Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman Announces Retirement

In announcing her retirement as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Chair Karen Thurman sent the following letter to party leaders and grassroots activists. A .PDF of the letter can be downloaded by clicking here:

November 12, 2010

Dear Florida Democratic Party Leaders,

Over the past six years as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, I have been honored by the trust and confidence you have placed upon me to lead our efforts to empower the grassroots and build a lasting infrastructure for our party.

Working together, we have upgraded our technology, modernized our strategies, cultivated a new generation of Democratic leaders, and raised more funds than at any point in our party’s history. We have worked to register new Democratic voters, leading to record gains in our party’s membership. Our investments in building and sustaining our Voter File have allowed us to accurately target and actively engage voters across the Sunshine State.

We have built a successful new media communications program, which allows us to regularly communicate with hundreds of thousands of Floridians through email to recruit volunteers and fundraise online. And I am especially proud of the fact that of the over 38,000 donations to the Florida Democratic Party since I became Chair, nearly 65% of these donations were grassroots contributions of $250 or less.

Recently, while we have watched the Republican Party of Florida face arrests and indictments for their party’s activities, we have shown the Sunshine State that Florida Democrats are the party of honest and ethical leadership.

We have put in place the best professional staff of any Democratic State Party in the nation, who I would like to personally thank for their tireless work and selfless dedication to our party. Providing the guidance and leadership for our staff, as well as helping them accomplish the goals we set, has been the most rewarding part of my tenure as Chair. I hope you will continue showing our staff the same respect and level of support that you have provided over the past many years.

After many months of reflection and discussion with my family, our staff, and many of you, I have decided to retire as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party. In the coming months I look forward to not only spending more time with my husband, John, my children, and grandchildren, but also continuing to serve the Florida Democratic Party. I have pledged to do everything in my power to help ensure that the Chair we elect in the near future has a seamless transition and is ready to succeed in the role.

And I would like to thank each of you for your support, your work on behalf of the Florida Democratic Party, and most importantly for your continued friendship. There is still much work to be done as we continue fighting for our values, for the Democratic solutions to the problems facing the Sunshine State, and for the leaders we need to move our state forward.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Karen Thurman
Chair, Florida Democratic Party

A Message from Charlie | Charlie Crist for U.S. Senate

The election is over.  We fought hard, but so did our opponents.  Carole and I wish Senator-elect Marco Rubio and his family the very best.

Soon it will be Thanksgiving, and I have no shortage of reasons to give thanks.

I am blessed with a loving wife and family.

I am blessed to live in the United States of America, the greatest nation on Earth.

I am blessed and honored to have served Florida as your governor.

And I am blessed to have you.

When I left my former party, many of my friends and supporters were concerned.  I told them not to worry – I said that you would be my parachute, and lift me up.  I said that you would be my party.

But over these last few months, you became more than that to me.  You became family.

Teachers and law officers, union members and business owners, Democrats and Republicans – you opened your arms to our independent campaign, and you gave me the freedom to do what I had long ago dismissed as impossible on a campaign trail.

You let me speak to Florida from my heart.

For that privilege, I am still in awe, and I will never be able to thank you enough.

God bless,

Charlie Crist

Tea Party Nominee’s receive over 300,000 votes in first election.Looks to 2012

As Chairman Fred O’Neal stated publicly several weeks ago that it would be a “victory just to have our Tea Party candidates on the ballot on November 2nd.”

That being said, the Tea Party was fortunate to have 20 Tea Party nominees on the ballot throughout Florida and many received significant percentages of the vote.

We were pleased that Tea Party nominee Peg Dunmire along with the 19 other candidates received over 300,000 votes in their respective races and that some candidates received upwards of 29% of the vote (Jason Weakley, Florida House, District 96) in their respective races.

This is very important since the Tea Party was just formed a year ago and we faced incredible opposition from the Republican Party of Florida and it’s “dirty tricks squad” with budget of $2,000,000 that was used to file bogus lawsuits; hundreds of thousands of illegal mailers; radio spots; phone calls and “volunteers” going door to door.

The Tea Party is also pleased that our two statewide candidates won their races – Tea Party favorite Marco Rubio and Governor-elect Rick Scott.  It should be noted that the Tea Party openly endorsed Rick Scott the weekend before the primary when McCollum was ahead by 10 points and that our endorsement was recognized by the media as being one of the major key’s to Scott’s victory.

