Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Top Ten Reasons Why Florida Voters Will Reject Kendrick Meek

West Palm Beach, FL – As the primary season comes to a close, Floridians have a choice to make between one of America’s most successful businessmen and job creators, and a failed career politician who has been tied to a corruption scandal and failed to pass any bills he authored in his 8 years in Congress.

Kendrick Meek has never had a general campaign opponent, and barely any opposition in a primary election before this year. As it was reported yesterday, Meek has spent about $3 million in the election, while his campaign had predicted a year ago he would raise $25 million for his campaign. If Meek were to win, he would be sunk before the general election even starts. While Meek would be forced to raise money non-stop to be competitive, Jeff Greene would be taking on Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist every day.

The top reasons voters are rejecting the idea of Congressman Meek being in the Senate:

Meek’s relationship with Dennis Stackhouse, where Stackhouse rewarded Meek’s friends and family for assistance with taxpayer money. Stackhouse has been arrested for fraud and theft when he failed to use this taxpayer money on his proposed project in one of the country’s most impoverished neighborhoods.
Meek took thousands of dollars in tobacco money and then tried, on behalf of Big Tobacco, to help kill a tobacco tax which would raise money for children’s health care.
While taking thousands of dollars from banks, Meek encouraged low-income Floridians to take the very subprime mortgages that later forced so many into foreclosure.
Meek was on the board of a private security company while he was a legislator, and on the very committee deciding to give that company state contracts. Investigations later found that company bilked Florida taxpayers for millions.
Meek introduced a bill to kill a competitive bidding program for Medicare, while taking thousands in contributions from medical supply companies. The bidding program saves money for Medicare so it can provide more services to seniors.
While unemployment increased throughout Florida, Meek voted for multiple pay raises for himself and had taxpayers pay for his SUV.
Meek was one of only 8 Representatives who voted against the Do Not Call registry, while taking thousands of dollars from telecom companies.
Meek’s top donor is Big Sugar, and Meek voted for a billion-dollar subsidy that consumer groups opposed because it drove prices up too high for regular people.
Meek has opposed ethical cleanup of the government-he voted against key lobbying reforms that would limit the free gifts and meals legislators receive from lobbyists, repeatedly voted against earmark reform and refused to release his earmark requests to the public.
Meek has received $86,796 in privately funded travel, including a nearly-$5,000 trip to the Turks and Caicos for Meek, his wife, and their two children.

Jeff Greene Statement On Kendrick Meek’s Lack Of Leadership On Israel

West Palm Beach, FL – US Senate Democratic candidate, Jeff Greene comments on Kendrick Meek’s lack of leadership on pro-Israel issues.

Said Greene:

“Like most issues, Kendrick Meek just doesn’t get it. Support for Israel is more than just voting the Party line – it is demonstrating real leadership, even when it is not popular.

“As a Jewish-American man who grew up in a Jewish household and whose grandmother, mother and sister are Jewish educators, has studied in Israel and taught Hebrew – it is without a doubt that I have a better understanding of Jewish issues than career politician Kendrick Meek.

“Kendrick Meek has had ample opportunity to show leadership and to stand with Israel and he failed miserably. When asked at a Palm Beach Post debate about Israel, I came out very strongly in my support for Israel and underscored that we need to stand by our allies with undying loyalty. Our allies need to know that we stand with them.

“Kendrick Meek is clearly playing politics on an issue as important as United States support for Israel. This is the latest example of how Kendrick Meek is twisting and distorting the truth – that’s why Warren Buffet rebuked his lies about him.

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Voting For Your Future

Date: August 22, 2010
To: Interested Parties
From: Luis Vizcaino, Communications Director, Jeff Greene Campaign
Re: Voting For Your Future

The primary election this Tuesday, August 24th, will be one of the most important votes for Florida in recent history. Our state is at a turning point, and how you vote this Tuesday will help set the course for the next several years. Your vote will determine whether we pull ourselves out of the economic difficulties we currently face, or continue on the path of high unemployment, high foreclosure rates, environmental disasters, and failure to address the problems of the future.

As Jeff traveled the state talking with voters, he has been humbled by the support and enthusiasm demonstrated across Florida for his Senate candidacy. We have the momentum behind our campaign, but we still need all of your support right up until Election Day. Public polling during the past weeks has shown the race is tight, and every vote counts. Fortunately for Florida voters, the choice is clear. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene to Campaign in Tampa, Orlando and Tallahassee

West Palm Beach, FL – On Monday, August 23rd, 2010, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, will be campaigning throughout Florida. Greene will meet voters in Tampa, Orlando, and Tallahassee as the primary election approaches.

