University of Tampa - Moroccan Yearbook (Tampa, FL)

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In the race for campaign ’86, Presi- dent Ronald Reagan flew to Tampa with U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins to sieze publicity in one of the most heated political races in Florida history. Reag- an’s thirteen state two-week whirlwind trek was an effort to preserve the slen- der Republican majority in the United States Senate. When starting the tour, he said, “Today, the 1986 campaign be- gins in earnest.” Hawkins was considered one of the senate’s most endangered Republicans, and she hoped the President’s appear- ance in Tampa would ease her re-elec- tion campaign to victory. Thousands of tickets were issued for this event. Ad- mission was limited to the first 9,000 ticket holders on a first come, first serve basis, however, more tickets were given than seats available to insure a full house. Hawkins’s concern over this elec- tion became apparent when she flew to Oklahoma to board Air Force One so that she could be photographed exiting with the President upon arrival in Tam- pa. This was the President’s third trip to Florida, as he had already appeared twice in Miami on Hawkins’ behalf. The cost of the President’s visit was split by the Hawkins and Bob Martinez for Gov- ernor campaigns, and the Florida Re- publican Party. The President was greeted at the USF Sun Dome by ap- proximately nine thousand supporters waving colorful ban- ners and posters with slogans such as College Republicans at USF Love Reagan”, “Florida Loves President Reagan” and All the Way Ronnie”. President Reagan quickly got down to business by blasting the Dem- ocratic candidates. While the crowd roar- ed their approval, the President referred to Senate candidate Governor Bob Gra- ham (D) and gubernatorial candidate Steve Pajcic (D), saying the two were planning a “liberal” chapter in the history book of Florida politics. When it comes time to spend your hard earned money, those liberals act like they’ve got your credit card in their pocket, and believe me, they never leave home without it,” Reagan said. The President asked the public to back his programs by re-electing Republi- can senators who would support his poli- cies. The President praised Hawkins, say- ing she had “one of the most impressive records of leadership” in the Senate. He also talked about her support for Radio Marti broadcasts to Communist Cuba, So- cial Security inflation increases, a “strong defense” and selection of “no-nonsense judges”. He added that her work on child abuse and drug issues was “making a dif- ference for an entire generation.” “Paula Hawkins is unique and irre- placeable,” the President said, quoting the campaign slogan from her television com- mercials. On her opponent Bob Graham, the President finally commented, “I can’t help but think if you liked Jimmy Carter as president, you'll love Bob Graham as senator.” Students at UT were given a unique chance to witness a part of our political process. Sophomore Craig Huffman was designated Assistant Transportation Coordinator” for the presidential motor- cade. All... we did was pick up the Pres- ident from Marine One (helicopter at Tampa International Airport) and take him in the motorcade to the Sun Dome. I had worked with the Secret Service pri- or to this visit, so it wasn’t a surprise what they were doing.” Senior Andrea Porreca commented, “I was really impressed that the Presi- dent came to Tampa. It shows that Tam- pa is growing into a city with major polit- ical influences. Although I don’t really agree with all his policies, I appreciated the chance to hear him speak on behalf of Paula Hawkins. It was a once in a life- time thing.” As the final votes were tallied, the election showed that riding on the coat- tails of a popular president will not guar- antee success in winning a political of- fice twice. As former mayor of Tampa Bob Martinez became the next Gover- nor of Florida, Bob Graham easily de- feated incumbent Paula Hawkins to be- come Florida's junior U.S. Senator. Drawing solid support from Pensacola to Key West, the national televi- sion networks declared Graham the winner just minutes after the polls closed at 7 p.m. Acknowledg- ing defeat before a small crowd of supporters at a Sheraton Hotel in Maitland, Hawkins was quoted as saying “I look back not with re- gret ... (and have) made a big, big difference.” STUDENT LIFE 21