Florida Primary Madness 2012 Version

In 2008, I ripped the Republican Party, Florida Democratic Party and the legislature were moving up the primary. Not only did it show bad judgement; it reinforced the national impression that Florida could not be trusted with federal elections. There was overwhelming bipartisan support in the Florida House and Senate to move up the primary. Both state parties moved up their primaries.

Former FDP chair Karen Thurman moved up the primary.

MIAMI, Fla.-Florida Democrats have embraced an early primary on Jan. 29 despite the national party's threat to penalize them by taking away half their delegates to the national convention.

Karen Thurman, the party chairwoman, and Sen. Bill Nelson said Monday that the leadership had voted unanimously to accept the date. The state party has to submit a plan to the Democratic National Committee by Friday

Nelson then cowardly blamed it on Republicans.

"It says Florida's earlier primary — set by the Republican Legislature and governor — would affect the sequence of contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina."

Charlie Crist and the Republicans in the legislature certainly deserve their share of blame. My problem is Democrats blaming Republicans for moving up their primaries. The final say on when the party's primary is held is by the state guidelines. Federal election laws make clear state parties must obey the election rules set by the national parties.

Reality is starting to hit Republicans. Republican Party of Florida chairman Dave Bitner is begging the RNC to not strip Florida of half its delegates.

“I’m trying to get them to change the penalties,” Bitner said in a interview last week in Charlotte County.

My guess is the veto proof Republican legislature will blame Democrats.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Election

On January 8, 2011, the Florida Democratic Party will make Rod Smith King officially announce the new party chair. The suspense is killing me. Who is it going to be out of the field of one candidate?

Florida Democratic Party To Elect Party Chair On January 8th Near Orlando
Thank Chair Karen Thurman For Her Service To Party

The Florida Democratic Party State Executive Committee will meet at the Gaylord Palms Hotel on January 8th to elect a new Party Chairperson to finish the term of Chair Karen Thurman, who recently announced her intentions to retire. Additionally at the meeting, Florida Democrats will thank Chair Thurman for her career of service to the State of Florida and the Democratic Party.

Who: Florida Democratic Party State Executive Committee

What: Meeting to elect next State Party Chair

When: January 8, 2011
Meetings begins at 10:30 AM
Election expected around 1:00 PM

Where: Gaylord Palms Hotel
6000 W Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34746

Karen Thurman Quits

DNC chair Tim Kaine released this statement.

“I would like to personally thank Chairwoman Karen Thurman for her steady leadership at the Florida Democratic Party. Over the past six years as Chairwoman, Karen has successfully built the infrastructure and modernized the operations of the Florida Democratic Party. Her focused efforts to empower our party’s grassroots activists will continue to benefit Democrats across Florida. I would like to thank Karen as she retires for her commitment to public service, for the reforms she has made at the party and her career spent fighting to improve the lives of Floridians,” said Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine.

So much for talk that Thurman couldn't be forced out because her term was not over.

Peter Schorsch and Joy-Ann Reid report the black caucus is less than thrilled about the possibility of Rod Smith becoming the new chair.

The black lawmaker, who spoke to TRR on background, didn’t express support or opposition to Smith, but did point out that Alex Sink’s running mate failed to deliver north Florida for the ticket. “He ran for governor and lost, he lost to Jim Davis in the primary” the lawmaker said. “And then he lost as lieutenant governor to Alex Sink. In my mind, three strikes and you should be out. We need change in the Democratic Party. We need new blood. We don’t want to see the same good old boy system. There are too many smart, diverse people, too many cultures and too much history for all of that to be lost, and to deal with that good old boy syndrome that Rod Smith represents.”

The Panhandle strategy was a massive failure. It appears the Florida Democratic Party needs to lose a few more election cycles before they get serious about running 21 century campaigns.

Rod Smith Potential FDP Chair Candidate

Finding Jimmy Hoffa would be easier than knowing Karen Thurman's whereabouts right now. The media has not been able to get a hold of Thurman. Peter Schorsch just might take down a Florida Democratic Party chair. My advise to Ms. Thurman is life goes on and take a long vacation. This isn't the end of the world.

