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

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.

Florida Democrats: Thurman Declares “Accountability Starts Now” As Early Voting Starts Across the Sunshine State

Early Voting begins for the November 2nd election, Democrats are ready to hold Tallahassee politicians accountable by heading to the polls and make their voice heard.

“Accountability starts now as Florida Democrats kick off Early Voting across the Sunshine state,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman. “Florida Democrats have worked so hard to hold Tallahassee politicians accountable, calling Republicans out for their culture of corruption. But even after Republican Speaker Ray Sansom was indicted, even after Republican Chairman Jim Greer was taken away in handcuffs, and with the FBI and IRS currently investigating Marco Rubio for tax fraud, the Republicans refuse to clean up their act. That’s why we need to send them a message they can’t miss.  By Early Voting today for Democratic leaders, Floridians are saying enough of the Republican corruption; voters are telling the out-of-touch Tallahassee politicians to stop the petty games. By Early Voting, we are demanding the new and different leaders we have been fighting to elect.”

To kick off the first day of Early Voting Democratic candidates will be holding Early Vote Rallies and “Vote With Me” events across the state.

“Floridians are excited to cast their ballot for Democratic leaders like Alex Sink for Governor, Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senate, Loranne Ausley for CFO, Dan Gelber for Attorney General, and Scott Maddox for Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services to get our state back on track,” Thurman added.

Floridians can find the most convenient Early Vote locations for them to vote at by visiting www.fladems.com.

Florida Democrats: Twenty. Fourteen. $1.7 billion.

20 hospitals raided by the FBI in Florida.  14 felony charges.  $1.7 billion in fines.

That’s Columbia/HCA by the numbers.  The company founded by Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott was guilty of the largest Medicare fraud in history, and it was all committed while Rick Scott was at the helm.

4,000 and counting.

That’s how many Floridians have taken a stand against Rick Scott’s refusal to release a deposition regarding further allegations at his newest company.  Scott says it’s a “private matter.”

Sign the petition now demanding Rick Scott release the deposition and let Florida voters know the truth.

Florida Republicans have grown their culture of corruption into a culture of indictments and arrests, with politicians across the state facing potential federal criminal investigations.

Rick Scott was ousted from Columbia/HCA just days after the FBI raided their offices. The company later pled guilty to paying illegal kickbacks to doctors and lying to Medicare auditors to collect more money from the government – which was the business model Rick Scott pioneered. With his record of fraud, we cannot accept Rick Scott’s stonewalling over allegations of criminal activity.

Join us and thousands of other Floridians and sign the petition demanding Rick Scott release the deposition.

Because no matter what Rick Scott says, the Governor’s office– running the entire state of Florida– is not a “private matter.”

We deserve better.  We deserve the truth.

Sign the petition now.

Thank you,

Eric Jotkoff
Communications Director
Campaign for Accountability 2010

Florida Democrat: New Ads Underscore Rick Scott’s Record of Fraud, Alex Sink’s Record of Integrity

The Florida Democratic Party released two new ads today, “Trust” and “Integrity” that make it clear just why Floridians cannot trust Rick Scott.  Scott has spent millions of his ill-gotten gains smearing Alex Sink with ads that news reports have called deceptive, misleading, cynical, and false. Two new ads that will begin airing statewide starting today contrast Sink and Scott’s business backgrounds — and Scott’s record of corruption, fraud, and legal troubles are on full display.

“Corrupt CEO Rick Scott lies about Alex Sink’s record, while trying to hide his own, and it’s time for the truth,” said Eric Jotkoff, Spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party.  “The difference in Sink and Scott’s business records could not be clearer — while the company Rick Scott ran was forced to pay $1.7 billion in fines for defrauding taxpayers, the company Alex Sink led made $1.7 billion in loans to small businesses to create jobs.  Floridians deserve to know the truth about Rick Scott – and deserve as Governor better than someone who was forced to resign as head of a company that pled guilty to 14 felonies and who pled the fifth 75 times in one deposition to avoid incriminating himself.”

