Ford's not backing out

In mid-December Ford and McNeil meet up in Miami. They are staying at the Loews Hotel in South Beach. This is more of a party and relaxation trip, but this doesn't mean the two of them aren't going to talk shop.

"We get back to session in 24, 25 days," says Ford on the recording (exhibit 34).

"You're not going to get out of this on me," says McNeil.

According to McNeil, Ford mentioned that he may run for Mayor and resign his position as Senator. Turns out McNeil doesn't have to worry.

"Well I ain't going to get out until we get this accomplished," says Ford.

McNeil is hoping to get Ford to talk to Joe Armstrong to push the bill to the house. He tells Ford that he's the man to get this done.

"Kathryn [Bowers] basically told me if you need something to happen, you need to talk to John Ford," says McNeil.

In another transcript on the same Miami trip, Ford talks about the timeline.

"In long term speaking, how do you see this going through?" asks McNeil.

"We can't predict that," says Ford. "We aren't going to get started on the legislation until the first week in February."

Ford tells them there's a deadline for filing bills and suspects it will be February 6. In February they file the bills and then review them. He recommends that McNeil be available in March 2005 in case they need him. Ford also isn't sure which committee the bill is going to go through, but apparently it doesn't matter.

"...probably General Services, it could be Finance Administration. There's no problem, I don't care which committee that goes to," says Ford

Ford is paid another $5000 while he's in Florida.

"You want five a month until we get it passed?" ask McNeil.

Ford agrees.