Thurman is on her way out. If Thurman wasn't she would have dug in her heels and told the media she isn't going anywhere. The Miami Herald reports Rod Smith is in the running to replace Thurman. Don't get to excited. Smith was a team member of Alex Sink's disastrous Panhandle strategy. Sink's goal was to get votes from the ultra-conservative Panhandle. The strategy was a massive failure.

Smith, seemingly a no-show on the campaign trail this year in high-profile events, was the spearhead of the failed strategy to appeal to white, rural voters and conservative Democrats, who appeared to vote in droves for Republican Rick Scott's ticket. Meantime, South Florida Democrats -- and especially black Democrats -- felt a little left out. So many stayed home.

Meet the potential new boss - same as the old boss.

I wrote that the problems extend beyond Thurman. Smith has lost two statewide races. I like Smith politically, but he doesn't seem to know what it takes to win in Florida. If the Florida Democratic establishment are going to use to same strategy of no message poor campaign organization then it really doesn't matter who is in charge.

Florida Democrats need to go after young voters and recruit candidate that will appeal to the base. Alex Sink tried the Panhandle and Kendrick Meek did his Florida nursing home tour. The result was older and rural voters going for Republican candidates in the general election. People will say that young voters sit out midterm elections. I say there was no effort from the state party to get young voters active. If the FDP wants to keep ignoring young voters then they do so at their own peril.

Karen Thurman and Kenneth Quinnell: Losers of the Week

Alex Leary of the St. Petersburg Times has declared Florida Democratic Party chair Karen Thurman one of Florida's political losers of the week. In a galaxy far far away, Kenneth Quinnell writes that Thurman deserves credit for helping Barack Obama win Florida.

What about 2008? Obama won Florida. And I know the Thurman-haters will automatically say that OFA did that and she had nothing to do with it, but I've not actually heard that argument made by any actual OFA insiders, so until I do, I'm going to count that as a victory for Thurman (as well as a victory for OFA).

Steve Schale ran Obama's Florida campaign and worked on Alex Sink's gubernatorial campaign. Schale and Sink had such a lack of confidence in Thurman's GOTV efforts that they started their own GOTV campaign. University of Florida political science professor Danial Smith tweeted me the detail. It slightly edited the tweet to make it more readable.

Word is Florida Democratic Party's coordination campaign was a GOTV disaster, but Sink and Steve Schale worked independent and performed better.

Democrats picked only one seat in the Florida legislature in 2008. I would hardly call one seat a cause for Florida Democrats to be giving each other high fives. If Thurman was so good getting out the vote why was she so unsuccessful getting her state candidates elected in 2008?

Quinnell is doing push back for the Florida Democratic establishment. That is Quinnell's shtick. This is the same blogger who wrote I was "jumping to conclusions" that the White House was willing to let Kendrick Meek dropout was "complete speculation based on no concrete evidence." The Miami Herald confirmed the White House was well aware of the talks between Clinton, Meek and Crist.

A White House official said the administration did not initiate talks between Meek and Clinton but was "aware" and "in a position to let it play out" out of concerns of Rubio winning.

Atlantic Monthly political reporter Marco Ambinder tweeted this message.

Worst kept secret in Florida politics is that WH tried to get Clinton to nudge Meek aside a while ago. Clinton told the WH to shove off then

The White House was so behind Meek that the DSCC and DNC let the candidate's campaign go broke. All this information was available when Quinnell wrote his push back post on me.

Quinnell has no credibility. He is doing push back for Thurman. Quinnell cares about one thing and that is being part of the Florida Democratic establishment. Don't believe me? Quinnell wrote a post on why Meek lost the election. Quinnell lists activists and bloggers as one of the reasons. Quinnell then goes on to "give a shout out" to members of a terrible campaign. Quinnell doesn't actually blame any Meek staffers whom were involved in a campaign that got smoked at the polls. The reason is Quinnell doesn't want to burn his bridges with the Florida Democratic establishment.