See a detailed back-up document on the new ad “Trust”, here: http://www.alexsink2010.com/adbackuptrust and the ad here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjIafQA8tk0

See a detailed back-up document on the new ad “Integrity”, here: http://www.alexsink2010.com/adbackupintegrity and the ad here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOxVnNDW2eM

More information on Rick Scott’s record can be found on www.WhatIsRickScottHiding.com.

New TV Ad Uses Governor Crist’s Own Word To Prove He Is A Proud Conservative Republican

Crist: “I think it’s important for people to understand who the true conservative is in this race.  And it’s Charlie Crist.”

The Florida Democratic Party released a new television ad that uses Governor Charlie Crist’s own words to show he is a proud conservative and lifelong Republican.

The ad uses video of Crist declaring his conservative credentials to make its point with statements Crist made as recently as September 16, 2010. The spot, which will run in media markets across the state beginning today, can be viewed here:

Script: “Own Words”

Kendrick Meek: I’m Kendrick Meek and I approve this message.
Governor Charlie Crist : I’m about as conservative as you can get.
Crist : And I’m a Jeb Bush Republican.
Crist : President Bush — he is a leader of courage and conviction.
Crist : I was impressed at Governor Palin being picked. I watched her speech today.  I was very impressed.
Town Hall Attendee : If I could get your opinion on whether we should be drilling off the Panhandle of Florida.
Crist : I think it’s something we ought to explore.
Crist : And I’m a pro-life, pro-gun, anti-tax Republican.
Crist : I think it’s important for people to understand who the true conservative is in this race.  And it’s Charlie Crist.

Florida Democrats: Scope of Investigation Expands at WhatIsRickScottHiding.com as Further Allegations Surface

The Campaign for Accountability 2010 announced the expansion today of its investigation into Rick Scott at WhatIsRickScottHiding.com as new allegations surface regarding what Scott knew and when he knew it.  This past weekend, the Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times reported that from 1994 through 1997, Scott was repeatedly warned of the problems at Columbia/HCA regarding physician kickback schemes, and even signed SEC reports every year admitting to this practice.

Scott says he did not know of the fraud going on under his watch despite this new evidence suggesting otherwise.  As a result of these new allegations, the Campaign for Accountability is expanding the scope of its investigation into Scott’s record at WhatIsRickScottHiding.com.

“The Herald/Times’s reporting and the SEC filings clearly show Rick Scott was warned year after year about the illegal actions at Columbia/HCA, and yet did nothing to address it,” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010.  “As more evidence surfaces that Scott knew about the criminal activity conducted under his watch, the Campaign for Accountability is expanding the scope of its investigation into Scott’s past at www.WhatIsRickScottHiding.com.”

To view the expanded investigation, go to:

http://www.whatisrickscotthiding.com/what-he-knew/

Florida Democratic Party: More Accusations of Fraud at Scott Company

The Palm Beach Post reported today on more accusations of fraud at Rick Scott’s new company Solantic. Scott was deposed six days before he announced his candidacy for Governor over improper business practices at Solantic. He started Solantic after being forced to resign as CEO of Columbia/HCA in what became the largest Medicare fraud case in American history.

According to the report, Dr. Gregory Hayes, a former employee of Solantic, says, “that Solantic’s medical director asked him to inflate patients’ costs by ordering potentially unnecessary medical procedures. Hayes said he also was told to sell more of the clinic’s prescription drugs, despite cheaper alternatives at a pharmacy.” [Palm Beach Post, 9/18/10] … Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party’s Campaign for Accountability Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Intensifies Grassroots Efforts in Hispanic Areas Across the Sunshine State

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, the Florida Democratic Party’s Campaign for Accountability continues to grow its Hispanic outreach. In Orlando, Miami, Broward, and Tampa grassroots leaders throughout the Sunshine state are joining phone banks and canvasses in an effort to mobilize Hispanic voters.