The Tea Party will be holding a strategy meeting on Friday to map out initial planning for the 2012 elections.  Early estimates are that the Tea Party will field over 100 candidates from the US Senate to the Florida House in the next election.

Thurman: Florida Democrats Are More Determined Than Ever To Hold Republican Politicians Accountable

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman released the following statement:

“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.”

RPOF Congratulates Governor-elect Rick Scott on a Great Victory

RPOF Chairman John Thrasher issued the following statement on Governor-elect Rick Scott’s victory:

“I congratulate Governor-elect Rick Scott on a hard-fought victory. Millions of Florida voters spoke this election, and the message was loud and clear that they want a Governor who will be focused on jobs and the economy, keeping taxes low and making sure our kids receive a first class education. Rick’s extensive business experience, true outsider credentials, and 7-7-7 plan to help turn Florida’s economy around will be great assets in Tallahassee. His clear vision for Florida’s future was invaluable in this election and Floridians look forward to his leadership over the next four years. We have great challenges ahead, but I know that Rick will dive in immediately. Let’s get to work!”

Pam Bondi:  Florida’s Next Attorney General

TAMPA, Fla. — Tonight, the voters of Florida elected Pam Bondi to become Florida’s next Attorney General, making her the first woman in the state’s history to hold that position.  Her opponent, Dan Gelber, called to congratulate Pam and graciously concede the race.

“I pledge to make our families safer and our neighborhoods more secure, and to be a vigilant watchdog on behalf of Florida’s consumers and taxpayers,” said Bondi to more than two hundred attendees and dozens of media at her victory party in Tampa.  “I also look forward to continuing Florida’s leadership in the fight against the federal healthcare takeover.”

Bondi and her supporters gathered at the Pepin Hospitality Center in her hometown to watch the election results.  Her family, campaign chairs and co-chairs, current Attorney General Bill McCollum, State Attorneys Mark Ober and Angela Corey, former Governor Bob Martinez, and former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker joined Bondi to celebrate.

ON THE WEB: www.pambondi.com

Adam Putnam Statement on Election to Commissioner of Agriculture

“I want to thank my family for the tremendous sacrifice they’ve made these past months as I have traveled across our great state.  I am grateful for the many supporters who’ve given their time and talent to spread our positive message about Florida’s future, and I am honored and humbled by the voters’ decision.  There is much to be done for our state to create a climate for businesses to succeed and families to thrive.

Agriculture is more than a traditional base of our economy, it is a vital and dynamic part of Florida’s bright future. Fostering these new employment opportunities, stewarding our state’s resources and protecting Floridians from those who would prey on them will by my daily focus.”

Statement By CFO-Elect Jeff Atwater

Everyday of this campaign to be Florida’s CFO has been the honor of a lifetime. In these challenging times for our state, I listened to the people of Florida and shared my vision for how we can get the state back on the right track. The support and trust reflected in tonight’s results are humbling.

This evening, I had a chance to speak with my Democratic opponent in this race, Loranne Ausley. I commended her on a spirited campaign, and must say that Loranne is clearly someone who cares deeply for the future of Florida.

Now, there is important work to do. I will work everyday to make Florida’s government more transparent so that taxpayers can see how every dollar of their money is spent.  I will work with small business owners and entrepreneurs to make Florida a place where they can succeed and create jobs. And, I will work to end fraud that costs consumers and taxpayers.

Florida House Republicans Win 81 Seats

TALLAHASSEE – Speaker-Designate Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park) tonight congratulated House Republicans on winning 81 seats, giving the Republican House Conference a majority of more than two-thirds. En route to winning the 81 seats, Republicans defeated five incumbent Democrats.

“Tonight’s successes demonstrate the strength of our slate of Republican members and candidates and highlight the fact that Republican values of lower taxes, less spending and limited government continue to resonate with voters across the Sunshine State,” said Speaker-Designate Cannon. “I look forward to joining our returning members as well as our more than 30 new Republican members as we work to cultivate a fertile economic environment by shrinking the size and scope of government, empowering the individual, and promoting the family.”

Republican victories in incumbent Democrat seats include are as follows: Elizabeth Porter defeated Debbie Boyd (D-Newberry) in House District 11. Larry Ahern defeated Janet Long (D-Seminole) in House District 51. Jeff Brandes defeated Dave Heller (D-St. Petersburg) in House District 52. Ray Pilon defeated Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota) in House District 69. Gayle Harrell defeated Adam Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) in House District 81.

