by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Despite recent medical setbacks, colleagues and local political insiders say Supervisor of Elections John Stafford will return.
Stafford, a diabetic, had a heart attack and surgery in mid-March. Following a discharge and a stay at Brooks Rehabilitation, however, he was readmitted to Memorial Hospital Friday following what is being called a “dizzy spell.”
“I’m very confident he’ll return, very confident,” said local Republican Party chair Mike Hightower. “He’s frustrated because I know he wants to be back.
“He’s been making wonderful progress during his recovery, but was just feeling a little dizzy and he got it checked out. That’s it.”
Hightower and others said Stafford, now serving in his second four-year term, has no plans of resigning.
According to Florida Statutes, Stafford could be removed via a gubernatorial decree providing he is found “ ... incompetent (or) permanently unable to perform official duties ...”
Elections spokesperson Erin Moody said Stafford is in daily contact with the office.
“Very little has changed,” she said. “He is not here physically, but he remains in close contact and is still the primary decision maker in this office.
“He’s able to do the job.”
Added Hightower, “He has a will of steel and this party chair supports him completely in those efforts. I have faith in him.”
Hightower added Stafford has even mentioned making another run for office in 2007.
Political consultant Michael Munz, also a close friend of Stafford’s, agreed another term was likely.
“I don’t see why not,” said Munz. “John has done a very good job in that office and people recognize and admire him for that. Aside from some purely partisan attacks, there’s no other reason.”
“Based on his performance and abilities he could win again.”
However, some speculation has taken place concerning who might want the high paying, high profile job if it were to become vulnerable or available.
Hightower and Munz said they have heard of “no such conversations.”
“I’m sure there are some people out there who might be thinking about it,” said Jason Teal, a City attorney who has worked with Stafford’s office. “You have some local politicians, including 11 City Council members, who are in their last term.
“I think it’s a safe assumption that some of them don’t think their political careers are over yet.”
Teal declined to speculate further.
“Anything’s possible, but that’s not this office’s primary concern,” said Moody. “We won’t speculate on that.
“John will be back.”