Photo Exhibits

Photo exhibits spotlight various topics in Florida history, and are accompanied by brief text intended to place selected materials in historical context.

Florida During the Bush Years
In the National Spotlight: Election 2000

On November 7, 2000, the nation went to the polls to elect its next president. Governor Jeb Bush's brother, Texas Governor George W. Bush, ran as the Republican candidate, Vice President Al Gore ran under the Democratic ticket, and activist Ralph Nader for the Green party. By late evening, the outcome of the presidential vote in Florida made the election too close to call. Over the next month, lawyers for all parties involved wrangled in state and federal courts over alleged improprieties, including conflicts of interest and the widely-used "butterfly" ballots with their infamous chads. On December 12, 2000, after several recount attempts, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision halting further recounts. George Bush was declared the winner with 537 more votes in Florida than Gore.

President George W. Bush addressing the Florida legislature about the space program (2005)

President George W. Bush addressing the Florida legislature about the space program (2005)

Image Number: MF1132

Accompanying note: "Lower left shows Rep. Gustavo Barriero, R-Miami, as he converses with Rep. Dudley Goodlette, R-Naples."

Former Vice President Al Gore with U.S. Senator Bob Graham (2001)

Former Vice President Al Gore with U.S. Senator Bob Graham (2001)

Image Number: PT04846

U.S. Senator Bob Graham of Florida, his wife Adele and grandchildren with Vice-president Al Gore.

Ralph Nader speaking at Miami Dade Community College (1982)

Ralph Nader speaking at Miami Dade Community College (1982)

Image Number: PR22065

Jesse Jackson speaking at the capitol during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute (2000)

Jesse Jackson speaking at the capitol during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute (2000)

Image Number: PR15131

At the far left is state Representative Curtis Richardson. Congresswomen Corrine Brown is in red behind Jackson. At the right in the light suit is state Representative Al Lawson.

November 28, 2000.

T-shirt selling on Monroe street during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute (2000)

T-shirt selling on Monroe street during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute (2000)

Image Number: PR15152

News service trucks in town during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute (2000)

News service trucks in town during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute (2000)

Image Number: PR15137

The satellite trucks are parked on Adams street between Saint Augustine and Madison streets.

Lawyers leaving the capitol building during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute

Lawyers leaving the capitol building during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute

Image Number: PR15136

Demonstration march for Gore during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute

Demonstration march for Gore during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute

Image Number: PR15125

The march is shown moving east on Madison street between Bronough and Duval.

December 6, 2000.

T-shirt from the 2000 presidential election vote dispute

T-shirt from the 2000 presidential election vote dispute

Image Number: PR15123

T-shirt reads, "It's not your vote that counts... It's how your vote is counted!"

November 30, 2000.

Political poster from the 2000 presidential election vote dispute (2000)

Political poster from the 2000 presidential election vote dispute (2000)

Image Number: PR15120

Attorneys leaving the Florida Supreme Court building during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute

Attorneys leaving the Florida Supreme Court building during the 2000 presidential election vote dispute

Image Number: PR15135

Included in the photograph are Steve Zack, Mark Steinberg, Mitchell W. Berger, David Boies and W. Dexter Douglass.

Secretary of State Katherine Harris (1999)

Secretary of State Katherine Harris (1999)

Image Number: PT04030

Harris, the last elected Florida Secretary of State, became a polarizing national figure overnight amid criticisms and high praise during the 2000 election crisis. Not only was she responsible for the state's elections as State Secretary, she also served as co-chairperson of George W. Bush's Florida campaign. The Florida-native played a decisive role in the conclusion of the election debate. She later served as a US Representative, and ran for the US Senate in 2006.

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