Florida's Daniel Webster: A True Statesman

Written By: Jim Swanson  |  Posted: Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

A Tribute to Daniel Webster

On May 2nd, 2008, Senator Daniel Webster of the 9th district of Florida finished his last session, officially leaving office November 4th. He left because of term limits. His impact during 28 years of service in the Florida state government is seen in two significant tributes. First, the Florida House of Representatives' largest meeting room was renamed in his honor. Also an expert in transportation issues, he was recognized April 30th when the Senate approved a measure to name Department of Transportation Turnpike District Headquarters the "Senator Daniel Webster Building." Already in 2005, State Road 429 in Orange County was designated "Daniel Webster Western Beltway." Upon his retirement, accolades came in from Republicans and Democrats alike. He had won his first election others said he couldn't win. He had been the first Republican Speaker of the House in 122 years. He had transformed the culture of the Florida Legislature. What is it that made him so effective?

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