REMEMBERING LAWTON CHILES

Lakeland Ledger political columnist Bill Rufty waxes reminicient today about the late Governor/U.S. Senator Lawton Chiles, Jr. as the prospects of his son, Lawton III, running for governor are increasing.

Lawton was one of the last "Florida Cracker" politicians, and Rufty's column this morning remembers some of the interesting tales that have become part of his legacy. It's good reading, and you're likely to get a laugh out of it as well.

Rufty also mentions that State Senator Paula Dockery (R - Lakeland) was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Friends of Florida State Parks. For those who may not be aware, her husband is C.C. "Doc" Dockery, a wealthy citrus/cattleman who was the driving force behind the high speed rail amendment, and who spent over a million dollars from his own pocket to get it passed. Needless to say, his once very close relationship with Jeb! went into the crapper real quick after the governor came out against the amendment and worked to kill it.