Differences between Alex Sink and Bill McCollum
Alex Sink vs. Bill McCollum
Alex Sink, a Democrat, and Bill McCollum, a Republican, were prominent figures in Florida politics, both holding statewide office and aiming for the governorship in 2010.[1] Sink served as the state's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), while McCollum was the state's Attorney General.[2][3] Their backgrounds, one in business and the other in law and career politics, shaped their platforms and approaches to governance. Ultimately, they did not face each other in the general election for governor. McCollum was defeated in the Republican primary by Rick Scott, who then narrowly defeated Sink in the general election.
Adelaide "Alex" Sink's career began in the private sector, where she spent 26 years in banking, rising to become the President of Florida Operations for Bank of America.[4] She entered politics in 2006, winning the election for Florida's CFO and becoming the first Democrat to win a statewide cabinet post since 1998.[2][5] As CFO, she managed the state's finances and served as a trustee for the state pension fund.[2]
Ira William "Bill" McCollum Jr. built a long career as a prosecutor and politician. Before his election as Florida's Attorney General in 2006, he served for twenty years in the United States House of Representatives, from 1981 to 2001.[3] During his time in Congress, McCollum was known for his conservative record and served as one of the House managers during the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton.
Comparison Table
[3]| Stance on Affordable Care Act || Supported the federal law || Opposed the federal law and supported a lawsuit to challenge its constitutionality| Category | Alex Sink | Bill McCollum |
|---|---|---|
| Political Party | Democratic | Republican |
| Core Professional Background | 26-year career in banking, President of Florida Operations for Bank of America[2] | U.S. Congressman (20 years), prosecutor (Navy JAG Corps)[3] |
| Statewide Office Held | Chief Financial Officer (2007–2011) | Attorney General (2007–2011) |
| 2010 Gubernatorial Campaign Outcome | Won Democratic primary, narrowly lost general election to Rick Scott | Lost Republican primary to Rick Scott |
| Social Issues Stance | Vetoed a bill requiring ultrasounds before abortions could be performed | Stated he would have signed the ultrasound bill into law |
References
- ↑ "legalnewsline.com". Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "alexsinkfl.com". Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ↑ "wikipedia.org". Retrieved February 12, 2026.
- ↑ "wikipedia.org". Retrieved February 12, 2026.
