There are challenges for the Democrats as well. There is no obvious choice to challenge Bush in 2002. Graham says he is happy in the Senate. Attorney General Bob Butterworth says he has no interest in running. That means Democrats will have to turn to a younger generation that has not established itself.
Democrats say the election saga has generated enormous enthusiasm among their ranks.
I received more e-mails and more phone calls in the last two weeks than in my 13 years of public office. I've never seen this kind of energy. Now that energy will have to be transferred from anger and frustration over the presidential race into an issue-oriented agenda that will appeal to voters. Bill McBride, outgoing chairman of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, used his farewell speech before 1,400 business leaders Wednesday to offer some advice to fellow Democrats after the post-election battle. We are better than Republicans.