by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
BlueCross BlueShield of Florida executive Mike Hightower summed up the logic behind resigning last night as chairman of the local Republican Party with two words: “It’s time.”
Hightower took over the local GOP in September 2003 when then-chairman Tom Slade resigned. In December of 2004, he was elected to his first full term and re-elected to a second two-year term this past December. Hightower offered several reasons for stepping down, but at the top of his list is his obligation to his employer.
“What I get paid to do is my No. 1 priority and I have done that proudly for the last 26 years,” said Hightower, who joined BCBS in 1981 as its director of governmental and legislative relations. Four years later, he was promoted to vice president. “That means something in Tallahassee to represent BlueCross BlueShield.”
Hightower also cited the major turnover coming in the Duval Delegation in the next year or so due to term limits. Distancing himself from the GOP leadership is the best thing for his company as the make-up of the future Delegation is in question.
“You can’t stay neutral when the most important thing is (doing a good job for) BlueCross BlueShield,” said Hightower. “Our Delegation has always been a huge supporter of BlueCross BlueShield. I have to be involved in who replaces those six and the chairman of the party has to stay neutral.”
In calling it “time” Hightower also pointed to the fact the party has been incredibly active since he took over the chairmanship in 2003. Hightower said in the 44 months he’s been chair, he has been actively involved in eight elections and helped the local Republican Party raise over $1.3 million for GOP candidates.
“We are the envy of every Republican Executive Committee in the Southeast United States,” said Hightower. “Team Florida (Duval, Baker, Nassau, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler counties) has done everything asked of it.”
Hightower’s resignation will take effect July 2, the day after Mayor John Peyton and Sheriff John Rutherford are sworn in for second terms. The next chair may be in place by then, but Hightower has no intention of influencing the party’s decision.
“I don’t think it would be appropriate,” he said of having a say in who succeeds him. Hightower does believe regardless who follows him, Team North Florida has established itself so deeply in the Republican political landscape locally, statewide and nationally that whoever follows him will be successful. “You cannot win or keep Florida without coming through Team Florida. Team Florida is also one of 11 key battlegrounds in the country for the White House. We have partnered with the chairs of the counties and the money we raise is not just for Duval County. It’s for the team and the other counties get a portion.
“Successful politics is not about one person. Successful politics is about the art of addition. It’s not singular, it’s plural. There are multiple people with leadership ability. Once they hit the ground, they’ll be fine. You can argue that who is the chair is important. The chair is the personality that gets the rhythm going. They establish the foundation, vision and values. The chair is the colorful commentary.”
There are two other aspects of his tenure that Hightower is quite proud of. As chairman, the local GOP has added 26,000 new voters and is closing in on the Democratic Party for number of registered voters in Duval County. Also, for the first time ever, a Republican — Angela Corey — has a legitimate shot at being elected State Attorney. Harry Shorstein has announced he will not seek re-election in 2008 and Corey, who used to work for him, started her campaign late last year.
“We are on the cusp of being competitive for State Attorney for the first time ever,” said Hightower, adding his resignation shouldn’t have come as a shock to most of the party. “Many have been told over the past two months.”
Hightower said he has thoroughly enjoyed his role as chair and as one of the top lobbyists in the state. In fact, April 12 he was presented with the Golden Pigeon award as the state’s top lobbyist, an award voted on in secret by his peers.
“I have been able to take my professional career and political hobby and merge them,” he said. “It’s been the most incredible run.”