“As we recognize the numerous contributions Hispanic Americans have made and continue making on our society, the Florida Democratic Party will focus its continued efforts on building grassroots leaders in communities and communicating the candidates’ position on issues Hispanics care most about. Whether it is job creation or improving Florida’s public schools, our volunteers will be knocking doors and calling Hispanics statewide to spread our message,” said Campaign for Accountability Director Ashley Walker.

Hispanic Heritage month, observed from September 15 – October 15, celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Floridians have had enough of the corruption and out-of-touch antics by Tallahassee politicians. This year Florida Democrats are united, fighting to hold the Republicans who have taken our state down the wrong path accountable. Working to channel the enthusiasm of volunteers and grassroots activists across Florida, the Campaign for Accountability is helping elect Democratic leaders who are fighting to clean up the Republican mess in Tallahassee, to bring good jobs to the Sunshine State, improve our public schools and get our state back on track.

Thurman: To Honor September 11, 2001, Floridians Should Take a Moment of Silence to Remember the Victims of this Tragedy and Pray for the Troops

Today, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman released the following statement commemorating the ninth anniversary of September 11, 2001:

“As Floridians mark another anniversary of the unwarranted attack on America and reflect upon September 11, 2001, every American should take a moment of silence to remember the thousands of innocent men, women and children who lost their lives in one of the most horrific events in our nation’s history.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who lost loved ones on that tragic day. … Continue Reading

Florida Democrats: Does Rick Scott Want to Privatize Social Security Too?

The Scott-Carroll Team is on Record Wanting to Privatize Medicare, Medicaid, VA Hospitals – and Now Social Security

Last week, Floridians found out that disgraced healthcare CEO Rick Scott wanted to privatize Medicare, Medicaid and even the Veterans Administration Health Services in his pursuit of profit over doing what’s right. Scott never told Florida’s seniors he wanted to end Medicare as we know it – so what else is he hiding?

“The nearly 3.7 million Floridians who count on Social Security now and all Floridians who are promised Social Security in the future deserve to know just how far Rick Scott feels privatization should go. Does Rick Scott want to privatize Social Security and gamble with Floridians’ savings?” Eric Jotkoff, Spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010 asked. “Last week Rick Scott chose a running mate who has been strongly in favor of privatizing Social Security, meaning the Scott-Carroll ticket is on record as wanting to privatize Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration hospitals and Social Security – in short, the safety net millions of Floridians rely on.”

Social Security puts almost $4 billion per month into Florida’s economy. Half of the nearly 3.7 million Floridians on Social Security receive at least half of their income from the program, and for 25 percent of recipients, Social Security provides 90 percent or more of their income. Rick Scott should tell Florida’s seniors if he wants to gamble with the money they rely on to live.

Background

Rick Scott Wanted To Privatize Medicare, Medicaid And VA Hospitals – Said, “The Things We Are Doing Wrong In Health Care Can Be Corrected If Private Business Could Run National Health Care Administration.” In September 2010, the Orlando Sentinel reported that, “Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott could have to do some explaining about his past this fall, and not just what he knew about the Medicare and Medicaid fraud at his former company, Columbia/HCA. See, he once wanted to privatize all of it: the government-funded health-care programs that pay for the check-ups, hospital stays and prescriptions for 45 million seniors and millions more poor people. …’If you look at how the government runs VA hospitals and Medicare and Medicaid, you can see that the whole system is inefficient,’ Scott told the South Florida Business Journal the same year. ‘The things we are doing wrong in health care can be corrected if private business could run national health care administration.’” [Orlando Sentinel, 9/3/10]

Jennifer Carroll Advocated For Partial Privatization Of Social Security – Said Private Accounts Would Give Retirees “Far More In Their Pension Funds.” In a candidate questionnaire published by the Orlando Sentinel, in November 2000, Jennifer Carroll wrote, “If younger workers are allowed to invest a portion of their Social Security payroll taxes in their own retirement accounts, over the long run, they will have far more in their pension funds — by their own efforts — than any government Social Security pension fund could hope to provide. [Orlando Sentinel, 11/5/00]

