HERE'S PROOF YOU CAN'T TAKE TRADITIONAL SUPPORT FOR GRANTED

The state's second largest union which represents state employees, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), has long been seen as an organisation which supports the Democratic Party and it's candidates. Throughout the administration of Governor Jeb Bush, AFSCME has slammed his efforts at privatization among other policies. So one would think that it would endorse Democratic candidates for most statewide offices.

Surprise!

Union President Jeannette Wynn announced Thursday in Tallahassee that AFSCME is endorsing Republican Tom Lee of Brandon in his effort to become the next state Chief Financial Officer. The announcement also included a real shocker...if the state Senate President makes it through the primary challenges of State Representative Randy Johnson of Celebration and Milt Bauguess of Tallahassee, Wynn said the union would back Lee against Democrat Alex Sink of Tampa. This would actually put Governor Bush, who is supporting Lee, and the union which has bashed him on the same side.

Apparantly Ms. Sink made the critical mistake of missing the AFSCME's endorsement convention, moving Wynn to say that "We do not have a relationship with her, like we have with Tom Lee. We're endorsing him all the way."

Wynn also said that the union had a good relationship with Lee while he was Senate President, and that "he ran a fair process".

Just another reminder that you can never...never...NEVER take for granted your traditional support groups.