Additionally, in a strongly contested race in House District 119, Republican Frank Artiles defeated Katie Edwards, retaining the seat previously held by Representative Juan Zapata (R-Miami) who could not seek re-election due to term limits.

“Maintaining the strong legacy of Republican leadership in the Florida House is critical as we work to address the challenges facing our state during these difficult economic times,” said Representative Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel). “The growth in our Republican majority will ensure that we can continue our work to keep taxes low and to foster an economic climate where businesses are encouraged to locate and expand here in Florida.”

“Our state is facing many challenges that will require difficult choices, and I am confident that our Republican majority will work to address those challenges in a conservative manner,” said Representative Chris Dorworth (R-Lake Mary) “I am honored to welcome our new members to the Florida House and looking forward to continuing to serve alongside my returning colleagues.”

RPOF Congratulates Pam Bondi On Her Decisive Victory Tonight for Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE – Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher issued the following statement on Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi’s decisive victory tonight:

“I congratulate Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi on a great victory tonight. Millions of Florida voters spoke this election, and the message was loud and clear in her favor. Pam will be an excellent Attorney General. Her experience as a prosecutor, outsider credentials, and passion for justice will be invaluable as she fights to uphold our constitutional rights and continues General McCollum’s fight against Obamacare, an oppressive federal mandate that will be a financial disaster for Florida.

“I look forward to working with General-elect Bondi, and I’m confident she’ll be an excellent public servant, an invaluable part of the Cabinet, and a great leader for Florida.”

RPOF Congratulates Agriculture Commissioner-elect Adam Putnam On His Decisive Victory Tonight

TALLAHASSEE – Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher issued the following statement on Agriculture Commissioner-Elect Adam Putnam’s decisive victory tonight:

“I congratulate Commissioner-elect Adam Putnam on a great victory tonight. Millions of Floridians voted this election and they showed overwhelmingly they want Adam to represent them. Adam comes from a fifth generation family of Florida farmers, and it shows. He has exceptional knowledge of the state, the people, our resources and the challenges we face. Florida produces world-class agricultural products and we need a leader like Adam to fight for Florida’s farmers – and work to sell those great products across the world.

“I look forward to working with Commissioner-elect Putnam and I’m confident he’ll be an excellent public servant, an invaluable part of the Cabinet and a great leader for Florida.”

RPOF Congratulates CFO-elect Jeff Atwater On His Decisive Victory Tonight

TALLAHASSEE – Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher issued the following statement on Chief Financial Officer-Elect Jeff Atwater’s decisive victory tonight:

“I congratulate CFO-elect Jeff Atwater on a great victory tonight. Millions of Floridians spoke clearly this election, and they know Jeff Atwater is the right man for the job. As a former banker and a well-respected legislator, Jeff Atwater’s experience will be crucial as he undertakes the considerable feat of cleaning up the Office of CFO after his predecessor’s disappointing record. With near 12% unemployment thanks to the Obama-Pelosi agenda, Jeff will be getting right to work to help turn our economy around and ensure fiscal responsibility in Florida.

“I look forward to working with CFO-elect Atwater and I’m confident he’ll be an excellent public servant, an invaluable part of the Cabinet and a great leader for Florida.”

RPOF Congratulates Marco Rubio on a Decisive Victory Tonight

TALLAHASSEE – Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher issued the following statement after the Associated Press reports that U.S. Senator-elect Marco Rubio won in a decisive victory tonight:

“I congratulate Senator-elect Marco Rubio on a great victory tonight. Millions of Floridians spoke in this election, and they overwhelmingly want Marco to represent them. Through this campaign, Marco has connected with millions of Floridians – voters that overwhelmingly want someone who will challenge the direction that politicians in Washington are taking our country. His incredible life story, message, and ideas to reclaim our country have clearly struck a chord with Florida voters of all political parties. We need a change in direction from the Obama-Pelosi agenda and Marco Rubio is exactly the leader Floridians want to challenge Washington and its politicians that will say and do anything simply to win an election.”

Scott Maddox: Go vote and thank you…

It has been a long fifteen month campaign.

But we are at the finish line. The polls are now open and Election Day is here. I need you to go cast your votes to change Florida. To find your polling location, please click here.

