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The Annual Governor's Luncheon

Main course at luncheon? It's politics

Nevermind that the governor didn't attend, the event at the state fairgrounds is a must for movers and shakers.

By BILL VARIAN
Published February 15, 2005

TAMPA - A Hillsborough County tradition played out across from the Buck n Bum Western Outfitters at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Monday, and it had little to do with bumper cars or funnel cakes.

Nearly a thousand of Hillsborough County's most prominent citizens gathered for an annual rite of spring known as the Governor's Luncheon. Almost every politician in town - past, present and aspiring - was there to grip and grin.

Down the main concourse, two sea lions performed handstands and tossed Frisbees for raw fish. Afterward, State Attorney Mark Ober slipped down the concourse for a corn dog, his own tradition.

"I have to make sure that when they advertise that they're 6 inches, that they're really 6 inches," said Ober, with mock seriousness. "And that the 12-inchers are really 12 inches."

Through nearly four decades, the Governor's Luncheon has staked its place as one of Hillsborough's must-attend political events. Together with the Florida Strawberry Festival luncheon each year, it serves as a reminder of Tampa's small-town roots.

"There are certain events that develop an aura about them because they're part of the fabric and history of our community," said Florida Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon. "What makes the Masters (golf tournament) the Masters? You just know it when you feel it."

Ostensibly, the luncheon celebrates the fair, now in its 101st year. It's also when the Tampa Metro Civitan Club presents its annual Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.

Just don't tell the politicians that.

It seemed as if the only one not present Monday was the governor himself, who is not unknown to take a pass in nonelection years. But there were several stand-ins from all walks of political life.

No governor? No sweat. Former Gov. and Tampa Mayor Bob Martinez was on hand to greet arrivals, along with his wife, Mary Jane. He joked that this was her Valentine's Day gift.

"Aren't I lucky?" Mrs. Martinez joked back.

U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, D-Tampa, who announced last week that he is running for governor in 2006, received encouragement as he worked the crowd. He looked on as Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, also expected to run for governor, gave an address that left little doubt that he would.

"Any time you have 1,000 people gathered in one place, you want to be here," Gallagher said before his speech. During the speech, he mentioned that he hopes to return for the luncheon "for the next 10 years or so."

U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, sported a Gator-orange tie. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio posed for a picture with Buddy Johnson, who has succeeded her as Hillsborough County's supervisor of elections.

People pumped hands, inquired about loved ones and talked earnestly, no matter the topic.

They filed through a line that wrapped around the inside of an exhibition hall for steamed vegetables, rice, chicken and beef. They sat down at nearly 100 tables.

State Rep. Bob Henriquez, D-Tampa, who is mulling a run for the congressional seat that Davis is vacating, dined with the masses. So did Hillsborough Commissioner Tom Scott, who is thinking about running for the same seat.

"If you look down the line, you will see all of the movers and shakers in Tampa and Hillsborough County are here," said Scott, who hasn't missed the event in at least eight years.

A telling absence was that of consultant Frank Sanchez. The one-time Tampa mayoral candidate confirmed that he will not seek Davis' seat.

Others still hoping to get elected, or those who have been dethroned, put in appearances. They ranged from former House Speaker Johnnie Byrd to Arlene Waldron, who has sought seats in the state House and on the Hillsborough commission, so far without success.

Joe Robinson, who has made several runs for office but has yet to land his first, nevertheless pressed flesh with the best, just in case.

"This is a mandatory must-show if you're a real politician. That's why I'm here," said Robinson. "It's like a family reunion of politicians."

For Ober, the Hillsborough state attorney, it was his second visit to the fair this week. He also performed an inspection of games there.

As with the first visit, he loaded up on fair food - corn dogs, caramel apples, fudge, cinnamon buns and more corn dogs. He laid it all out for his staff when he returned.

"It was beautiful," he said.

[Last modified February 15, 2005, 05:37:43]