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Florida Democrats Unite Behind Jeb [FL's Dem Leaders Dumping McLawyer]
www.jeb.org ^ | Sept. 26, 2002 | www.jeb.org

Posted on 09/26/2002 4:05:37 PM PDT by summer


FL students crowd around Gov Jeb Bush on a recent campaign stop.

For Immediate Release

Thursday, September 26, 2002

Florida Democrats Unite Behind Jeb

MIAMI BEACH - In another sign of Gov. Jeb Bush's strong bi-partisan support, a who's who of past and present Democrat Party leaders today endorsed Bush and pledged to do "what it takes" to ensure his reelection.

Announced at a press conference in Miami Beach, the "Democrats for Jeb" Steering Committee is made up of dozens of state and local Democrat leaders, including a former Governor, a sitting State Senator, three former Speakers of the House, several incumbent mayors and city commissioners, a former executive director of the Florida Democratic Party and a variety of other community activists and leaders.

"I am proud to once again stand up and proclaim that I am a Democrat for Jeb Bush," stated Sen. Ron Silver. "Four years ago I took a chance by endorsing Jeb and four years later, that chance has paid off not only for me, but more importantly for all Floridians. I pledge to do whatever it takes to make sure he is reelected."

Gov. Bush has always enjoyed the support of Democrats from across the state. In fact, according to the latest Mason-Dixon survey, close to 20% of all Democrats would support Bush over corporate lawyer Bill McBride if the elections were held this week.

"I am a proud lifetime Democrat, representing one of the most Democratic regions of our state, but I am also 100 percent behind Jeb Bush," stated Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle. "Jeb has been a great governor for all Floridians, Republican, Democrat and Independent alike. He has tirelessly led the fight to improve Florida's public schools, and has shown steadfast leadership in the fight over education reform. Florida is on the right track. I am proud to be a Democrat and I am proud to support Jeb Bush."

"I am honored to have the support of such a distinguished group of Floridians," stated Gov. Bush. "I have always believed that what is right for Florida is much more important than what is right for politics. I am humbled by the trust these fine men and women have placed in me and I promise to them, and every other Floridian, that if I am honored with a second term, I will not let them down."

Democrats joining Bush at the event today were:

Mayor David Dermer of Miami Beach;
Mayor Dick Greco of Tampa;
Mayor Jim Naugle of Fort Lauderdale;
State Senator Ron Silver of North Miami;
Former Speakers of the House James Harold Thompson, T.K. Wetherell and Don Tucker;
Former Agriculture Commissioner and current Citrus Commissioner Bob Crawford;
Miami Beach Commissioners Matti Bower and Luis Garcia;
Florida Board of Education Member Julia Johnson;
Hollywood City Commissioner Keith Wasserstrom;
Homestead City Council Member Judy Waldman;
Mayor of Pembroke Park Annette Wexler;
Pembroke Park City Manager Dr. Bob Levy;
Manny Medina, CEO of Terremark; President and CEO of Peebles Atlantic Development Corporation ;
R. Donahue Peebles; Chairman and Managing Partner, Steel Hector & Davis LLP Joe Klock.

[As not all Steering Committee members were able to attend today's event, the complete list of members is below.]

"Some things are more important than simple party label," stated Former Speaker of the House James Harold Thompson. "Jeb Bush has been an outstanding Governor over the last four years. He has pushed our education system to get the best for our children. He has been a vigilant steward of our environment and a superb leader for Florida's economy. I am proud of our Governor, I am proud to support him and I hope all of my fellow Democrats across Florida will do the same."

