Young men and women working toward a future in politics got a pep talk Wednesday from Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville).
The old Senate chamber in Florida’s Historic Capitol is on the third floor, down a hall lined with portraits of former lawmakers. There are about 20 students decked out in suits or dresses waiting for the panel discussion to begin. It was supposed to be a family affair—former Senate President Don Gaetz and his son, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach).
But after spending some time with U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL26), Gaetz the younger came down with whooping cough and had to stay home under quarantine.
“They swabbed him, they sent the swabs to the public health people in our county, who said that Matt is quarantined,” Gaetz says. “So the bad news is Matt has whooping cough, but the good news is Matt is quarantined.”
Luckily for the audience, Gaetz was game to go it alone. The group is made up of graduate students in Florida State University’s Applied American Politics and Policy program. The track aims at preparing students for a career working in politics. Gaetz spent about an hour talking to them about policies like amendment one, and the major flash points from this year’s legislative session.
“There is absolutely nothing we did in the special budget session—nothing—that could not have been done in the regular session,” Gaetz says. “It was an entire waste of money, it was a waste of time, and I believe that having to have the special budget session was an admission of failure in the legislative process.”
Gaetz defends the Senate’s failed plan for Medicaid expansion—known as FHIX—but he says the chances for a similar proposal in the future are probably non-existent.
There’s speculation Gaetz might make a run for Congress, and while he was coy about the possibility, one thing’s certain: his time in the state Senate is coming to an end. And he knows exactly who he wants to take his place.
Student panelist Allison Edwards asks, “What do you hope that someone filling your place in the Senate would potentially bring to the chamber?”
After waiting a beat for effect, Gaetz answers, “My last name?”
“Matt is running for my Senate seat,” Gaetz continues, “every time he shakes my hand he takes my pulse.”
Among his advice for students was an emphasis on collegiality. Gaetz contrasted current leadership with his time as Senate President serving alongside former House Speaker Will Weatherford, urging the students to build trust with their colleagues whether or not they agree with them.