'Fire Karen Thurman' Web Site

Peter Schorsch has started the website Fire Karen Thurman. Site has a petition which I am sure Schorsch will be more than happy to the Florida Democratic Party. Schorsch is not loved by some in the Florida Democratic establishment. I wonder if Schorsch is going to do the GOP equivalent of how Chris Ingram damaged his career by bashing the corruption of the Florida Republican establishment. Considering how Thurman's stock not so high, I say not so much

Karen Thurman Letter to Supporters

Florida Democratic Party chair Karen Thurman sent this email out to supporters. The last few paragraphs, that I highlighted in bold, leave me shaking my head.

Florida Democrats

Friend,

While we came up short in this election, the issues and ideas that our Democratic leaders continue fighting for -- bringing jobs to Florida, solving the foreclosure crisis, and improving our public schools for Florida's children -- are critically important to the future of the Sunshine State.

Today, we are more determined than ever to hold Republican politicians accountable.

I would like to personally thank everyone who volunteered at our Campaign for Accountability offices across Florida, the grassroots activists and elected leaders who work so hard to make the Sunshine State a better place to live, and all of the Floridians who contributed to the Florida Democratic Party over this last several years.

We energized millions of voters in this state. Because of the amazing operation we built, those Floridians got engaged in this campaign, they learned about the issues facing the state we love, and they stood up for Democratic leaders we can believe in.

That accomplishment alone takes Florida -- and our country -- forward. That is a feat worth celebrating.

Thank you so much for everything you've done -- and for believing in a brighter future for Florida.

Karen Thurman
Florida Democratic Party Chair

The Florida Democratic Party's GOTV effort is worth celebrating. I don't know what to say. I have been talking to people and no one can figure out what was the FDP's GOTV drive.

University of Florida political science Professor Daniel Smith sent me two tweets on the FDP's GOTV effort.

Word is FL Dem's coord campaign was GOTV disaster, but (Alex) Sink & Steve Schale worked independ & performed better

I asked Smith is he aware of anything that the FDP did to increase voter turnout. His response wasn't reassuring.

Got me.

I got into a food fight with the Meek campaign. I don't feel like going through the same thing with Thurman and the FDP. I do wonder what Thurman is thinking when she describes her GOTV drive as an "amazing operation we built." I am more amazed the FDP thought this email was a good idea.

The Wolves Are Hungry For Karen Thurman

Florida State Sen. Jeremy Ring is calling for the resignation of Florida Democratic Party chair Karen Thurman.

“With the momentum of all the losses on the Democratic sides, there needs to be new leadership. Karen Thurman needs to resign. Immediately,” Ring, D-Margate, said of the Florida Democratic Party chairwoman early today.

There is more.

“Whether it was hundreds of more signs and volunteers and palm cards and all the precincts covered, I didn’t see any coordinated effort on the Democratic side yesterday,” Ring said.

Peter Schorsch made it clear to me on Twitter that he wants Thurman out. It will be interesting to see how Schorsch uses his blog to advocate his cause. I do disagree with Schorsch about having Dave Aronberg chair the FDP. I doubt Aronberg would take the job. Schorsch and other Democrats believe Aronberg is next star of the Florida Democrats. Aronberg would be best suited for a future statewide or Congressional race. At the FDP, Aronberg would be behind the scenes raising money, organizing and recruiting candidates.

The State of the Florida Democratic Party

Peter Schorsch tweeted this message.

Intensity increasing by the moment to see FL Dem Chair Karen Thurman resign immediately. Doubt she makes it through the week.

I don't know who Schorsch's sources are. I find Schorsch's tweet amusing since Benjamin Kirby said I would be the first person to call for Thurman's resignation.

The 2010 election was a disaster for Florida Democratic Party. Democrats lost all the cabinet races. Republicans have super-majorities in the Florida House and Senate. Changing the deck chairs won't change anything if Florida Democrats don't have coherent policy proposals. The message needs to be more than Republicans are bad. Democrats need to offer solutions for voters.

Rick Scott is going to be an unpopular governor. Scott's negatives are already high. Democrats need to stand up for smart growth, the environment, education and closing corporate tax loopholes (Stadium luxury suites aren't taxed.) Florida Democrats can use these stances on issues to paint Scott as to far from the mainstream. It is also the right thing to do. Scott's policy proposals if implemented will be horrible for Florida.