"Democrats for Jeb" Steering Committee

Pete Antonacci, Former Florida Statewide Prosecutor, Former Deputy Attorney General
Milton Aponte, Attorney and Activist for the Developmentally Disabled
Charlie Aycock, Osceola County Sheriff
Paula Barton, Baker County Schools Superintendent
Steven Bateman, Homestead City Council Member
Harold Bazzell, Bay County Clerk of Courts
Barney Bishop, Former Executive Director of the Florida Democratic Party
Matti Bower, Miami Beach Commissioner Cornel Brock, Chairman of Bay County Commission
Larry Campbell, Leon County Sheriff
Theresa Ciummo, Pembroke Park City Commissioner
Howard Clark, Pembroke Park City Commissioner
Bob Crawford, Former Agriculture Commissioner
David Dermer, Mayor of Miami Beach
John Fugate, Desoto County Sheriff
Luis Garcia, Miami Beach Commissioner
Ernie George, President of the Police Benevolent Association
Howard Godwin, Highlands County Sheriff
Dick Greco, Mayor of Tampa
Julia Johnson, Member of the Florida Board of Education
Joe Klock, Chairman and Managing Partner, Steel Hector & Davis LLP
Harold Knowles, Attorney and Trustee, Florida State University
Dr. Bob Levy, Pembroke Park City Manager
Raul Masvidal, Managing Director, Masvidal Partners, Inc.
Manny Medina, CEO of Terremark
Carson McCall, Lafayette County Sheriff
John McDaniel, Jackson County Sheriff
C.K. "Mac" McElyea, Dania Beach City Commissioner
Frank McKeithen, Gulf County Sheriff
Bob Milner, Bradford County Sheriff
Wayne Mixson, Former Governor of Florida
Herb Morgan, Former State Representative
Jim Naugle, Mayor of Fort Lauderdale
Leon Nettles, Wakulla County Commissioner
R. Donahue Peebles, President and CEO of Peebles Atlantic Development Corporation
Fred Peel, Washington County Sheriff
Jeffrey Porter, Homestead City Council Member
James Rider, Glades County Sheriff
Charles Shields, Mayor of St. Marks
Roy Shiver, Vice Mayor of Florida City
Emma Shoaff, Pembroke Park City Commissioner
Ron Silver, Florida State Senator
James Harold Thompson, Former Speaker of the House
Don Tucker, Former Speaker of the House
David Turner, Gilchrist County Sheriff
Steve Uhlfelder, Former Regent, Florida Counsel Clinton/Gore 1996
Judy Waldman, Homestead City Council Member
Keith Wasserstrom, Hollywood City Commissioner
T.K. Wetherell, Former Speaker of the House
Annette Wexler, Mayor of Pembroke Park
W.A. Woodham, Gadsden County Sheriff
Steve Worley, Hendry County Sheriff


TOPICS: Extended News; Politics/Elections; US: Florida
KEYWORDS: 2ndamendment; fldemleaders; flgovrace; florida; jebbush
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To: caltrop
Bov = Gov (OK, I am VERY tired!)
61 posted on 09/26/2002 5:13:16 PM PDT by summer
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To: Dog Gone
He is very popular.

People tend to like a man who does what he says he will do. I am truly torked the debate tomorrow will be one I must miss because CBS thinks it is AOK to not show it it Florida.

Some of us decided a while back that net access was more important than cable access!

Yes I admit, I am a "poor" Republican who must budget and make hard choices on where I spend my hard earned dollars.LOL!

62 posted on 09/26/2002 5:13:45 PM PDT by sarasmom
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To: summer
This has been a real problem for the Dem Party - the southern Dems who keep voting GOP. I think some Dem Party press releases have said one of the party's biggest goals is to "take back the South." But these southern Dems seem happy to keep on voting: GOP.

I just wanted to see that again. (^:

63 posted on 09/26/2002 5:13:47 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
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To: Dog Gone
BTTT to your post #58. :)
64 posted on 09/26/2002 5:13:55 PM PDT by summer
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To: Ragtime Cowgirl
Re your post #63 - Yeah, you know, all this bickering in DC between the political parties is something I just don't see playing out with real voters. Real voters are just too busy in their lives, and don't have as much time to waste, like a lot politicians seem to have. :)
65 posted on 09/26/2002 5:15:41 PM PDT by summer
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To: summer
"To tell you the truth, seeing all these Dem leaders endorse Gov Bush is the first time in a very long time I have felt anything positive toward the Dem Party."

I think your statement expresses the feelings of a lot of people, me included. Many of these individuals are putting their state and its citizens before their party loyalty for the second time. This is an act not usually associated with the democrats.

It gives me a renewed sense of hope and makes me want to spell Rat with a small r. Thanks for the post!
66 posted on 09/26/2002 5:16:39 PM PDT by windchime
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To: summer
For what it's worth, I'm sure JEB agrees with you and thinks he's run a brilliant campaign. It's part of the reason I suspect he'll keep screwing up. Remember summer, if he'd stayed out of the Democratic primary he'd be running against Reno.
67 posted on 09/26/2002 5:17:08 PM PDT by caltrop
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To: summer
Thanks for this fantastic news! Made my evening!
68 posted on 09/26/2002 5:22:51 PM PDT by PhiKapMom
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To: Ragtime Cowgirl; gg188
bttt
69 posted on 09/26/2002 5:24:44 PM PDT by f.Christian
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To: summer
summer I just left the Alachua county elelction kickoff. The Guest of honor was none other than Lt Gov Brogan. What an entresting man. I was very surprised at the turn out of blacks. Also the Young Fl Republicans from the University of Fl. Very good was had by all. The good feelings were all around.
70 posted on 09/26/2002 5:30:21 PM PDT by cksharks
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To: caltrop
For what it's worth, I'm sure JEB agrees with you and thinks he's run a brilliant campaign. It's part of the reason I suspect he'll keep screwing up. Remember summer, if he'd stayed out of the Democratic primary he'd be running against Reno.

