The Florida governor said his plan would actually increase access to jobs and education for minorities, and he ordered state agencies under his control to target minority-owned businesses for contracts. Still, several black leaders denounced the plan and warned they'd make Republicans pay. Rep. Corrine Brown, a Jacksonville Democrat, said at the time. No one showed much concern because blacks already vote heavily for Democrats. But now with the presidential race so close, some are wondering if blacks hold a key.
Political scientists doubt that anger over affirmative action is keeping the race close.
After all, most Floridians supported Bush's move, according to the most recent survey. Justin Sayfie, the governor's former spokesman, suggests people who opposed the plan misunderstood it. Sayfie said support for the plan has increased and some anger at the governor may be subsiding following recent announcements of increased minority hiring by state government. Another big question is whether some women, also affected by affirmative action, might be more inclined to vote against George W. Bush. Again, political scientists point out that many women who would support affirmative action would tend to vote Democratic anyway.