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The Florida Democratic Party today filed the following public records request demanding documents from Governor Rick Scott regarding his efforts to obstruct the implementation of the Fair Districts constitutional amendments, which nearly 63% of Floridians voted for last fall. … Continue Reading
Calls On Governor And Secretary of State to Immediately Resubmit Preclearance Application
Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith released the following statement demanding Governor Rick Scott and Secretary of State Kurt Browning immediately stop working to delay and obstruct the will of Floridians by immediately resubmitting the application for preclearance of the Fair District amendments. … Continue Reading
Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith appointed today members of his leadership team, who will help Smith lead the party as it prepares for the 2012 election cycle.
Shortly after his election, Chairman Smith announced he had appointed Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Florida Democratic Party Chairs Association Chair Alison Berke Morano, and Palm Beach County DEC Chairman Mark Alan Siegel as Vice Chairs. Jackson County DEC Chair Judy Mount, who has served as a Vice Chair since 2009, was reappointed to that position as well. This team will be joining First Vice Chair Rhett Bullard, Secretary Rick Boylan, and Treasurer Alma Gonzalez. … Continue Reading
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.”
As of today, Early Voting has begun across Florida, which means you can and should go cast your vote today.
We’ve put together a statewide map — simply find your county on the map and you’ll be directed to a list of early voting locations near you.
Find yours now at: fladems.com/earlyvote
Together we 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, you are saying “enough” to Republican corruption, and you are telling the out of touch Tallahassee politicians to stop the petty games. By Early Voting, you are demanding the new and different leadership we have been fighting to elect.
Early voting is simple and it’s convenient. Starting today, you can Early Vote at any one of the convenient locations in your county.
Click here to find where you can Early Vote.
Our nominee for Governor Alex Sink is the honest and ethical leader we need. She will use her 26 years of business experience to bring jobs to Florida. And Alex has real solutions to clean up the mess in Tallahassee and improve Florida’s public schools.
And today, we can take a stand for Florida’s middle class families by going to Early Vote for Kendrick Meek. He is the only candidate running for U.S. Senate who will fight to close loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas, protect Social Security and uphold a woman’s right to choose.
On November 2nd we can elect true Democratic leaders — Dan Gelber for Attorney General, Loranne Ausley for CFO and Scott Maddox for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services — who will stand up for all Floridians with integrity. The choices in these races couldn’t be more clear.
That’s why getting out the vote is so critical.
Get it done before Election Day. Find your early vote location now:
Thank you,
Karen Thurman
Democratic Party Chair
As John Boehner comes to South Florida to support Allen West, South Floridians deserve the answer to one critical question: Does GOP House leader Boehner stand by West’s violent and extreme rhetoric?
West has called for Americans to raise arms against our own government and compared the atrocities committed by Hitler and the Nazis to basic campaign activities.
He has said:
“You must be well informed and well armed, because this government that we have right now is a tyrannical government.”
“God help them if it has to go beyond the Democratic process.”
“I know here today we have a representative from the Florida Democrat party and he is here to film me and his whole purpose of filming me is to take what I say and allow other people to distort it so they can misrepresent me. You know if we allow those Gestapo-type intimidation tactics to prevail in the United States of America what happens to our liberties, what happens to our freedoms?”
Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff said: “The question we all want answered is why Mr. Boehner supports Allen West’s extreme, violent and divisive rhetoric.”
###
Contact: Eric Jotkoff or Ashley Bauman; 239.595.5663
On Thursday, October 7th at 11:05 a.m., U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will join the Campaign for Accountability Communications Director Eric Jotkoff on a press conference call to highlight the upcoming “Countdown to Accountability” efforts, which will be a critical part of the Campaign for Accountability 2010′s grassroots efforts to elect Democratic leaders in November.
With Early Voting right around the corner it is now more important than ever to inform Floridians about the Democratic leaders running for office. In the days before Early Voting begins, the “Countdown to Accountability” efforts will help ensure all Floridians know how important it is for Floridians to Early Vote.
