Former state Sen. Curt Kiser, a Republican, and Miami Rep. Ron Brise, a Democrat, have submitted their applications for the Public Service Commission to fill one of two posts being vacated by the Senate's rejection of sitting commissioners David Klement and Benjamin "Steve" Stevens.
Kiser was the olive branch candidate to become the PSC's general counsel in November, after the commission was wracked by allegations that some commission staff had become too close to the utilities they regulate. His application, he said, will include letters of recommendation from Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, PSC assistant general counsel Mary Anne Helton, lobbyist Allison DeFoor, TaxWatch president Dominic Calabro, attorney Martha Barnett, former state Sen. Fred Dudley, also a lobbyist and Carol Weisert, a director at the Collins Center for Public Policy.
Kiser said he is confident he can overcome the objections of senators who refused to confirm Klement and Stevens because they were either underqualified or not black. "I've covered most of the bases, but I don't want to define what the bases are,'' he said.
The Public Service Commission nominating council has received more than 30 applications and is expected to get as many as 50 before the applications are closed at 5 p.m. today.
Among the high profile names considering applying for the job: Rep. Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, and Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Orlando.
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