You and I have been on a journey together. A journey that led me across our great state several times. A journey to make sure that Floridian’s voices were heard in an arena normally dominated by special interests. Together we made consumer protection part of the debate. Together we put a stop to the efforts to drill off Florida’s coasts. Together, in this campaign, we have made a difference.

Thank you for all you have done for me and my family. Thank you for having my back every step of the way. Whether you voted early or by absentee, or will cast your vote today – please know that I am honored by your support, and will work tirelessly to build a better Florida as your Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

If you need to find out where your polling location is, please click here.

Thank you again and go vote.

Respectfully,

Scott Maddox

Florida Democrats: Find your polling location

Polls are now open.

This election will be one of the closest in the nation and our Democratic leaders absolutely need your vote. Already over 2 million Floridians have turned out to vote, and we expect record turnout in this election, so we need you to make your voice heard.

Voting for our Democratic leaders today is a vote for a better future for Florida.

Click here to find your polling location.

Today, the future of Florida is at stake.

By going to vote for Alex Sink, Kendrick Meek and the entire Democratic ticket — we can bring jobs to Florida, improve our public schools, protect the middle class and clean up the Republican mess in Tallahassee.

These leaders are ready to raise their voices for you.  It’s time now to raise yours.

Polls are open from 7 AM to 7 PM local time.

Please vote today and remind your friends to vote as well.

Click here to find your polling location now.

Do it before work. Do it after work. Do it on your lunch break. Bring a friend. Bring a neighbor. Bring a co-worker. Whatever you do today, make sure you vote.

Florida is counting on you.

Thank you,

Karen Thurman
Florida Democratic Party Chair

P.S. There’s still time to volunteer — click here to find a list of our local offices and come in today to help Get Out the Vote.

Allen Boyd For Congress: Election Day is here – Vote for Allen Boyd!

The polls are officially open! Today is your last chance to vote for Allen, so gather up as many friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers as you can find, and get to the polls to cast your vote for Allen Boyd.

Voting locations will be open until 7:00pm and you need to bring a valid ID that includes your picture and your signature.  You can find your nearest voting precinct and a list of accepted identifications by clicking here.

Now, throughout this campaign you have learned about the many positive things Allen has done for our communities.  At the same time, you’ve heard with your own ears Steve Southerland’s dangerous and radical ideas that would wreak havoc on our way of life.  The differences this year between Allen and Southerland couldn’t be clearer:

While Allen has fought to lower taxes for North Florida families and small businesses, Steve Southerland has called for adding a new 23% sales tax on everything we buy, even after he failed to pay his own taxes.
While Allen has worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stop increases in Medicare premiums and protect Social Security for our seniors, Steve has publicly called Medicare a “Train Wreck” and said that Social Security should be withheld from our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.
While Allen has brought new jobs to our area – most recently through the development of a new high-speed broadband network and a new squadron of F-22s at Tyndall – Southerland has openly pledged to send American jobs overseas.
Last but certainly not least, while Allen has supported our local veterans by bringing three new veterans clinics to North Florida, expanding services that the VA provides our veterans, and helping restore the promise of a college education to our returning heroes, Steve Southerland was busy causing unnecessary grief and strain to a local veteran and his suffering family.

The choice is clear.  Allen has consistently been a strong, independent voice for our communities, and he’s never forgotten where he came from.  We need him in Washington now more than ever, and it’s up to you to make sure that happens – head to the polls now to cast your vote for Allen Boyd.

Don’t forget to join us tonight at our Election Night Watch Party at the Doubletree Hotel in Tallahassee.  Doors open at 7:30pm.  RSVP’s are required, and you can do so by calling 850-219-5780 or emailing rsvp@boydforcongress.com.

Allen greatly appreciates your support!  Now let’s get out and vote!

Sincerely,

The Boyd Campaign Team

Alex Sink For Governor: Polls are open

It’s 7 AM.  I’ve never sent you an email this early. But today is different.  It’s Election Day.

As of this moment, polls across the state are open, and today, millions of Floridians will be voting.

Three polls yesterday showed Alex in the lead.  But it’s all going to come down to leaving no stone unturned and making sure everyone goes to the polls today.

Every polling location in Florida is mapped out on our website — so you, your family and friends can all find your polling locations in one place.  We’ll even provide directions there for you.