Who: U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Campaign for Accountability Communications Director Eric Jotkoff
What: Conference Call To Discuss Upcoming “Countdown to Accountability” Effort
When: Thursday, October 7th at 11:05 a.m
To register for the Call e-mail Ashley Bauman or call 239.595.5663
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Contact: Eric Jotkoff ; Ashley Bauman 239.595.5663
To register for the Call e-mail Ashley Bauman or call 239.595.5663
Today is Election Day. No, that’s not a typo, because every day between now and November 2nd is Election Day.
Vote by Mail has already begun in counties across Florida. For the next few weeks, you can request a ballot and simply fill it out and drop it in the mail.
I was proud to cast my vote for Alex Sink, Kendrick Meek, Loranne Ausley, Dan Gelber, Scott Maddox and other Democratic leaders and be one of the first Floridians to hold Tallahassee politicians accountable. Join me in sending a message to the corrupt Republican establishment in Tallahassee by requesting your Vote by Mail ballot today.
Request your Vote by Mail Ballot Now.
Republicans have nominated a man who oversaw the largest Medicare fraud in history for Governor. And for U.S. Senate, there aren’t just one, but two lifelong Republicans, who continue supporting the failed policies that encourage sending jobs overseas that hurt middle class families.
These are risks Florida cannot afford to take.
We need to make sure all Floridians who want to improve our schools, revive our economy and move our state forward cast their votes in this election. Help us get there by requesting a Vote by Mail ballot today.
Click here to request your Vote by Mail ballot now.
Thank you,
Eric Jotkoff
Campaign for Accountability
Communications Director
www.VotarEsPoder.com
The Campaign for Accountability 2010 applauds the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for unveiling the Spanish-language version of the Democratic Party’s “Raise Your Vote” voter information and registration website launched earlier this year.
The “Votar Es Poder” website is designed for Spanish-speaking voters to access information on how to register to vote and where and when voting occurs. The site mirrors the “Raise Your Vote” voter registration hub released this past June and is a key component of the DNC’s broader voter mobilization and registration efforts.
“This voter registration tool will play a critical role in reaching the Hispanic community in Florida and making sure their exercise their right to vote,” said Campaign for Accountability 2010 Director Ashley Walker. “I look forward to referring our team of volunteers and canvassers to this important tool.”
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.
-# # #-
NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
For Immediate Release:Sep. 23, 2010
Contact: Eric Jotkoff or Ashley Bauman 239.595.5663
Noticias del Partido Demócrata del Estado de Florida
Para Distribución Inmediata: 23 de septiembre 2010
Contacto: Edith Robles, 202-725-6200
Campaña para Responsabilizar 2010 Elogia la nueva página Web del Partido Demócrata de Inscripción e Información para Votantes
www.VotarEsPoder.com
La Campaña para Responsabilizar 2010 elogia al Comité Nacional Demócrata (DNC) por lanzar una versión en español del sitio de Internet del partido Demócrata “Raise Your Vote” el cual proporciona información e inscripción de votantes. Este sitio fue lanzado anteriormente este mismo año.
El sitio de Internet “Votar Es Poder” esta diseñado para que los votantes que hablan español tengan información específica de su ciudad o pueblo, detalles de cómo inscribirse para votar y sepan dónde y cuándo se realizará la votación. El sitio de Internet es la versión en español de la página de Inscripción “Raise Your Vote” lanzada en Junio y es un aspecto clave de los amplios esfuerzos del DNC para movilizar e inscribir votantes.
“Esta herramienta en español de inscripción de votantes jugará un papel crítico para hacer alcance a la comunidad Hispana en el estado de Florida y cerciorar que ellos ejerzan su derecho al voto”, dijo Ashley Walker, directora de la Campaña para Responsabilizar 2010. “Estamos deseosos de recomendar a nuestro equipo de voluntarios a utilizar esta valiosa herramienta”.
