“One of the most meaningful political experiences while at FSU was the opportunity I had to meet with Republican Governor Claude Kirk at his office in Tallahassee…

Governor Kirk had recently won an upset election over Miami mayor Robert King High, and quickly fashioned himself as an “action” chief executive for the state. I thought I would try to take advantage of his self-proclaimed reputation and called the governor’s office for an appointment. When asked by his office assistant of my employment, I said I was with IBM, which I guess was true since I had accepted their job offer [while in graduate school at FSU]…Well, no surprise, his assistant said, “The governor will be glad to meet with you, Mr. McKnight.” Needless to say, my parents and their fellow residents on Singer Island were quite impressed. Pp 13-14.

In early 1972 I announced my candidacy for the Democratic nomination for state representative in District 119. The incumbent was Jeff D. Gautier, a member of a pioneer Miami family and an acknowledged expert on parliamentary procedure in the House of Representatives…He and some associates had been charged by the state with dredging waterways in the Florida Keys without a permit…My only strategy, by virtue of the circumstances I was dealt was to take him on over the dredging issue. The strategy would be controversial and could backfire on me if he found an issue on which to challenge me. Pp 29-30.

[After my first election to the Florida House of Representatives]. In seeing the results on election night, I said to Susan, “Well, I guess you, Michelle and I are off to Tallahassee for the next two years.” Letters, telegrams, phone calls and personal visits came in from all over the state. I must admit, it was an odd feeling to see all the communication addressed to me as, “The Honorable Robert W. McKnight.” P 40.

I arrived for my appointment with Governor Askew in the Old Capitol. His office was dark and decorated quite differently from that of his predecessor, Governor Kirk. After about a 15-minute wait, his assistant said that the governor was ready to meet with me. After we shook hands, I started to sit down and then heard a thunderous bang—the governor had slammed his fist on his desk. He then shouted at me, “You should be ashamed of yourself getting tricked into voting that bill out of committee today!!!” I was more than stunned and stammered saying, “Why, Governor?” He proceeded to tell me all the things wrong with the bill and closed by pointing out that I had fallen into an old trap, as had many freshmen before me, by voting to appease a colleague, rather voting my conscience. He had told me how his (and, I hoped, still my) good friend, former representative Marshall Harris (D., Miami) had spoken so highly of me, and how the governor was hoping I could carry some of his important legislation that year. It was very unusual for a freshman to be given that privilege by a governor. I thought to myself, “I have blown this golden opportunity, and this was just my first committee meeting.” When I left Askew’s office my clothes were dripping we from nervous perspiration.
P 49.

In any event, it means a great deal to me that many Floridians seem to recall the legislative era of the ‘70’s ‘80’s and describe it as being part of what has been known as the Golden Years of the Florida Legislature. That description of that era encapsulates the diligence and devotion to public service of the outstanding individuals with whom I had the honor of serving.”
P 122.