Clinton signs Everglades law
Copyright 2000 Reuters
December 11, 2000
By Randall Mikkelsen
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush beat his brother George W. Bush back to the Oval Office today.
While the U.S. Supreme Court was hearing a case expected to decide whether Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush wins this year's presidential election, his brother Jeb was at the White House representing Florida at a bill-signing ceremony.
Both men spent considerable time in the White House while their father, George Bush, was president from 1989-93, but it has been two terms since Republicans have frequented the Oval Office.
President Clinton, who defeated the senior Bush, signed a bill funding restoration of the Florida Everglades, in an event closed to the press.
"Jeb Bush was invited with the rest of the Florida delegation," White House spokeswoman Christine Anderson said.
Once considered the Bush family's next best chance at the presidency, Jeb Bush is at the center of a political and legal storm over Florida's close vote in last month's election.
The Texas governor counted on his younger brother to deliver the state and its 25 electoral votes. But a close vote in Florida has led to a recount battle in which the campaign of Democrat Al Gore is seeking to overcome a razor-thin deficit and emerge with the presidency.
After the ceremony, the Florida governor tried to steer clear of politics. "We're here to talk about something that is going to be long-lasting way past counting votes," Jeb Bush said.
However, referring to the legislation, he added, "In an era, or in a time when people are focused on politics and there is a little acrimony ... this is a good example of how in spite of all that, bipartisanship is still alive."
He said he and Clinton did not discuss the election.
Democrats have criticized Jeb Bush for using his office to support his brother in the Florida recount battle, on which the presidency now hangs.
The new law funds U.S. Army Corps of Engineering projects, including the initial $1.4 billion installment of a $7.8 billion, 30-year plan to rehabilitate Florida's dying Everglades.
Ray Sullivan, a spokesman for George W. Bush, described the appearance by Jeb Bush as clearly in line with his duties as governor.
"They've both been there before and clearly (the appearance) has nothing to do with any of the other newsworthy events going on in Florida and with the Supreme Court," Sullivan said.