News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: Peterson to Run

Date: July 24, 2001

"Pete Peterson to Run for Fla. Gov.
By Brent Kallestad
Associated Press Writer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– Former ambassador Douglas "Pete" Peterson filed papers Tuesday to run for governor, the most prominent Democrat yet to challenge Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002.

"We're just making ourselves legal," Peterson said. "We'll start tomorrow on a trip down to south Florida."

Peterson, a former three-term congressman, returned to Florida six days ago after serving as the first U.S. ambassador to Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War.

He joins state House Minority Leader Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach, state Sen. Daryl Jones of Miami and Tampa attorney Bill McBride in seeking the Democratic nomination.

Also considering a run is former Attorney General Janet Reno, who said Tuesday that she would announce whether she will run within the next month or so.

"I think he's a very distinguished candidate," she said of Peterson. "I had assumed he would (run). I don't think it affects my decision and the process I am undergoing."

Bush, a Republican, is trying to become the first Republican to be elected to a second term as Florida governor.

Peterson, 66, is viewed as more conservative than other Democrats in the race. While he is known in northern Florida, which he represented in Congress for six years, other state residents aren't as familiar with him.

Peterson was shot down over Vietnam in 1966 while on a bombing run and was held prisoner for 61&Mac218;2 years. In his four years as a diplomat, he was praised for returning to the country that once imprisoned him and healing many wounds from the conflict.

He also helped lead the two nations to a historic trade agreement. Peterson returned to Florida with a new wife, Vietnamese-born Vi Le, whom he met shortly after being posted to Hanoi.

Peterson has said little about what his priorities in Florida would be, though he has mentioned the state's growth as a key issue.

"What I bring is a record of public service, which frankly I'm quite proud," Peterson said. "I've been tested a lot in my life so one more test is not going to be that difficult." "