Helen West

Judicial Assistant to Justice Major B. Harding

As the days passed, the courthouse became quieter and the phones were incessantly ringing. The callers were filled with rage. If foul language was used...I just hung up the phone. The most often asked question: Is your Judge a Democrat or a Republican? My stomach was tied in knots because of the vitriol and threatening voices.

Security detail outside the Florida Supreme Court Building. November 20, 2000, oral arguments.

There was NO idle conversation w/co-workers. The second floor was eerily quiet. The new faces we'd see daily were Security officers from various agencies. As Motions were filed and Issues were considered, it became an avalanche of folders and papers.

Judicial Staff Attorneys were, as always, busier than a one-armed paper-hanger. Meanwhile, outside the courthouse, news agencies from around the world set up temporary head-quarters. Everything could be an item for the news, "Stay Away From Windows".."Enter and Leave Courthouse at back door" .. "Do NOT discuss ANYTHING Bush or Gore"

That year at our Thanksgiving Family Dinner in Jacksonville--the decision had been made but the election was still THE topic of the day. Forget football. Forget delicious menu items. Forget the wine. It was all: Bush & Gore and nothing more....