The FDP has to stop the practice of not fielding candidates in Republican-leaning districts. Jim Norman is a Florida Senator because the FDP didn't field a Democrat for the general election. The Florida Democratic Party cannot continue the practice of letting Republicans run uncontested and then wonder why they can't win back the legislature.

The Florida Democratic Party's GOTV effort is broken. Democrats have had a huge voter advantage in 2008 and 2010. The FDP was not able to win legislature seats the year Barack Obama won Florida. Democrats couldn't win in Florida with Obama on top of the ballot. The car crash that was the Democrats GOTV effort should be no surprise in a Republican-leaning year.

I am not a Karen Thurman fan. She is responsible for the disastrous idea of moving up the Democratic presidential primary. However, the problem extends beyond Thurman.

Correction: Democrat Adam Fetterman picked up an open Republican seat.

Q and A With Karen Thurman

Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Thurman talks with the St. Petersburg Times Adam Smith. Thurman had to spin when Smith pointed out Obama won Florida and Democrats didn't pick up a seat in the Florida legislature.

Thurman attack Crist for not having his own stimulus program. I actually think a Florida stimulus plan is a great idea. Crist would show true leadership if he tried to kick start the Florida economy with infrastructure projects. That would require Crist closing tax loopholes and making more cuts in the budget. Crist's approval rating and speaking skills give him the platform for a stimulus plan. I don't see Crist putting himself in a position to be attacked by both parties. One can dream.

FDP News

The Florida Democratic Party has selected its leadership.

Karen Thurman, Marion County, re-elected state party chair
Rhett Bullard, Hamilton County, Vice chair
Rick Boylan, Pinellas County, Secretary
Alma Gonzalez, Leon County, Treasurer

DNC Members:

Diane Glasser, Terry Brady, Joyce Cusack, Evelyn Garcia, Nancy Jacobson, Chuck Mohlke, Jon Ausman, Mitch Ceasar, Alan Clendenon, Tony Hill

Heat On Ray Sansom

Florida Democratic Party Chairperson Karen Thurman asked U.S. Attorney Thomas F. Kirwin to investigate House Speaker Ray Sansom.

December 18, 2008
Thomas F. Kirwin
Acting United States Attorney
Northern District of Florida
111 N. Adams Street, 4th Floor Tallahassee, FL 32301

Dear Mr. Kirwin,

I write today to respectfully request a full investigation into a case of alleged public corruption involving Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom.

On the same day that Ray Sansom was sworn in as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Northwest Florida State College announced that Sansom was hired for a part-time, $110,000 per year job. As the St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald Tallahassee Bureau and other media outlets throughout Florida began investigating, we learned that before taking this job, Sansom delivered more than $25 million to the college and pushed legislation to allow the school to offer 4 year degrees.

The Times/Herald reported that more than $6 million of the money he delivered to the college was to build a hanger at the Destin Airport, on land controlled by Sansom's friend and major donor Jay Odom. Despite being funded by taxpayer dollars, this hanger would be used by Odom most of the time to store his jets according to the Times/Herald, citing documents and Odom's airport operations manager. On December 14, 2008 the Times/Herald reported that they obtained emails between NFSC President Bob Richburg and Sansom, where “Richburg suggested that when they all were together, Sansom should thank the board for "accepting responsibility" for an emergency training center at Destin Airport,” further suggesting that the airport building was to be used by Odom.

Additionally, the Palm Beach Post uncovered the fact that Sansom used his government office to fax in his job application to the college as well.

On December 9th, I called on Governor Charlie Crist to "immediately order the appropriate law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter to clear the ethics cloud around Sansom caused by the appearance of quid-pro-quo corruption." Rather than ordering an investigation, Crist simply said, "Next question," while continuing to defend Ray Sansom. Therefore, I take the extraordinary step today of requesting an investigation of this matter by federal law enforcement authorities.

Sincerely,

Karen L. Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party

Television pundit and fellow Republican Joe Scarborough compared Sansom to indicted Gov. Rod Bladojevich. Scarborough does not believe Sansom got the $110,000-a-year Northwest State College job on merit.

