Tallahassee’s Class of 2007
Jul 2, 2007
Tallahassee’s Class of 2007
From the Sun-Sentinel
By Linda Kleindienst and Mark Hollis Tallahassee Bureau
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In Tallahassee’s Class of 2007, there were 10 senators and 25 House members representing Broward and Palm Beach counties. Some are Capitol veterans, several of whom occupy top legislative or party offices. Others are freshmen, occupying their chambers’ leather-upholstered seats for the first time.
Here is an evaluation of local lawmakers’ performance in the legislative process, reported and written by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reporters who observed them at work in committees, on the House and Senate floors, and behind the scenes.
The rating of each legislator’s involvement and effectiveness was based on attendance records and a review of the legislation and issues championed. Fellow lawmakers and Capitol observers also were consulted to grade members’ skills in debate and persuasiveness, their abilities to promote an agenda and their role in the Legislature’s leadership:
Head of the class
The Capitol’s undisputed masters. Includes members of the Republican Party’s inner circle who set state policy and drove the legislative agenda, and Democrats who could sway the process even though their party is in the minority.
Honor Roll
Republicans and Democrats – key players on committees and on the floor – who wield often-decisive influence on major issues.
Achiever
Veterans and freshmen who led on selective issues, helping to mold opinion and craft laws. They encouraged members of their parties to vote with them.
Stalwart
Party loyalists who looked out for their constituencies, passed some bills and secured state funding for local or pet projects.
Freshmen
First Elected in 2006, they continued to become accustomed to Capitol procedures and are still learning the ropes in Tallahassee. Some were active in committee work and floor debate and filed some legislative proposals.
Special mention
Eight legislators who helped make a difference