- Ritchie redirects here, for other Ritchies, see Ritchie (disambiguation).
Robert Ritchie was the Governor of Florida from 1997 to 2005. He ran for president in the 2002 election.
- Governor Ritchie was portrayed by James Brolin.
Early Life and Political Career
Ritchie attended the University of Florida, and would eventually attempt to prevent news organizations from reading his college transcripts.[1]
He was married to Janet Ritchie.[2]
In 1996, Ritchie defeated Carol Gelsey in the race for Governor.[3]
Campaign for President
- 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.[4] His "plain-spokenness" helped him win the caucus.[5]
After the Iowa Caucus, Ritchie was the likely Republican candidate and used the period to release his book, "A Promise to Lead."[6]
After President made a remark possibly denigrating Ritchie's intelligence[7] Ritchie asked for a public apology.[8]
Ritchie chose Jeff Heston for his running mate, prior to being nominated.[9]
Ritchie was invited to the Catholic Charities event in New York City that showed a production of "Wars of the Roses."[10]
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.[11]
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."[12]
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.[13]
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."[14]
On November 5, 2002, Governor Robert Ritchie lost the election to President Bartlet by over 10 million votes, recieving 145 electoral votes.[15]
Later Political Career
Robert Ritchie retired in 2005, after the election of Republican Governor Swenson, who would go on to support Arnold Vinick in the 2006 presidential election.
Notes
- ↑ "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
- ↑ Mentioned in 20 Hours in America, Part I
- ↑ Gelsey is mentioned to have run in The Funeral
- ↑ "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 Jeb Bush |
Governor of Florida 1997-2005 |
SUCCESSOR Eric Swenson |
| PREDECESSOR David D. Eisenhower |
Republican Party Presidential Candidate 2002 |
SUCCESSOR Arnold Vinick |