Tampa, FL – 11:00 a.m.

What: Jeff Greene visits a Tampa bakery to meet voters

Where: Alessi’s Bakery
2909 West Cypress Street
Tampa, Fl 33609

… Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: A Clear Choice

Date: August 21, 2010
To: Interested Parties
From: Luis Vizcaino, Communications Director, Jeff Greene Campaign
Re: A Clear Choice

In the final days before the primary election, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Jeff Greene will present the clear choice between a failed, corrupt, career politician who has not been able to pass a single bill in his eight years in Congress and an outsider, successful businessman who has created jobs and won’t take a penny from special interests. Voters will see the stark, clear differences when they cast their ballots on Tuesday.

This election is about the people of Florida and which candidate is best prepared to solve the serious challenges middle-class families face. Kendrick Meek believes that he is entitled to the Senate seat, but he is very much mistaken. This is not something that he can inherit – the Senate seat is the people’s seat. He may have gotten a free ride his whole life, but not this time. Voters this election have the final say, and Jeff Greene will be there to give them the option to vote for an outsider who will put them first.

Jeff Greene is smart, tough and as he has demonstrated, he is not afraid of a fight. He will fight for the people of Florida as he has fought for himself throughout his life. He is a real Democrat that will not be afraid to “ruffle some feathers.”

Kendrick Meek is a go-along to get-along, pay-for-play career politician who failed to protect Floridians from the subprime lenders and Wall Street banks which caused hundreds of thousands of Floridians to lose their jobs and livelihoods. Too much is at stake in this election and Kendrick Meek has not demonstrated that he is ready to be the United States Senator representing Florida.

Kendrick Meek is running on endorsements, but Jeff Greene is running on accomplishments. The people of Florida will vote for a leader with the smarts to see a problem coming and take action to prevent it from spiraling out of control. Jeff Greene is that candidate.

On Tuesday, Florida will go Greene.

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Campaign Launches New Ad: “Never Let You Down”

ADS: “NEVER LET YOU DOWN“

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, the Jeff Greene Campaign launched a new 30 second television ad entitled “Never Let You Down” that will air statewide. In “Never Let You Down,” successful businessman Jeff Greene discusses his record as a proven jobs creator, and reiterates his promise to stand up to special interests.

“Jeff Greene is running as a Democrat for United States Senate because he is best equipped to take on the culture of corruption in Washington,” said Greene spokesman Luis Vizcaino. “He hasn’t taken a penny of special interest money in his campaign. He’ll put Florida first, and can’t be bought by lobbyists. He’s a proven jobs creator, with 30 years of successful business experience. None of the other candidates, who are all career politicians, understand the economy like he does – because they’ve been in Washington while he was taking on Wall Street.” … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene To Give Voters A Clear Choice In Final Days Before Primary

West Palm Beach, FL – This weekend, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for United States Senate, will be campaigning throughout the state of Florida. During campaign stops, he will continue to emphasize the difference between himself and his opponent. While Jeff Greene is running a campaign dedicated to putting the people of Florida first, and he has refused any and all lobbyist and special interest contributions since the start of his campaign, the same can’t be said for his opponent Kendrick Meek. Meek is a failed career politician, the definition of a Washington insider. Jeff Greene is a proven jobs creator and outsider, and as his campaign continues through the primary, he will offer a clear choice for Florida voters: success over failure, change instead of more of the same.

“After several months on the campaign trail all around the state, Floridians now see that the choice is clear. If they’re happy with 11.5% unemployment, a man-made environmental disaster of staggering proportions, and a continuing economic crisis, they should vote for the same failed career politicians who have held office for years.

“However, if Floridians want to see real change, I feel that I’ve earned their votes,” continued Greene. “In this race, I am the only outsider, the only the successful businessman with a proven record of job creation and the knowledge of the economy needed to turn the country’s financial situation around. By not taking a penny from special interests, I’ve proven that only answer to the people of Florida – my votes in the halls of the world’s greatest deliberative body won’t be bought by lobbyists. Thousands of Floridians have heard my message of putting Florida first, and they know that my number one priority in Washington will be creating the jobs our economy desperately needs.”

