Robert Ritchie was the Governor of Florida from 1993 to 2005. He ran for president in the 2002 United States Presidential Election.
Career[]
Ritchie attended the University of Florida, and would eventually attempt to prevent news organizations from reading his college transcripts.[2]
He was first elected Governor of Florida in 1992 or 1996.[3] In 1996, Ritchie defeated Carol Gelsey in the race for Governor.[4] He was strongly backed by the sugar industry in his state and opposed a Bartlet plan to redirect federal sugar subsidies into a plan to save the Florida Everglades.[5]
Campaign[]
- See Ritchie Campaign for more details.
After gaining momentum in the Iowa Caucus, Ritchie made a statement supporting a Pennsylvania referendum to ban affirmative action in college admission.[6] His "plain-spokenness" helped him win the caucus.[7]
After the Iowa Caucus, Ritchie was the likely Republican candidate and used the period to release his book, "A Promise to Lead," which backed ANWR drilling.[8]
After President made a remark possibly denigrating Ritchie's intelligence, Ritchie asked for a public apology.[9][10]
Ritchie chose Jeff Heston for his running mate, prior to being nominated.[11]
Ritchie was invited to the Catholic Charities event in New York City that showed a production of "Wars of the Roses."[12]
Prior to attending the play, Ritchie went to a New York Yankees game, stating it was "how ordinary Americans got their entertainment." After pressure from the media, Bartlet had a private meeting with Ritchie. Bartlet told Ritchie how much Ritchie insulted the church by attending the Yankees game, and his belief that they should have a great debate. Ritchie informed Bartlet of his belief that Bartlet was an "academic elitist" and a Hollywood, liberal snob. After being told of Simon Donovan's shooting death, Ritchie stated, "Crime, boy. I don't know," which was the point where Bartlet decided he needed to annihilate Ritchie in the election.[13]
Ritchie was known for his statements of "I'm no..." He stated he was not a mind reader, doctor, or "Chinese." Speaking in front of the Philadelphia Financial Commission, Ritchie stated "I'm no scientist, but I know a thing or two about physics."[14] Ritchie had a tendency to cite his advisors by name, most likely to state that he would like to be President, and would use the right people for the right job.[15]
On October 23, 2002, Governor Ritchie participated in a debate against incumbent President Bartlet. Ritchie was unprepared for Bartlet's debating style, and unequivocally lost, stating privately to Bartlet afterwards, "It's over." Bartlet said, "You'll be back."[16]
On November 5, 2002, Governor Robert Ritchie lost the election to President Bartlet by over 10 million votes, receiving 144 electoral votes.[17]
Later Career[]
Robert Ritchie retired in 2005, after the election of Republican Governor Swenson, who would go on to support Arnold Vinick in the 2006 Election.
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 20 Hours in America (Part I)
- ↑ "Were you aware that several news organizations have been trying to obtain Governor Ritchie's transcripts from the University of Florida?" from The U.S. Poet Laureate
- ↑ "He has, after all, debated three gubernatorial candidates and won each time", from The Red Mass. In real life the Florida governor is limited to two terms, and three candidates could've included a Republican primary opponent
- ↑ Gelsey is mentioned to have run in Requiem
- ↑ We Killed Yamamoto, Posse Comitatus
- ↑ "Governor Ritchie came out this morning in support of the Pennsylvania Referendum banning affirmative action, with regards to college admissions." from The Two Bartlets
- ↑ "It's gonna be Ritchie." from The Two Bartlets
- ↑ "Governor Robert Ritchie of Florida the likely Republican nominee for the fall campaign, in his new book "A Promise to Lead..." from The U.S. Poet Laureate
- ↑ "I think we might be talking about a .22 caliber mind in a .357 magnum world." from The U.S. Poet Laureate
- ↑ "Governor Ritchie is calling on the President to apologize?" from The U.S. Poet Laureate
- ↑ "Is the Republican nominee Rob Ritchie? Yes. Is his running mate Jeff Hesten? Yes." from The Black Vera Wang
- ↑ "Governor Ritchie's accepted an invitation." from We Killed Yamamoto
- ↑ From a scene in Posse Comitatus
- ↑ "So, for the week, you can add 'scientist' to 'doctor,' 'mind reader,' and 'Chinese.'" from 20 Hours in America, Part I
- ↑ "Josh, he cites them more then we do, which is his way of saying, 'I want to be President the same way you want a cold beer.'" from 20 Hours in America, Part I
- ↑ From the debate in Game On.
- ↑ Election results seen in Election Night.
PREDECESSOR unknown |
Governor of Florida 1993-2005 |
SUCCESSOR Swenson |
PREDECESSOR unknown |
Republican Party Presidential Candidate 2002 |
SUCCESSOR Arnold Vinick |