Interviews: Politicians

Abstract

One of the more intriguing but often overlooked controversies during the Florida recount resulted from a much criticized decision by the Republican-dominated Florida House of Representatives. Under the direction of House Speaker Tom Feeney, the state legislature decided that they would vote in favor of the 25 Bush electors certified by Katherine Harris on November 26, regardless of any court decision or recount results. Feeney, like many other Republicans, feared that the delayed and chaotic recount could reverse the initial tally, thus sending Al Gore to the White House. In the end, this controversial move proved unnecessary, as the U.S. Supreme Court, on December 12, issued Bush v. Gore only a few hours after the legislature voted 79–41 to appoint the Bush electors. Feeney, now a focal point for the world media, based his decision on Article II, Section I, of the United States Constitution, which gave plenary power over elections to the state legislatures, not the courts.