I think Reno would have been his opponent too - had not the McLawyer Dems running those local election offices in Reno's biggest counties of support not thrown it to McLAwyer by failing to open the polling places.

On that point, we can agree.

As for Gov Bush's thoughts on his campaign, I have not asked him, FYI. But, I have enjoyed watching all his tv spots so far, and I expect more great spots to be forthcoming.

Also, whenever he can be, Gov Bush is out there on the campaign trail drawing big crowds, caltrop. BTW, I thought it somewhat ridiculous of McLawyer to demand a nonostop tour of FL with Gov Bush, since unlike McLAwyer, Gov Bush HAS A CURRENT JOB to do.

And, Gov Bush agreed to three debates. Wonder why CBS won't broadcast those debates throughout the state....could it be they saw the lackluster McLAwyer in the Dem Primary snooze fest aka debate? I still say Gov Bush will win it big, once the novelty of the candidate McLawyer wears off. And, I think Bob Kunst, the Dem the Dem Party loves to hate, may blow it for the Dems if the race turns out to be tight. the 1% Bob Kunst is getting may be all it takes to swing it for Gov Bush. Who knows. We'll see... .:)
71 posted on 09/26/2002 5:33:45 PM PDT by summer
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To: cksharks
I just left the Alachua county elelction kickoff. The Guest of honor was none other than Lt Gov Brogan. What an entresting man. I was very surprised at the turn out of blacks. Also the Young Fl Republicans from the University of Fl. Very good was had by all. The good feelings were all around.

That's great news. Thanks for posting it, cksharks. BTW, for those lurkers who know nothing about Lt Gov Brogan, he is a former teacher, principal and superintendent, and knows a lot more about education than McLawyer's pick for a Lt Gov.
72 posted on 09/26/2002 5:35:06 PM PDT by summer
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To: windchime
Re your post #66 - It gives me a renewed sense of hope and makes me want to spell Rat with a small r. Thanks for the post!

Thanks for YOUR post. You summed up my feelings to a tee. I feel a renewed sense of hope when I see Dem leaders showing some common sense FOR A CHANGE. :)
73 posted on 09/26/2002 5:37:10 PM PDT by summer
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To: PhiKapMom
Re your post #68 - You're welcome! :)
74 posted on 09/26/2002 5:38:18 PM PDT by summer
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To: summer
They just elected two Republicans to the city council in GAINSVILLE! That is like Dobson becoming mayor of Oakland.
75 posted on 09/26/2002 5:39:54 PM PDT by cksharks
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To: cksharks; JD86
JD86, See above post from cksharks and tell your pals in Gainesville. :)
76 posted on 09/26/2002 5:41:02 PM PDT by summer
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To: summer
Thanks for the ping!

It's reassuring to know that there are at least some Dems (even powerful and influential ones) who are willing to set aside party loyalty in order to support the man who is best for the state. I guess not all Dems are Rats!
77 posted on 09/26/2002 5:45:22 PM PDT by Truth Addict
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To: caltrop
caltrop, In all seriousness - this is why Gov Bush deserves to win, in addition to his success in reforming education:

FL RANKS 3rd NATIONALLY IN FAVORABLE BUSINESS CLIMATE - Sept 2002
78 posted on 09/26/2002 5:45:43 PM PDT by summer
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To: sarasmom
Sarasmom, a list of stations carrying the debate live are found on the link I'll provide below. If the stations aren't available to you or if you just want to join us here, we'll have a live thread on the debate (particulars on the thread link)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/756209/posts

Go Jeb!
79 posted on 09/26/2002 5:45:49 PM PDT by windchime
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To: Truth Addict
It's reassuring to know that there are at least some Dems (even powerful and influential ones) who are willing to set aside party loyalty in order to support the man who is best for the state....

BTTT. :)
80 posted on 09/26/2002 5:46:33 PM PDT by summer
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