Fight for Fla. Governor Replay of 2000?

Oct. 31 -- President Bush has been in Florida — a lot — playing campaign headliner for his "little brother" as the younger Bush stumps for another term as governor.

"I'm happy that my brother is campaigning for me," Gov. Jeb Bush said, adding that he does not object to the occasional perks that come from the federal government, such as protection of the Everglades.

"I would be worried if I didn't take advantage of a good working relationship with the federal government to make life better for Floridians," Bush said.

But Bill McBride, the Democratic nominee, has a different take. "I think the governor is going to have to stand on his own," he said.

McBride, a homegrown lawyer from Tampa, came out of nowhere to defeat former Attorney General Janet Reno in the primary. Now he's making a real race of it against the popular incumbent governor, who is largely seen as being effective.

Fight Over Kids' Education

The two are battling over education, especially a ballot proposition that would cut class sizes in the state.

McBride is a supporter. "For 3 ½ years, we haven't had enough investment in public schools," the Democrat says.

Bush says it can't be paid for. Instead, he's focused on testing and reading levels. "We have rising student achievement in our state, particularly among African American and Hispanic kids," he said.

Florida remains the biggest swing state in the nation. And it will be absolutely critical for President Bush and whoever his challenger is in the 2004 presidential race.

2000 Fresh on Voters' Minds?

Both parties will need Florida's electoral votes — and they could go either way.

"If Democrats can beat Jeb Bush in this governor's race, they are sending the signal to George W. Bush — Watch out in two more years because you are next," said Aubrey Drewitt, a University of Florida political scientist.

And, of course, for many people, Florida remains the ultimate grudge match. The outcome of the national presidential election hung in doubt in 2000 as Floridians' votes were counted and recounted. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of George W. Bush's position and the White House became his.