Los Floridenses ya están cansados de la corrupción y de los numeritos utópicos de políticos en Tallahassee. Este año los Demócratas de Florida están unidos, luchando para responsabilizar a los Republicanos que han llevado nuestro estado en el camino equivocado. En su trabajo para encaminar el entusiasmo de los voluntarios y activistas de base a través del estado de Florida, la Campaña para Responsabilizar está ayudando a elegir líderes Demócratas que están luchando para resolver el enredo que provocaron los Republicanos en Tallahassee, crear buenos trabajos en el estado soleado, mejorar nuestras escuelas públicas y regresar nuestro estado en el camino apropiado.
###
*****MEDIA ADVISORY*****
Floridians are Sick and Tired of Republican Corruption in Tallahassee and are Hitting the Doors this Weekend
This Saturday, The Campaign for Accountability 2010 will host nearly 100 Knock Out Republican Corruption Day of Action events. On Saturday, September 25th, Democratic leaders, grassroots activists and volunteers from across the Sunshine State will “Knock Out Republican Corruption” through canvassing events and phone banks. Volunteers will go out and talk to their friends and neighbors about the new and different leaders Democrats are fighting to elect.
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.
Here are a few of the nearly 100 events across the state:
Delray
Special Guest: Nominee for U.S. Senate Kendrick Meek
9:45 AM
Palm Beach Democratic Party Southern Operations Headquarters
6634 W Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, Fla.
Melbourne
Special Guest: Candidate for CFO Loranne Ausley
12:00 PM
Brevard County DEC
1103 W Hibiscus suite 402
Melbourne, Fla.
Tampa
10:00 AM
Campaign for Accountability South Tampa
3009 West Barcelona St.
Tampa, Fla.
St. Petersburg
10:00 AM
Pinellas County Democratic Executive Committee
2250 1st Ave North
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Orlando
10:30 AM
Mt Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
4077 Prince Hall Blvd
Orlando, Fla.
Daytona
12:00 PM
Daytona office
112 Orange Ave.
Daytona, Fla.
Gainesville
11:00 AM
Alachua County Democratic Party Headquarters
901 N.W. 8th Ave
Gainesville, Fla.
Tallahassee
12:00 PM
Florida Democratic Party Headquarters
214 South Bronough St
Tallahassee, Fla.
Jacksonville
11:00 AM
Duval County Democratic Party Headquarters
4811 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, Fla.
Sarasota
1:00 PM
Sarasota County Democratic Executive Committee
7358 S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Fla.
Plantation
10:30 AM
Office of Dale Holness Office
4325 W. Sunrise Blvd.
Plantation, Fla.
Miami
2:00 PM
Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee Office
801 Arthur Godfrey Rd.
Miami Beach, Fla.
Panama City Beach
11:00 PM
Home of Patricia Byrd (not for publication)
1107 Magnolia Ave
Panama City Beach, FL 32401
-# # #-
*****AVISO A LOS MEDIOS*****
Campaña para Responsabilizar 2010 organiza Noqueo a la Corrupción Republicana con el Día de Activismo
Los Floridenses están hartos de la Corrupción de Republicanos en Tallahassee y están tocando puertas este fin de semana
Este sábado, la Campaña para Responsabilizar 2010 organizará casi 100 eventos para Noquear la Corrupción Republicana con el día de activismo. Este sábado 25 de septiembre, líderes demócratas, activistas de base y voluntarios a través del estado de la Florida noquearan la corrupción de los Republicanos tocando puertas y por medio de maratones telefónicos. Voluntarios hablarán con amigos y vecinos sobre los nuevos y diferentes líderes que los Demócratas están luchando por elegir.
