Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart was shocked reading the text message from Ander Crenshaw, his mentor and Florida colleague, a couple of days ago.
U.S. Sen. John Boozman said he was sad when he received the call from his Northeast Florida friend of almost 15 years.
Crenshaw, the eight-term congressman representing much of Northeast Florida, told them he had decided to retire. He wouldn’t seek re-election this fall, he publicly announced Wednesday.
“It’s just time,” Crenshaw said in an interview.
Colleagues he’s come to know so well over the years said his departure will be felt.
“This is such a huge loss for our country,” said Diaz-Balart, still sounding shocked Wednesday evening.
Crenshaw was “tough as nails,” said Diaz-Balart, but always the absolute gentleman.
Crenshaw was never a guy who tried to always be on television with a fiery speech or hurl insults at others. Instead, Diaz-Balart said he was someone “who just got things done,” whether it was keeping U.S. Navy assets in Northeast Florida or spearheading legislation for people with disabilities.
Diaz-Balart said Crenshaw was a mentor and valuable teacher to him. The two have served together in Florida and Washington, D.C.
Crenshaw’s public service included several terms in the Florida House in the 1970s before returning to the private sector.
He served in the Florida Senate from 1986-94, a stretch when Diaz-Balart served stints in both sides of the state Legislature.
When Crenshaw began his run in Congress in 2001, Diaz-Balart wasn’t far behind, arriving in 2003.
He often sought Crenshaw out for advice while in Washington and Crenshaw was always willing to provide it.
He said he’s personally happy for Crenshaw and his family. But to lose a teacher and mentor?
“I’m devastated,” he said.
Boozman, the longtime congressman and senator from Arkansas, also had mixed emotions when Crenshaw broke the news to him. Like Diaz-Balart, Boozman considered Crenshaw a mentor who has helped him since he was first elected to Congress a year after Crenshaw.
“He taught me you get a lot done if you don’t care who gets the credit,” said Boozman, who was elected to the Senate in 2010.
The two serve as House and Senate counterparts, who chair their respective Financial Services and General Services subcommittee, meaning they’re often working together. And outside of the politics, the two frequently dine out, although their tastes differ.
“I’m more of a quantity guy,” said Boozman, with a laugh. “He’s more of a quality guy.”
Yet, the two do agree on Shake Shack, the popular burgers and fries chain.
In January, Boozman will lose his friend and dining partner when Crenshaw steps away from public office.
“He’s really going to be missed,” said Boozman. “He’s been a great example to all of us.”
Crenshaw said Wednesday it’s those types of relationships he’ll miss more, much more so than process of Washington politics. He said he made the decision to not seek re-election over the spring break period. After talking to his wife, Kitty, about the future, he decided it was time.
“It was a pretty easy decision,” said Crenshaw.
He said he was thankful for the opportunity to serve and make a difference.
Former Mayor John Peyton knows Crenshaw quite well, serving eight years in City Hall during the first part of Crenshaw’s time in Congress.
“He’s always been enormously effective and available,” said Peyton.
Some of that value can be seen in Crenshaw’s strong relationship with the U.S. Navy.
Peyton said Crenshaw helped protect Northeast Florida’s military presence and actually made the region a net winner during a stressful round of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission decisions on military restructuring.
“I doubt anyone in Congress has a better relationship with the Navy than Ander Crenshaw,” said Peyton.
Like others, Peyton said he was “shocked” to hear the news Wednesday.
Diaz-Balart, Boozman and Peyton all noted Crenshaw’s sense of humor, too.
Peyton said it was evident when former President George W. Bush visited Jacksonville during the 2000s.
Peyton said he and Crenshaw would ride with Bush during his visits to town, but the former president couldn’t quite pronounce Crenshaw’s first name — it sounded more like “Onder.”
It’s a running gag that has stuck. Peyton still calls Crenshaw “Onder” at times, which usually elicits a smile.
“He’s certainly going to be missed,” said Peyton.
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Early names to seek seat
With U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw announcing his retirement from public service, it opens the field for suitors seeking to represent Northeast Florida in Washington, D.C.
As news broke Wednesday, several names started emerging and falling.
Some of them are:
• Jerry Holland, Jacksonville property appraiser. Holland said he was interested, but would make a decision by next week on whether to run. He would not have to step down from being property appraiser to seek the congressional spot.
• Michael Corrigan, Jacksonville tax collector. Corrigan said he would make a decision in the next two to three days. Like Holland, he wouldn’t have to quit his current job.
• John Rutherford, retired Jacksonville sheriff. Several reports have him being interested.
• University of North Florida John Delaney said this morning he would not run for Crenshaw's seat.
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