My first President of the Senate to serve with was one of the best ever--President Phil Lewis (D., West Palm Beach). As pointed out in the article below, President Lewis was a strong conservative, but was uniquely able to include Senators of all stripes in his leadership team. His best friend, a moderate-liberal Senator Harry Johnston also from West Palm Beach, was given Chairmanship of the important Health and Rehabilitative Services Committee. Even his opponent for the Presidency was rewarded--ultra-liberal Senator Jack Gordon was given Chairmanship of the all powerful Appropriations Committee.

By all accounts, Senate President Phil Lewis was a most extraordinary leader for Florida during the Golden Age of the Legislature.