Jim King: Contender for State-Wide Office?
Chris Pratt-Dannals '05
If by some mishap Mel Martinez withdraws from the race for Florida’s Senate seat, GOP supporters should not fear: they have a superior candidate waiting in the wings. Well, maybe “waiting in the wings” is a bit strong. “Looking forward to retirement” might be a better description. But the fact remains that Jim King, Republican from Jacksonville and the current President of the Florida State Senate, has strong potential to climb the political ladder into national politics, whether he wants to or not.
After his 1960s service in the Coast Guard, King used his MBA from Florida State University to start a personnel recruiting firm in Jacksonville. (Rushing, 2004, National) More than thirty years later he is a self-made millionaire, owner of four incorporated businesses, and a successful state politician. Outgoing and gregarious, a big teddy bear of a man, King has the natural personal skills to match his business acumen— a potent combination for the fund-raising and campaigning challenges of state-wide elections. (Saunders, 2002)
Over the past two years, as President of the State Senate, King has developed strong name recognition state-wide. On issues ranging from the state budget to Medicare, from constitutional amendments to transportation, people listen when King speaks, if for no other reason than he has the power to eliminate bills he considers ill-advised. Newspaper coverage of his leadership has been plentiful, and he enjoys personal relationships with the mover and shakers of Florida politics. (Kallestad, 2003)
During his lengthy political career, including thirteen years in the House of Representatives and five years in the Senate, King has built a reputation as an independent-minded, moderate Republican. In a state-wide race, this could be a huge advantage with swing voters. High level Democrats have lauded King’s leadership style, praising him as “a reasonable voice among unreasonable people. He doesn’t put party politics above public priorities.” (Pope, 2003) And despite his “pro-business, fiscally conservative record,” he has won support from social advocates. (Rushing, 2004, National)
Indeed, King’s willingness to compromise has strained his relationship with conservative Republicans. Last year’s debate over medical malpractice, in which King stood up to his party’s leadership (including Governor Jeb Bush) and fierce criticism in his own district, greatly tested his personal resolve. However, Mike Hightower, the Duval County Republican party president, has said repeatedly that King is top on their list for re-election. “Are there people in the party who still don't like him? Probably. But will the party support him? Yes. I am chairman of the party, and this chairman is not going to look for anyone to run against him.” (Rushing, 2004, Metro) So it seems that for now, the ball is in King’s court.