The state's former Republican governor, Jeb Bush, had long opposed them, and Mr Crist and Bill McCollum, the state's attorney-general, openly fell out.

共和党人士杰伯·布什是佛罗里达前任州长，长期以来都反对选举权方面的变化。

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Bush had openly discussed eliminating the trade representative from the Cabinet.

FORBES: People

But on the other hand, Mr. Bush has openly criticized his predecessor, Bill Clinton, for precisely such involvement and may not want to leave himself vulnerable to the same criticism if the negotiations falter.

CNN: Bush's goal: Balancing a host of opposing forces

Ashcroft appeared to be more optimistic the probe might succeed than President Bush, who has openly expressed doubt the leaker would be discovered.

CNN: Ashcroft cites progress in CIA leak probe