Let’s start with why Alex Sink? She is undeniably one of the Florida Democratic Party’s rising stars. She was the only Democrat to win statewide in 2006, and she did it with class and commitment of purpose.
First, if you don’t know, Alex Sink is married to Bill McBride, a Tampa lawyer, who himself ran for governor against Jeb Bush in 2002. The pair have two children, Bert and Lexi. Under Governor Chiles, she served on the Commission on Government Accountability to the People, working to make government more accessible, and for lack of better wording, accountable to the people of Florida. She also served on Chiles’ Commission on education. Alex has long been committed to public service, so it was no surprise when she ran for office in 2006.
But, not to get too far ahead, before running in 2006, Alex Sink served as President of Bank of America for seven years, managing the Florida branches. This is an accomplishment in and of itself; she was one of the highest and most powerful women in banking nationally.
So, when the open CFO seat came up in 2006, Alex Sink was naturally a perfect candidate. She beat Tom Lee 53.5% to 46.5%. She significantly outran Jim Davis throughout the state, even in his home county of Hillsborough, as well as in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. She also managed to win in conservative, rural counties, like Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jackson, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Putnam, Suwannee and Taylor.
So, why governor? Why should Alex Sink abandon her role as CFO – a job she has performed so well at – to run for governor? Well, for one, Charlie Crist needs to be ousted. The man is not a centrist. He’s a political opportunist, changing his positions constantly so that he remains popular. The problem is- this isn’t leadership. He can’t just follow the people; he needs to lead them.
Charlie Crist is vulnerable in 2010. You’ll be reading more about that here on draftalex.com. Although you may be skeptical, Alex has the make up to steal a lot of Crist voters that Davis lost. The tide of the state is also turning bluer by the election cycle.
Alex Sink is a true leader and manager and she has shown that as CFO. And as Governor she he best person to lead this state at a time when we need to improve our economy, our state finances, and move forward on important issues such as education and insurance.
Floridians must ask her to continue to be a voice of leadership in Tallahassee, not as CFO- but as Governor.
At the end of 2008, Alex Sink declined to run for either Governor or for the open Senate seat. Times though- they are changing. Governor Charlie Crist is openly considering running for the Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Mel Martinez, leaving the Governor’s mansion in need of a new resident. Could Alex Sink be persuaded to run? We hope so!
For another take on Alex’s political future, read this.
I would like to see her run also. I have tremendous respect for her and I remember her husband Bill…I actually help with his run for office years ago. I think Alex is bright and will be a welcomed entity
Run Alex Run!
I do believe that Bill Nelson also won a statewide office in Florida in 2006 and by a bigger margin than either Charlie Crist or Alex Sink.
I would rather see Sink run against Mel Martinez for US Senate in 2010. She is already considered the favorite in hypothetical match-ups.
Click to access PPP_Release_Florida701.pdf
This approach would set her up for a run for being the first woman elected president in 2016 (She would be 64, a little old, but very doable.)
If Sink did run for governor she would probably wait until 2014 when Crist was out. That could also be a stepping stone to president, but I think she could make better contacts in the senate.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2007/02/alex_sink_for_g.html
If you want someone to run against Crist in 2010 and still be able to tap into the same vibe as Obama in 2008 you might consider Mayor John Marks of Tallahassee.