Find  your polling location and vote today.

Please take a minute right now and forward this message to everyone you know to make sure they know where they can vote.

This election will come down to the wire.  It’s up to us to get everyone to vote — too much is at stake for Florida.

It’s about turning around our economy, creating jobs, and having an accountable state government.

Thank you for all that you’re doing for Florida.

Now let’s win this thing!

Jim Cassady
Campaign Manager

Rick Scott For Governor: Time to Vote

Today is the day we make history. Please get to the polls early today and vote for me, an outsider who promises to turn our economy around and change the way business is done in Tallahassee.
Don’t waste this opportunity to turn our economy around, to stand up to Obama’s extreme liberal agenda and to do the right thing for your family and our state.

If you want to get Florida back to work, please go vote for me today. You can find you polling location here.

This election will come down to turn out, so please encourage your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to also vote today. There are so many ways you can share your support and help get out the vote at VoteRickScott.com.
Thank you for all you have done.

Let’s get to work!

Rick Scott

P.S. Share your support by changing your Facebook profile picture and Twitter avatar at VoteRickScott.com.

RPOF calls on the Florida Education Association and Perennial Candidate Scott Maddox to Stop Lying to Voters

FEA funds robo-calls to promote Maddox supporter and fake Tea Party candidate

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Education Association (FEA) is funding robo-calls to voters promoting fake Tea Party Candidate and Maddox supporter Ira Chester in the Commissioner of Agriculture race. The calls appear to be another ploy by Democrat Candidate Scott Maddox, who was endorsed by the FEA earlier this year, to siphon votes away from Adam Putnam by using a life-long support of Maddox.

The FEA is using a recently formed 527 called Less Government Now. The major funding for this 527 is the Floridians for Education and Development, the FEA Solidarity Fund, as well as the Trial Attorneys through another 527 called Floridians for Effective Leadership.

This is a sleazy attempt by Maddox and the Teachers Union to confuse voters with a fake Tea Party candidate. Chester, a 75-year-old registered Democrat until a few months ago, was planted in the Commissioner of Agriculture race by Maddox in an attempt to siphon votes from Republican Candidate Adam Putnam.  Chester has contributed financially to every Maddox campaign including this current campaign.

“The Florida Education Association should explain to the teachers of Florida why they would spend their members’ dues to support a fake TEA Party candidate and interfere in the race for Commissioner of Agriculture when they have no stake in the issues pertinent to the office,” said RPOF Executive Director Ronnie Whitaker.  “These calls are just another example of desperation by career politician Scott Maddox and his pathetic attempt to gain power.”

Maddox’s lack of substance may be one of the reasons an overwhelming majority of newspapers, the Florida Law Enforcement community, every agriculture organization, firefighters and the business community have endorsed Putnam’s candidacy and vision for the future of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

For more information on Adam Putnam’s campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture, visit www.AdamPutnam.com or follow him on Facebook, www.facebook.com/adamputnam, and Twitter, @adamputnam.

Maddox reveals Putnam Pay-to-Play scheme

Tampa – Today, Scott Maddox, candidate for Florida’s cabinet, revealed that key TARP recipients have donated nearly thirty thousand dollars to the Adam Putnam campaign and connected those donations to a key vote that Putnam cast allowing them to do so.

On June 24, 2010, U.S. Congressman Adam Putnam voted against a measure known as the “Disclose Act” (HR 5175). The Act would have prohibited recipients of TARP or EESA dollars from making donations to “any political party, committee, or candidate for public office.” In short, the measure would have prohibited TARP and EESA recipients from donating to their benefactors.

A news story published by Open Secrets.org shows that Putnam has received nearly $30,000 from those who directly benefited from his vote to borrow nearly a trillion dollars to bail out the largest banks in the nation.

“It stinks to high heaven,” said Scott Maddox. “He is essentially funding part of his campaign using washed federal dollars – dollars that were borrowed by the federal government and given out to the very people who caused the economic collapse of our nation.”

“If this is not pay-to-play, I don’t know what is,” added Maddox.

Adam Putnam serves on the Committee on Financial Services and has great sway over financial legislation such as the TARP bailout.  His vote was key to the passage of the bailout and his opposition to the “Disclose Act” helped kill it in a close vote.

The story about the donations can be found at the following link:

http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2009/02/financial-services-members-to.html