GOP INFIGHTING --- MAYBE OVER 2008 SENATE PRESIDENCY --- KILLS CLASS SIZE REVERSAL MEASURE

Governor Bush's wish to reverse the constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2002 to limit class sizes seems to have died for this legislative session, thanks to Democratic lawmakers' efforts along with exploiting a Republican caucus which has been divided for much of the session.

Five of the six GOP state senators who voted against the measure just happen to be on the other side of bill sponsor State Senator Ken Pruitt (R - Port St. Lucie) in an intraparty battle over who should become Senate President two years from now.

The major players in that race are Senators Alex Villalobos (R - Miami) and Jeff Atwater (R - North Palm Beach). Pruitt, who will be the next Senate President, is supporting Atwater. It has been a bitter battle which has previously caused current Senate President Tom Lee (R - Brandon) to insist that the bickering stop during the 60-day legislative session. We are now thankful it didn't, as the voters' wishes will be upheld.