Los Floridenses ya están cansados de la corrupción y de los numeritos utópicos de políticos en Tallahassee. Este año los Demócratas de Florida están unidos, luchando para responsabilizar a los Republicanos que han llevado nuestro estado en el camino equivocado. En su trabajo para encaminar el entusiasmo de los voluntarios y activistas de base a través del estado de Florida, la Campaña para Responsabilizar está ayudando a elegir líderes Demócratas que están luchando para resolver el enredo que provocaron los Republicanos en Tallahassee, crear buenos trabajos en el estado soleado, mejorar nuestras escuelas públicas y regresar nuestro estado en el camino apropiado.
Abajo son algunos de los casi 100 eventos que se llevarán en todo el estado.
Delray
Invitado Especial: Candidato para el Senado Federal Kendrick Meek
9:45 AM
Palm Beach Democratic Party Southern Operations Headquarters
6634 W Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, Fla.
Melbourne
Invitada Especial: Candidata para CFO Loranne Ausley
12:00 PM
Brevard County DEC
1103 W Hibiscus suite 402
Melbourne, Fla.
Tampa
10 AM
Campaign for Accountability South Tampa
3009 West Barcelona St.
Tampa, Fla.
St. Petersburg
10:00 AM
Pinellas County Democratic Executive Committee
2250 1st Ave North
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Orlando
10:30 AM
Mt Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
4077 Prince Hall Blvd
Orlando, Fla.
Daytona
12:00 PM
Daytona office
112 Orange Ave.
Daytona, Fla.
Gainesville
11:00 AM
Alachua County Democratic Party Headquarters
901 N.W. 8th Ave
Gainesville, Fla.
Delray Beach
9:45 AM
Palm Beach Democratic Party Southern Operations Headquarters
6634 W Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, Fla.
Tallahassee
12:00 AM
Florida Democratic Party Headquarters
214 South Bronough St
Tallahassee, Fla.
Jacksonville
11:00 AM
Duval County Democratic Party Headquarters
4811 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, Fla.
Sarasota
1:00 PM
Sarasota County Democratic Executive Committee
7358 S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Fla.
Plantation
10:30 AM
Office of Dale Holness Office
4325 W. Sunrise Blvd.
Plantation, Fla.
Miami
2:00 PM
Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee Office
801 Arthur Godfrey Rd.
Miami Beach, Fla.
Panama City Beach
11:00 PM
La Casa De Patricia Byrd
1107 Magnolia Ave
Panama City Beach, FL 32401
-# # #-
Contact: Eric Jotkoff or Ashley Bauman; 239.595.5663
Disgraced executive Rick Scott continues his campaign of lies and hypocrisy today as he appears with jet-setting Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal at private airports in three cities in Florida. Jindal and Scott have one thing in common – their rhetoric opposing the stimulus contrasts sharply with their record of benefiting from the legislation. The two are fighting to see who’s more of a hypocrite on the Recovery Act — as Governor of Louisiana, Jindal has taken over $1 billion in stimulus funds for his state, but as a large investor in XFONE, Scott has seen the value of his investments increase by $4 million since receiving the stimulus funds. [Recovery.gov and Palm Beach Post Blog, 6/24/10]
“I’d like to welcome the Twins of Stimulus Hypocrisy to airports all over the Sunshine State!” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010. “Rick Scott invested millions in a company that has been awarded over $99 million of our tax dollars, including over $30 million just this week – and now he’s traveling around our state with a Governor who stakes his claim on criticizing the stimulus, but flew around Louisiana giving out big checks,”
Yesterday, the Orlando Sentinel reported that a company Scott is significantly tied to recently issued a press release touting $36.1 million in stimulus funds they received and the additional 1,300 jobs the money will create, bringing to a total of $99 million in stimulus funds awarded to XFONE in grants and loans. Interestingly enough, the Sentinel reported that Pride Network Inc., the XFONE subsidiary that received the funds, is located in Louisiana. Considering Jet-Setting Jindal traveled around Louisiana handing out big checks of stimulus grants, apparently Scott wasn’t the only one who benefited from the legislation. [Orlando Sentinel, 9/16/10]
“Jindal and Scott’s stimulus hypocrisy is a bigger joke than Bobby Jindal’s train wreck response to the State of the Union address last year,” Jotkoff added. “At least jet-setting Governor Jindal made sure his state got their tax dollars back – the only place Rick Scott thinks our tax money should go is into his bank account.”
