Louganis to speak. Grant's successful bid to cut state funding to local radio station WMNF-FM 88.5 in 1997 also generated controversy.

"I know the Bilirakis name means something, but I think the Grant name means something as well," Grant said.

Bilirakis' father, U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis, R-Tarpon Springs, has served in Congress since 1982. In his last race in 2004, he easily defeated a write-in candidate. Early last year, the elder Bilirakis said this term would be his last, leaving his U.S. House seat open in 2006.

The Bilirakis name apparently means a lot to some high-profile Republicans. Former Florida Republican Party executive director Randy Enwright and Washington pollster David Sackett have signed on to his campaign, Bilirakis said.

Bilirakis' team will likely work hard in the months leading up to the Republican primary.

Besides Grant, state Sen. Victor Crist, former state Sen. Jack Latvala and former Florida House Speaker Johnnie Byrd are often mentioned as possible contenders. Latvala could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but early last year he said he hadn't made a decision about whether to run. Neither Crist nor Byrd could be reached Tuesday afternoon.

Whoever runs against Bilirakis will want to check their campaign finance accounts. He has drummed up support from a few heavy-hitters, including New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner associate Philip A. McNiff said the sports mogul hasn't made a contribution to the campaign yet, but he confirmed that Steinbrenner recently sent Bilirakis a letter of support.

"George, knowing the family and particularly the father, said he applauds the son's effort to continue his father's good work," McNiff said.

St. Petersburg College president Carl Kuttler said he'll also support the state legislator. Kuttler is grateful to Bilirakis for helping pass legislation that made it possible for the college to offer four-year degrees.

"I will write my checkbook to the maximum that I can," Kuttler said.

Bilirakis, 41, was first elected to the Legislature in 1998 and was re-elected last year. He can't run again because of term limits.

Bilirakis' soon-to-be-open seat in District 48 has already led to some political jockeying in Pinellas County.

Tarpon Springs City Commissioner Peter Nehr, Palm Harbor Fire Commissioner Ken Peluso, and Palm Harbor resident and political newcomer Christopher Schlenker have all officially registered to run.

District 48, which includes parts of East Lake, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Clearwater and Pasco County also attracted the attention of former Clearwater City Commissioner Ed Hooper last year.

But Hooper said Monday he has switched districts, moving his campaign to District 50, where he hopes to replace outgoing state Rep. Kim Berfield, R-Clearwater, who will run for the state Senate.

Staff writer Nora Koch and researcher Cathy Wos contributed to this story. Candace Rondeaux can be reached at 727 771-4307 or rondeaux@sptimes.com

[Last modified January 19, 2005, 00:33:17]