Whatever Washington lawmakers may harbor against the bare-knuckled style of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in the wake of orchestrating Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's demotion, his Florida colleagues and foes alike respect him for his brains and moxie.
The Tampa Bay Times published a story featuring a variety of Gaetz's former state colleagues who mostly go on record gushing niceties about him.
But no matter the sunny result, the entire effort struck the staunch conservative from the Florida Panhandle as an attack, having him poke fun at the aims of the piece bearing all the hallmarks of a hit piece.
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"Tampa Bay Times wanted to write a piece where people who served with me in state government could say bad things about me," Gaetz posted on Twitter/X.
He then started showing off the best-of from the piece penned by Emily Mahoney, noting his "favorite quote" came from former Sen. Perry Thurston, the Democratic House minority leader who was described as growing "frustrated" at how Gaetz time and time again managed to win over opponents to reach middle ground on a variety of critical efforts.
"My favorite quote is how the Dem leader at the time was ‘frustrated’ that Democrats voted with me and respected me: Thurston said he grew frustrated by some of his fellow Democrats’ respect for Gaetz and his speaking acumen. Several Democrats joined with Republicans in Gaetz’s committee to vote against repealing 'stand your ground' in 2013."
Thurston praised Gaetz in the story, saying, "Without a doubt, he likes the gamesmanship. That time sort of groomed him for where he is now.”
Other current and former politicians couldn't find a bad word when pressed by the Tampa Bay newspaper to describe Gaetz when he served six years in the state senate until he landed in the nation's capital in 2016.
And the story reflects the widespread respect for Gaetz's unflinching brand of brash style and solar plexus substance.
Before becoming mayor of St. Petersburg, Rick Kriseman locked horns with Gaetz in the Florida House for two years.
His recollection was fond of the spirit and dedication that Gaetz brought during many debates.
"I was a Democrat so I was never going to win, but I enjoyed debating him," Kriseman, now a lobbyist, told the Tampa Bay Times. "Actually, when he heard I was leaving … he told me he was going to miss me."
Gaetz chimed in to verify that his fond farewell to Kriseman was accurate.
"I did tell him I would miss him," Gaetz added in the same tweet. "His arguments in debate were always well-researched and thoughtful."
"Strenuous debate makes our policies better for everyone in the long run."
Fellow Republicans also chimed in to shine their support on Gaetz, who the paper suggests is bracing for a gubernatorial run in 2026.
"You may not agree with his politics, but as an orator or legislator, he is as talented as they come — and is someone who thinks strategically," former state Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) told the publication, adding that he credits Gaetz for assisting him in getting voted into office. "Matt only plays offense."