BACKGROUND:
Rick Scott Continues To Reap Financial Rewards From The Federal Stimulus Which He “Has Frequently Lambasted.” “Although Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rick Scott has frequently lambasted President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan, a telecommunications company he has invested heavily in continues to reap financial rewards from the federal program.” [Orlando Sentinel, 9/16/10]
Rick Scott Is Invested In A Company That Was Awarded $36.1 Million In Stimulus Funds This Week-Nearly $100 Million Total. “Scott was criticized by his primary opponent, Attorney General Bill McCollum, for saying he would ‘fight all of the stimulus money’ even though he had invested nearly $5 million into a company called XFONE, Inc. that had received $63 million in stimulus loans and grants to build fiber-optic networks. … This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that an XFONE subsidiary called Pride Network Inc. in Louisiana had been awarded another $36.1 million in loans and grants to build a fiber-optic network in three parishes there. The funding is coming from a $518-million piece of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – the stimulus bill.”
Governor Jindal Handed Out “Jumbo-Sized Checks” To Local Officials Largely From The Stimulus Money He “Denounced As Useless And Irresponsible.” “Weekdays, Jindal will descend from the sky in some remote part of the state to sign jumbo-sized checks and hand them out to local officials so that they can fulfill their infrastructure dreams. The money comes largely from President Barack Obama’s stimulus package, which Jindal has denounced as useless and irresponsible, but he does not dwell on that before climbing back aboard.” [Times Picayune, James Gill Op-Ed, 9/3/09]
Governor Jindal Opposed The Recovery Act But Is “Passing Out Stimulus Money To Municipalities In Photo-Ops Featuring Humongous Cardboard Checks.” “Gov. Bobby Jindal apparently needs to get his story straight. He opposed the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act – the Obama administration’s ‘stimulus plan’ – from the get-go, assuming the posture of fiscal responsibility with several other GOP governors this spring, and he’s been touring the state of late telling communities small and large that we don’t do things in Louisiana like they do in Washington. All while the governor has been passing out stimulus money to municipalities in photo ops featuring humongous cardboard checks.” [The Independent Weekly, 7/23/09]
Today, the corrupt insiders at the Reputation Party of Florida, after a week of being called out for their refusal to be transparent, finally released part of their internal audit conducted after indicted Republican Chairman Jim Greer resigned. Now that the Party has reluctantly released part of the audit, Floridians are demanding to know whether disgraced executive Rick Scott will release the deposition he gave six days before he announced his candidacy for Governor.
“While we remain disappointed the Republican Party continues playing political games rather than releasing their full audit including ‘Management Letter’ and ‘Balance Sheet Notes’ for public scrutiny, at least indicted Republican Chairman Jim Greer’s successor John Thrasher is bending to public pressure by releasing part of the audit,” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010. “Now that the Republican Party is finally releasing part of their audit, it’s time for Thrasher to demand that disgraced executive Rick Scott to release his Solantic deposition.”
“Given the Republican scandals and Rick Scott’s record of overseeing the largest Medicare fraud in American history, Florida Republicans have a long road ahead in regaining credibility in the eyes of Floridians,” Jotkoff added. “They can’t start down that path however until they release the rest of their audit and convince Rick Scott to release his deposition.”
Last Saturday, the corrupt insiders at the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) chose to not to make public the internal audit conducted after indicted Republican Chair Jim Greer resigned earlier this year. Although current Republican Chair John Thrasher has the power to release the audit himself, as one of the most corrupt figures in Florida politics, he continues refusing to do just that.
