During his four decades in politics, former state Sen. Jack Latvala sure left an impression.<\/p>\n
Considered one of the most influential state lawmakers of his day and credited with elevating Florida’s GOP to its current status, Latvala was loved and hated, sometimes by the same people.<\/p>\n
Here’s a roundup of bipartisan reaction to his passing Wednesday at the age of 74<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jeff Brandes, former Republican state senator<\/p>\n “Jack and I weren’t allies. In fact, we were often on opposite sides and had our share of disagreements. But I learned a lot from watching him work. He had an incredible feel for the legislative process, and even today I still sometimes catch myself wondering how Jack would have approached a difficult political problem. You don’t have to agree with someone to recognize what they taught you. Rest in peace, Senator.”<\/p>\n Will Weatherford, former Republican Florida House speaker<\/p>\n “Jack Latvala will be missed. He was a Titan in Florida politics for decades. Jack exhibited unique political courage time and time again when it mattered. Florida is a better place because of Jack Latvala!”<\/p>\n David Jolly, former U.S. representative and current Democratic candidate for governor<\/p>\n “A true lion in Florida politics. A friend to so many, including his foes. Jack Latvala will be dearly missed.”<\/p>\n Republican U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis<\/p>\n “Katie & I are saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Senator Jack Latvala. A fierce public servant who loved fighting for common sense, with a bark far worse than his bite. He was a big help in my early elections & a true friend to many.”<\/p>\n Florida Board of Governors Chairperson Alan Levine<\/p>\n “If Jack Latvala was your friend, he was your friend. Underneath his tough surface was someone who loved Florida. Even after I supported his opponent when he first ran for Senate, two years later, he supported me when I ran for the House. And he never said no when I needed help.”<\/p>\n Democratic State Rep. Lindsay Cross<\/p>\n “Sen. Latvala was a steadfast fighter for Pinellas County. He was also key in securing funding through the Florida Forever program. I am grateful for his contributions and years of public service.”<\/p>\n Republican Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano<\/p>\n “Sen. Jack Latvala always worked diligently to make the Tampa Bay Area a better place to live. My condolences go out to his family and friends.”<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Tampa Bay Times Election Coverage<\/p>\n Congressional midterms: St. Petersburg and Wauchula are in the same congressional district. We drove it<\/a><\/p>\n Property tax amendment: DeSantis has claims about his tax amendment. Here’s what it actually does.<\/a><\/p>\n Voting: Mail ballot requests are down across Tampa Bay<\/a><\/p>\n State races: Here’s who wants to represent Tampa Bay in Legislature, Cabinet primaries<\/a><\/p>\n Congressional candidates:Who’s running for the US House in Tampa Bay after redistricting?<\/a><\/p>\n