Northwest Florida State College asked for $1 million in appropriations last year. Sansom decided that wasn't enough.

He tacked on an additional $25 million for his future employer and funded a program that would pay his salary.

President Bob Richburg was so impressed by the chairman's work ethic that he gave his college's political ally a $110,000-a-year job without telling a soul.

Can you believe that the same college who benefited so handsomely from Sansom's chairmanship would award him the six-figure job without advertising the position?

What a coincidence!

Sanson cancelled a meeting with Lawton "Bud" Chiles III, in order to avoid media questions.

"The Speaker’s Office has advised me that you requested the opportunity to attend a meeting we had scheduled today with members of the Lawton Chiles family," an aide to Galvano just e-mailed the Sentinel.

"At my recommendation, we are rescheduling the meeting for a future date. Once we are closer to making final budget decisions on the 2008-09 fiscal year spending reductions, the meeting will be more productive. I’ve contacted Ed Chiles, who is a constituent of mine, and made him aware of the need to reschedule. This email is For Your Information. Thank you."

Fortunately for Sansom, Charlie Crist still supports the Speaker.

Karen Thurman Letter To Charlie Crist

Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Thurman asked Charlie Crist to repay $430,000 the Governor spent on his lavish summer trip.

The Honorable Charlie Crist
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Dear Governor Crist,

As you know, Florida is facing a major budget crisis. After cutting billions of dollars from vital education, healthcare and public safety programs last year - cuts that hurt Floridians struggling to get by during these tough economic times - our state still face larger and ballooning deficits.

This weekend, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that your trip this summer cost taxpayers a total of $430,000. They reported that taxpayers footed the bill for your entourage of more than two dozen, including a photographer and nine bodyguards. They write about your accommodations and expenses that, “His London hotel suite, originally estimated to cost $1,800 a night, actually was $2,179, the Sun-Sentinel found. He flew first class for about $8,000 round trip, courtesy of a Miami travel agency. He ran up room service and minibar tabs of more than $1,300. And he spent $320 on electric fans to keep him cool while giving speeches.”

This news comes at the same time you are calling on Floridians to make sacrifices and ordering government agencies to cut spending. With tours of Buckingham Palace and visits to the Eiffel Tower on your agenda, it was clear at the time that your trip served as a taxpayer financed vacation. While some positive results may come from the trip, the lavish accommodations and first class travel were beyond excessive. The same results could have been accomplished should you have stayed at more modest accommodations than the Presidential suites of five-star hotels, while creating huge saving for taxpayers.

While your office continues defending your trip, claiming it has helped Florida’s economy the statistics are clear: since your trip more than 48,000 Floridians have lost their jobs, over 145,000 Floridians have received foreclosure notices, and our tourism industry has seen a major decline in the number of visitor. Additionally, since your trip we have learned that our state’s deficit has grown by more than $2 billion.

To show that you are a responsible steward of Florida taxpayers’ hard earned dollars, you should reimburse the state’s treasury the costs associated with this trip.

Sincerely,

Karen L. Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party

Related: Power Play

Karen Thurman Demands Ray Sansom Step Down

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman demanded incoming House Speaker Ray Sansom step down.

"The appearance of impropriety is too great for Ray Sansom to remain as speaker and keep his job with Northwest Florida State College," Thurman said in a statement. "Therefore, it is only appropriate for him to resign from one."

Sansom pushed legislation that gave Northwest Florida State College $250,000 of "start up funds." Sansom met with NFSC President Richburg and agreed on another $750,000 of satate funding. The Palm Beach Post reports $7.5 million funding for construction was approved during Sansom's tenure as budget chairman. Samson was hired to a $110,000 job the same day he became House Speaker.

Side note: Sansom's job as NFSC vice president for development and planning pays $25,000 more than the last person to hold the position.

No Mass Voting Challenges in Florida

The Republican Party swore in court that they will not issue mass voting challenges in Florida. Karen Thurman, chair of the Florida Democratic Party issued a press release.

"We are encouraged by the fact that the Republicans, under oath, have said that they are not going to engage in mass challenges. This is good news for the voters of Florida that want to have their voices heard.