“Florida Republicans make clear every day that they do not have the honesty, integrity, or ethical compass to lead Florida,” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010. “The fact that indicted Jim Greer’s successor John Thrasher has decided that the will of the corrupt Republican establishment outweighs transparency in the political process is an outrage.
“Tallahassee politicians have taken our state down this corrupt path, and Floridians are fed up with it. This is a flashback to the RPOF AmEx slush fund, which they were forced to release earlier this year. By not releasing the audit the Republican Party is showing their disdain for Florida, as well as hanging another albatross around the neck of every Republican on the ballot across Florida.”
As if this blatant effort to cover up the Republican Party corruption scandals was not enough, disgraced executive Rick Scott still refuses to release the deposition he gave six days before he announced his candidacy for Governor.
“It’s no wonder the ‘merger’ between the corrupt establishment at the Republican Party and disgraced executive Rick Scott happened so fast,” added Jotkoff. “There’s nothing but secrecy and shadows every time Rick Scott opens his mouth. If Scott didn’t want to disclose the details of his deposition, he shouldn’t have run for Governor. Likewise, serving the people of Florida is not a ‘private matter,’ and pleading the Fifth 75 times in a deposition does not leave an impression of integrity. Rick Scott and John Thrasher should immediately release the Republican Party audit and Solantic deposition they are attempting to hide from Floridians.”
The Rick Scott record is one of secrecy and cover-ups. Floridians can visit http://www.whatisrickscotthiding.com to help connect the dots on Scott’s pattern of cover-ups because running for governor is not a private matter.
At a campaign stop yesterday in The Villages, disgraced executive Rick Scott was asked what he would do regarding President Obama’s “birth certificate” and whether or not the President could legally appear on the election ballot in Florida in 2012. Scott responded by saying “I’ll have to look into it.” (Orlando Sentinel Blog, 7/22/10) … Continue Reading
Today, President Obama held a signing ceremony for the recently-passed Wall Street reform legislation. Following that ceremony, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman issued the following statement:
“Wall Street reform is a victory for every Floridian who has ever puzzled over the fine print on a mortgage or credit card offer and every American whose retirement savings were impacted by the financial crisis. It is a victory for every taxpayer and every honest business. Wall Street reform will end abusive lending practices, bring Wall Street’s financial dealings into the light and under regulation, guarantee that American taxpayers are never again left holding the bag for risky trades, and secure the foundation for stable economic growth. These are critical common-sense reforms, but nonetheless, the vast majority of Republicans in Congress voted against them. Now, Republicans are calling for the repeal of this vital legislation.
“Republicans have made it clear – they’re going to stand up for Wall Street lobbyists and other powerful special interests no matter the cost to middle-class Americans. If they have the opportunity, they’ll repeal all the progress enacted by President Obama and return to the failed policies of the Bush era – the same policies that led to the financial crisis in the first place. That’s why, this year, it is so important that people here in Florida and all across America support strong Democratic leaders who will stand with the President to overcome Republican obstructionism and continue to move America forward.”
The federal government will kick-off a series of healthcare fraud prevention summits on Friday and hold the first one in Miami due to the magnitude of the Medicare corruption in South Florida. We think an expert witness for Secretary Sebelius should be Republican Gubernatorial frontrunner Rick Scott, given his firsthand knowledge and involvement in Medicare fraud at his own company.
“It’s hard to argue with success, so Rick Scott should be the number one expert witness at this healthcare fraud summit,” said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson of the Florida Democratic Party. “Since he oversaw the largest Medicare fraud in American history, it’s ironic that Rick Scott now wants to govern the state that has the most prevalent healthcare fraud issue in the country.”