Half Of Floridians On Social Security Rely On The Benefit For Half Their Income – 25 Percent Rely On The Benefit For At Least 90 Percent Of Their Income. In August 2010, the St. Petersburg Times reported that, “Half of Floridians on Social Security rely on the benefit for half their income. Some 25 percent count on Social Security for at least 90 percent of their income.” [St. Petersburg Times, 8/1/10]

Florida Democratic Party’s Campaign For Accountability Ramps Up Hispanic Outreach

As part of the Florida Democratic Party’s commitment to reach out to the growing Hispanic community in Florida, the Campaign for Accountability announced that Edith Robles has joined the communications shop as Hispanic Media Director.  In this role, she will oversee the Hispanic media outreach strategy and provide support to Democratic candidates statewide.

Edith Robles is a bilingual communications professional with over 12 years experience working on Capitol Hill, campaigns and in the private sector.  Edith directed the Hispanic media outreach during the 2004 and 2008 Democratic National Convention and was Communications Director and spokesperson to former Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA), current U.S. Secretary of Labor. … Continue Reading

*****MEDIA ADVISORY***** Campaign for Accountability 2010 Opens South Tampa Office and Hosts Grassroots Kickoffs Statewide

Campaign for Accountability 2010 opens office in South Tampa while continuing to build grassroots support across the Sunshine State.  This week the Florida Democratic Party’s Campaign for Accountability will open its South Tampa office to the public as well as host grassroots  kickoffs statewide at local Democratic Executive Committee offices where voters will be phone banking and canvassing to get out the word on the Democratic leaders running to hold Tallahassee politicians accountable. Local field operations, volunteers and staff members for Campaign for Accountability 2010 will be based in the offices to allow Floridians to reach out to their communities.

Floridians have had enough of the corruption and out-of-touch antics by Tallahassee politicians. This year Florida Democrats are united, fighting to hold the Republicans who have taken our state down the wrong path accountable. Working to channel the enthusiasm of volunteers and grassroots activists across Florida, the Campaign for Accountability is helping elect Democratic leaders who are fighting to clean up the Republican mess in Tallahassee, to bring good jobs to the Sunshine State, improve our public schools and get our state back on track. … Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party: Campaign for Accountability 2010 Opens South Tampa Office and Hosts Grassroot Kickoffs Statewide

Campaign for Accountability 2010 opens office in South Tampa while continuing to build grassroots support across the Sunshine State. This week the Florida Democratic Party’s Campaign for Accountability will open its South Tampa office to the public as well as host grassroot kickoffs statewide at local Democratic Executive Committee offices where voters will be phone banking and canvassing to get out the word on the Democratic leaders running to hold Tallahassee politicians accountable. Local field operations, volunteers and staff members for Campaign for Accountability 2010 will be based in the offices to allow Floridians to reach out to their communities.

Floridians have had enough of the corruption and out-of-touch antics by Tallahassee politicians. This year Democrats are united, fighting to hold the Republicans who have taken our state down the wrong path accountable. With your help, we will elect Democrats across Florida who are fighting to clean up the Republican mess in Tallahassee, to bring good jobs to the Sunshine State, improving our public schools and get our state back on track. … Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party: Scott Brings Up Even More Questions for Floridians with Carroll’s LG Rollout

As news reports showed, Scott’s insider selection of Jennifer Carroll as his running mate in his race to defraud Floridians and take our state in the wrong direction hit more potholes than his botched bus tour or knee-jerk Solantic press conference.

After reportedly failing to convince Republican after Republican including first choice Paula Dockery to be his running mate, Scott finally found someone willing to serve as an accomplice in his campaign to help himself, instead of the people of Florida.  But as the coverage showed, from her lack of results in the legislature, to questions about ‘blemishes in her own record,’ to video of her bashing Rick Scott, Carroll was anything but a smart choice for the disgraced executive.