"We will continue to educate voters on their rights on Election Day and work with local elections officials to resolve any issues that may arise. We are following this issue closely and will work with the Republican Party of Florida and the Republican National Committee to protect Floridian's right to vote.

"We look forward to a very smooth Election Day, in which every Floridian, who has not yet voted, can vote."

Karen Thurman Press Release

Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Thurman praising Governor Charlie Crist and urging Republicans to give citizens better access to vote. At issue is the No Match, No Vote law being enforced by Sec. of State Kurt Browning.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Today the Florida Democratic Party joined two Florida citizens in taking legal action against the Republican Party of Florida and the Republican National Committee to prevent mass frivolous challenges against Florida voters in the presidential election.

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman issued the following statement:
"All Floridians who are eligible to vote deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard and their vote counted. That is our guiding principle, and we applaud the Governor's decision, which allows more Florida voters to exercise their right to vote.

"It is in this spirit that we ask the Governor, the Republican Party of Florida and the Republican National Committee to join us in preventing frivolous challenges against voters in this election by members of their party.

"We are confident that this action today will help prevent baseless and frivolous mass challenges. Florida voters should feel certain that the necessary steps have been taken to run an effective voting process and that their votes will be counted.

"I call on the Governor, the Republican Party and voters of all parties across the Sunshine State to disavow these dishonest tactics so that we can rebuild Florida's electoral integrity and maintain the rights of our citizens to vote in a fair and open election."

County Supervisors of Elections prefer to have voters correct their information.

"We're trying to avoid all provisional ballots, at all costs," Volusia County Supervisor Ann McFall said. "It's a lot of extra work."

Browning threatened Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark with legal action. Now the other counties are allowing voters to make corrections before voting. With Crist extending early voting hours, Browning is having a hard time obstructing voters.

All Delegates to Be Seated

Barack Obama will seat all the Florida and Michigan delegates.

"The delegates and alternates who gather on Monday, August 25 will reflect the talent, energy and rich diversity of our Democratic Party. The delegates will come from all 56 states and territories. As these delegates go about the important business of the Convention, I believe Party unity calls for the delegates from Florida and Michigan to be able to participate fully alongside the delegates from the other states and territories. Accordingly, I ask that the Credentials Committee, when it meets on August 24 to approve the delegates for the National Convention, pass a resolution that would entitle each delegate from Florida and Michigan to cast a full vote.''

Florida Democratic Party Karen Thurman sent out this press release.

Today is a proud day for all of us who fought so hard to ensure Floridians votes are fully counted.

Just minutes ago, Sen. Barack Obama sent a letter to the DNC credentials committee urging them to restore the full vote of the Michigan and Florida Delegations, proving his commitment to uniting the party and ending the uncertainty surrounding the process.

With Florida's economy in recession for the first time in 16 years, our state leading the nation in job loss, and we are number two in foreclosures, Floridians in every corner of our state are excited to elect Barack Obama and other Democrats this fall to bring change to Washington and Florida. The people of Florida know Barack Obama and other Democrats will rebuild our economy, create good jobs, and lower gas prices and homeowners insurance rates.

I want to thank Barack Obama, the Florida Congressional Delegation, the Democrats in our Legislature, and voters across Florida for fighting to have our votes count. This is a proud day for all of us.

All is well in the universe. Until Florida pols figure out another way to fuck up a presidential election.

The Bad Con Man

I'm glad to see that Bill Nelson's grandstanding has finally caught up with him. Nelson told the press that he had a full-proof plan for a mail in vote to redo the Florida primary. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton hated the idea. The Florida Democratic Party announced they would not persue a mail-in revote.

Nine members of Florida Democratic delegation issued a press release against Nelson's plan. One anonymous Congressional staffer spoke with the Palm Beach Post.

The exchanges "spoke volumes about Sen. Nelson," said a Democratic congressional staffer who asked not to be identified. "He engaged in free-wheeling, self-dealing behavior and got caught with his pants down. He told the press that he had a done deal on a new Florida vote without even talking to any members of the Florida delegation, and in fact, the entire Florida delegation was opposed to him.

"He tried to do something on his own, and it blew up in his face," the staffer said. "I think right now there is significant resentment against him by the other Florida Democrats on the Hill."