This conference comes as Rick Scott faces rising criticism over his record as CEO of Columbia/HCA. Scott was forced to resign from the health care company amidst numerous fraud charges. The company went on to plead guilty to 14 felonies and pay $1.7 billion in criminal and civil penalties – the largest Medicare fraud in the nation’s history. Also, the Herald/Times recently reported that “federal investigators found that Scott took part in business practices at Columbia/HCA that were later found to be illegal.” (St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald, 6/26/10)
“The fact that the first regional summit is taking place in Miami only emphasizes how severe a problem Medicare fraud is in Florida,” Jotkoff added. “Floridians need to trust that their next Governor will work to crack down on healthcare fraud — how could they ever trust Rick Scott to do that given his disgraceful record?”
According to the Miami Herald, the amount Florida healthcare facilities bill Medicare is dramatically higher than other states, with officials saying the only logical explanation for the discrepancy being fraud. The article notes South Florida has long been considered “the nation’s epicenter of Medicare corruption.” For instance, the Herald reported that in 2008, Medicare paid $520 million to facilities in Miami-Dade for treating patients suffering from diabetes, an amount higher than Medicare pays for the rest of the nation combined. (Miami Herald, 7/13/10)
Just a couple weeks ago Scott Maddox became the Democratic nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services and his campaign is a critical part of our plan to bring new leadership to clean up the Capitol after years of Republican corruption.
Scott is a great leader, having been Mayor of Tallahassee and Chair of the Democratic Party — he’s shown he will put Floridians first and fight to protect consumers. But his opponent, Congressman Adam Putnam, has been in D.C. for 12 years and is just now looking to come back to Florida and bring his Tom Delay style leadership to Tallahassee.
Help Scott put Floridians first, and fight back against the Washington D.C. special interests backed Republican Congressman Adam Putnam — join his campaign today.
Scott Maddox came out against oil drilling off our coast way before the Deepwater Horizon Spill. His opponent, Congressman Putnam, brokered the deal to allow Big Oil to expand their territory, and still will not sign a pledge to ban near shore drilling in Florida’s waters. It comes as no surprise, since he has taken thousands of dollars from Big Oil in campaign contributions.
This is just one example on how the contrast between Scott Maddox and Congressman Putnam is clear — Adam is more of the same of Republican corruption and Scott has fought for working families. That’s why he has been endorsed by labor unions all over Florida.
In the position that is charged with protecting millions of consumers in our state, there is no question that Scott will be the one to put Floridians first.
Scott is a great candidate who Democrats are supporting to start turning Florida around and end the Republican culture of corruption. Thank you for helping Scott’s campaign and helping Democrats win in November.
Sincerely,
Scott Arceneaux
Executive Director
Florida Democratic Party
Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman released the following statement reacting to Republican Rick Scott’s lawsuit:
“Rick Scott’s frivolous lawsuit once again shows Floridians that he thinks he is above the law.
“While this arrogance is what we have come to expect from the man whose company committed the largest Medicare fraud in U.S. history, Floridians deserve better and expect more.
“Rick Scott’s attempt to buy the Governor’s office by blocking the voter approved efforts in Florida’s Constitution to prevent corruption proves he simply wants to continue the status quo when Floridians are looking for change.
“By asking a Federal Judge to take the judicial activist step of overturning the will of Florida’s people and a part of our state’s Constitution, Rick Scott’s lawsuit is nothing more than the actions of a ruthless politician trying to game the system to his advantage.”
The St. Petersburg Times’ in-depth reporting on disgraced executive Rick Scott’s misleading filing of his financial statement shows that Floridians can’t trust Rick Scott to tell the full truth and come clean about his business dealings. While Rick Scott laughably talks about “true transparency,” his misleading report shows just how much Scott has to hide. … Continue Reading
As our nation marks the 44th anniversary of the implementation of Medicare today, some Floridians are celebrating more than others. In particular, today is a significant day for disgraced executive Rick Scott, who was forced to resign as CEO of Columbia/HCA amid Medicare fraud charges, after his company systematically defrauded the government. While Columbia/HCA was forced to pay $1.7 billion in fines, Rick Scott walked off with over $300 million. … Continue Reading