“Amazingly, Rick Scott was able to top his train wrecks in his primary campaign with his announcement of his running mate – which according to independent sources left ‘many questions unanswered,’” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010.  “From reports of about half a dozen candidates who rejected being considered as Scott’s running mate, to video of Scott’s pick questioning his leadership and motives less than a month ago, to Carroll having difficulty pointing to a single accomplishment in her lengthy career in the Legislature, when it comes to Rick Scott’s LG choice, he may as well plead the fifth.” … Continue Reading

Florida Democrats: Another Twist in the Sordid Career History of Rick Scott. What ELSE Is He Hiding?

Today the St. Petersburg Times unveils another chapter in the shameful career history of  disgraced executive Rick Scott: As he was overseeing the largest Medicare fraud in American history as CEO of Columbia/HCA, the company’s shady business practices were put in play in their attempt to buy Tampa General Hospital.

“What a surprise – another chapter in the novel that is Rick Scott’s sordid and scandalous career history,” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010.  “Will Rick Scott come clean on his role in the alleged scheme to ‘devalue’ Tampa General Hospital, so he could buy it for a cheaper price?  And why won’t he release his deposition in the Solantic case he gave six days before running for Florida’s Governor?  Most importantly, what else don’t we know about his healthcare career and how much more is Rick Scott hiding?”

According to the story in the St. Petersburg Times, David Bussone, who ran Tampa General at the time, was a former “manager” at Columbia/HCA. The article reports that Bussone and Scott may have secretly negotiated a deal for Columbia/HCA to buy Tampa General.  After the attempted acquisition became subject to state and federal investigations, “Investigators wanted to know if Bussone purposely devalued the public hospital to help sell it at a discount to Columbia.”  After being ousted, something Scott is familiar with, Bussone eventually went back to work at Columbia/HCA. [St. Petersburg Times, 9/2/10]

Florida Democrats: Thurman Statement on Bud Chiles Withdrawing From Governor’s Race

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman released the following statement reacting to Bud Chiles announcement that he is withdrawing from the Governor’s race:

“During his campaign for governor, Bud Chiles reminded Floridians of the values he and his family have dedicated lifetimes of service to our state fighting for — such as cleaning up the Republican culture of corruption in Tallahassee, working to improve Florida’s public schools, and advocating for children across the Sunshine State.

“By withdrawing from the race and supporting Alex Sink, Bud allows Floridians to be fully united behind Alex, the new and different leader we need to bring jobs to our state using her 26 years of business experience.”

Florida Democrats: Looking for Love: Why Don’t Florida’s Republicans Want to Be Rick Scott’s Running Mate?

As disgraced executive Rick Scott embraces the corrupt Tallahassee Republican establishment that spent millions of dollars calling him a “fraud,” his search to convince someone to be his running mate has hit more bumps than his train wreck press conference a few weeks ago.

First, Senator Paula Dockery, who many assumed to be the frontrunner to be Scott’s Lieutenant Governor, said she wasn’t interested in being Scott’s running mate. This admission started the stampede of Republicans on Scott’s shortlist to reportedly reject Scott’s advances.  From Representative Anitere Flores, to University of North Florida President John Delaney, to Representative Bill Galvano, and even Representative Mike Weinstein, news reports of Republicans refusing to associate themselves with Scott are coming faster than Rick Scott taking the Fifth Amendment in a deposition.

“While we completely understand why Republicans are scared to be an accomplice to Rick Scott’s negative campaign, it is still surprising that so many Republican officials would rebuke Scott so publicly,” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010. “At the rate his choices for Lieutenant Governor are rejecting him, pretty soon the only candidate left for Scott will be indicted former Republican Chairman Jim Greer – actually, considering Scott’s record of overseeing the largest Medicare fraud in American history and taking the Fifth Amendment 75 times in one deposition, that sounds like a perfect match.”