Nelson's recent behavior "validated his reputation as not being a team player," the staffer said. "He's never been inclusive or seemed to reach out to other members to work on Florida-specific issues. He always flies solo. It's not a warm relationship between the House Democrats and Senator Nelson."

The political fallout has been so bad that Freshman Congressman Tim Mahoney had to come to rescue Nelson.

“I was in the meeting between Florida’s congressional delegation and Senator Nelson, to resolve the Florida primary crisis," said freshman Rep. Tim Mahoney of Palm Beach Gardens. "The Senator has kept me apprised on his efforts to resolve this matter and has always represented the best interests of the people of Florida.”

I wonder if any quid pro quo is involved with Mahoney stepping forward. He was one of the Congressional delegation against the mail-in vote.

Nelson has been grandstanding and attempts to help Hillary Clinton win Florida's delegates is catching up with him. In February, Nelson had zero interest in the DNC's suggestion of a caucas. A revote was the furthest thing from Nelson's mind.

JUST RECENTLY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE, A VERY DISTINGUISHED FORMER GOVERNOR OF VERMONT, GOVERNOR DEAN, OUR CHAIRMAN OF THE PARTY, AS REPORTED IN "THE NEW YORK POST" SUGGESTED HAVING A CAUCUS IN MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA AS A WAY OF SELECTING THE DELEGATES TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION FROM THOSE TWO STATES.

BUT, MR. PRESIDENT, YOU CAN'T UNDO AN ELECTION WITH A CAUCUS, AND ESPECIALLY YOU CAN'T UNDO AN ELECTION WHERE 1.7 MILLION FLORIDA DEMOCRATS HAVE VOTED IN A SECRET BALLOT AND REPLACE IT WITH A CAUCUS THAT MAYBE 50,000 PEOPLE WOULD SHOW UP. IT'S BASIC TO OUR DEMOCRACY, AND IT’S A BASIC CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO VOTE AND TO HAVE THAT VOTE COUNTED.

Nelson was one of the members of the Florida Democratic Party that voted to move the primary up to Jan. 29th. I am getting sick of a man responsible for this "train wreck" blaming others and using the opportunity to garner national media attention. Nelson should be removed from his position in the FDP and held accountable for his actions. The fact that Chairwoman Karen Thurman is not returning phone calls and letting Nelson be the face of the FDP says she has no leadership abilities. The FDP has always been a joke. It should be dismantled and rebuilt with fresh leadership.

Democrats Sticking to Jan. 29th Primary Date

Karen Thurman of the Florida Democratic Party announced that the Jan. 29th primary will be binding. That doesn't change the Democratic National Committee punishing the FDP by not allowing delegates at the convention. Thurman released a letter to the press and FDP members.

There will be no other primary. Florida Democrats absolutely must vote on January 29th. We make this election matter. Not the DNC, not the delegates, not the candidates, but Florida Democrats like you and me voting together. We make it count.

Don't let anybody call this vote a "beauty contest" or a "straw poll." On January 29, 2008, there will be a fair and open election in Florida, which will provide for maximum voter participation. The nation will be paying attention, and Florida Democrats will have a major impact in determining who the next President of the United States of America will be.

The FDP has set up the website MakeItCountFlorida.com. The problem is the primary will not count. Howard Dean and the DNC hasn't moved an inch on the primary not being before Feb. 5th.

Kenneth Quinnell and Alison Morano discuss the primary on The Big Show audio cast.

Related posts:

The DNC Can Refuse To Allow Florida To Have Delegates
Bill Nelson Gets Tough (Snore)
Florida Democratic Primary Still on Jan. 29th
Jon Ausman vs. Florida Democratic Party

Florida Primary Update

Remember Bill Nelson and Karen Thurman doing their get tough grandstanding at the Democratic National Committee? Nelson is now playing nice with the DNC and Thurman is begging Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada to allow presidential candidates to come to the Disney World convention. How the less-than-mighty have fallen.

In related news: the Florida Democratic Party has a week to formulate a plan that doesn't violate the Feb. 5th rule. Florida broke the rule by setting the primary for Jan. 29th.