Herald/Times: Flores says she’s not interested in being Scott’s LG

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/08/flores-says-shes-not-interested-in-being-scotts-lg.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tampabaycom%2Fblogs%2Fbuzz+%28The+Buzz+%7C+tampabay.com%29

Times/Herald: Delaney, Galvano not interested in LG

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/08/scotts-search-for-a-no-2-could-head-to-i-4.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tampabaycom%2Fblogs%2Fbuzz+%28The+Buzz+%7C+tampabay.com%29

Florida Times-Union: John Delaney will not be Rick Scott’s running mate

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/larry-hannan/2010-08-31/john-delaney-will-not-be-rick-scotts-running-mate

Florida Times-Union: Weinstein says he will not be Scott’s running mate http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/matt-dixon/2010-08-30/weinstein-says-he-will-not-be-scotts-running-mate

Orlando Sentinel: Dockery: Won’t be Rick Scott’s running mate

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2010/08/dockery-wont-be-rick-scotts-running-mate.html

St. Petersburg Times: Paula Dockery not interested in being Rick Scott’s running mate

http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/08/paula-dockery-not-interested-in-being-rick-scotts-running-mate.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tampabaycom%2Fblogs%2Fbuzz+%28The+Buzz+%7C+tampabay.com%29

Tampa Tribune: Dockery says she’s not interested in LG position

http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/news/story/dockery-says-shes-not-interested-in-lg-position/

Florida Democrats: In His Own Words, Rick Scott is Now the Insiders’ Insider

Today the Republican establishment continues to walk back its rhetoric against disgraced healthcare CEO Rick Scott in its desperate attempt to prevent Alex Sink from holding politicians accountable in Tallahassee.

It’s important to remind Floridians of what the GOP establishment said about Scott right up until the Primary last week (not surprising given his shady past, highlighted in the latest Campaign for Accountability 2010 web video: “Rick Scott’s Negatives.”) It’s also more important to remember what Rick Scott said about them.  From calling Haley Barbour an “insider” to running full-page ads linking actions by Cannon and Haridopolos to indicted Republican Party Boss Jim Greer, Scott is now showing his true colors by embracing these backroom politicians.

“Rick Scott’s embrace of the Tallahassee Republican cartel proves yet again that he’s willing to say and do anything just to help himself,” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010.  “Rick Scott’s only agenda is personal gain – aligning perfectly with the corrupt Republican leadership in our state and making him the true insiders’ insider.”

Rick Scott’s Own Words About His Insider Supporters:

Scott’s Campaign Called Haley Barbour An “Insider.”  In response to a Rick Scott ad attacking the corruption at the RPOF, Republican Governors Association chairman and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour called the ad a flat-out lie. “The Scott campaign responded by calling Barbour another ‘insider’ rushing to defend one of its own.” [Orlando Sentinel, 8/19/2010]

Rick Scott: “Career Politicians Are Trying To Pacify Everybody.” Rick Scott stated: “Career politicians are trying to pacify everybody rather than standing for what they believe in.” [Tampa Tribune, 6/11/2010]

Rick Scott: “The Tallahassee Insiders And Special Interests Have Controlled For Far Too Long.” Rick Scott stated: “We need more people who will actively shake up the political establishment that the Tallahassee insiders and special interests have controlled for far too long.” [Orlando Sentinel, 5/25/10]

Rick Scott: “The Professional Politicians Have Failed Us At Every Level.” Rick Scott released the following written statement: “The professional politicians have failed us at every level.” [Naples Daily News, 4/14/10]

Rick Scott: Florida Needs A Governor Who Is Not Concerned About “Brokering Backroom Deals.”  “It is time we had a governor who was more concerned about getting Floridians jobs than brokering backroom deals for his next job.” [Rick Scott Press Release, 4/13/10]

Florida Democratic Party: Campaign for Accountability 2010 Unity Rallies Receive Wide Coverage

Please see below for coverage of the Campaign for Accountability Unity Rallies on August 28th. Statewide Democratic candidates and supporters came together to relay a message of unity Saturday.  Floridians have had enough of the corruption and out-of-touch antics by Tallahassee politicians. This year Democrats are united in the fight to hold the Republicans who have taken our state down the wrong path accountable. This November, Floridians will elect Democratic leaders across Florida who are fighting to clean up the Republican mess in Tallahassee, to bring good jobs to the Sunshine State, improve our public schools and to get our state back on track.
… Continue Reading