Since announcing his candidacy in April, Jeff Greene has brought his Democratic campaign message to voters across the state: from Pensacola to Jacksonville. Ft. Myers to Miami. At every stop Jeff has made, he’s met with ordinary Floridians to hear their concerns, and now he is ready to address them.

Jeff Greene Statement On St. Petersburg Times Correction

Misleading Personal Attacks Corrected

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, the St. Petersburg Times issued a correction on the paper’s front page, attempting to clear the record regarding the false claims made about Democratic candidate for United States Senate Jeff Greene in an article written by political editor Adam C. Smith and published on August 13th. Now, the Times has issued their correction. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Career Politicians Charlie Crist And Kendrick Meek Continue To Fail To Create Jobs

Jobless Claims Increased For Third Week In A Row

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, the United States Departent Of Labor issued their weekly jobless claims data, showing an increase of 12,000 seasonally-adjusted claims. Businesses have stopped hiring, and in fact, some are laying workers off. Career politicians like Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek have clearly failed the people of Florida.

“Floridians have a choice this election, to either remain with the same politicians who got us into this economic mess or vote for me, a self-made, successful businessman who has created thousands of jobs, and signed the front of paychecks which helped grow the economy,” said Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

“Can Floridians trust a Governor who has the lowest approval rating in 16 years, or a Congressman who has failed to pass a single bill in 8 years and instead voted to give himself thousands of dollars in pay raises while Floridians got pink slips? These failed career politicians don’t deserve a promotion. Only I am running without special interest contributions, and only I can’t be bought by lobbyists. I’ll put Florida first by working to create jobs, and I won’t stand by and watch as jobs are shipped overseas and Floridians lose their livelihoods,” continued Greene, who has not taken a single penny from special interest groups or lobbyists.

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: How Does Meek Get To The Grocery Store?

If Kendrick Meek’s Cars Are In DC, What Vehicle Does He Use For Personal And Political Events?

West Palm Beach, FL – Last week, Congressman Meek’s spokesperson said Meek does not own a car in Florida, which is why he has the taxpayers pay $977 a month for his car lease. All of Meek’s personal vehicles stay in Washington, DC. However, taxpayer-funded cars are only to be used for official Congressional business. So how has Kendrick Meek run personal errands or campaigned during the time he has been in Florida, for the last 8 years? It can be a criminal violation to misuse taxpayer money, so Meek owes Floridians an explanation.

“Not only has Congressman Meek failed to pass any bill in 8 years, but his spokesperson says he has been using his taxpayer-funded car to cruise around Florida. The rules clearly state the car is only to be used for official Congressional business. So what does the Congressman drive for personal use? More than one million Floridians are unemployed, and Meek’s priorities are pay raises for himself, favors for his special interest buddies, and using taxpayer money for his car,” said Greene spokesperson Luis Vizcaino.

Meek Spokesperson Said Meek’s Personal Cars are All in DC. “Meek spokesman Adam Sharon said Meek’s personal cars are in Washington, so he leases a vehicle for business in his district. The lease is so expensive, Sharon said, because members serve two-year terms and therefore must enter two-year leases under House rules. The rules also forbid using the allowance to make a down payment, Sharon said, which also raises the monthly cost.” [Palm Beach Post online, 8/13/10]

Misuse of Funds Can Be Criminally Prosecuted. Misuse of Congressional office funds can be criminally prosecuted. The House of Representatives ethics handbook says, “The rules governing the MRA include the following restrictions:

The MRA may be used only for official expenses;
The MRA may not be converted to personal or campaign use or applied toward any unofficial activity;
As a general matter, only the MRA and Members’ personal funds may be used to defray official expenses;
House Rule 24, which sets forth the prohibition on unofficial office accounts, bars the use of private funds or in-kind support from outside sources for official activities;
In addition to possibly violating House rules, the misuse of the MRA may also subject a Member or employee to criminal prosecution and actions to recover the misspent funds; and
The Committee on House Administration governs certifications, documentation, and other standards for reimbursement from the MRA; that Committee’s regulations are set forth in the Members’ Handbook.” [http://ethics.house.gov/Subjects/Topics.aspx?Section=123]
Meek Has Spent $78,897 of Taxpayer Money on His Car. Since he has been in office, Kendrick Meek has spent $78,897 on car leases. This does not include expenses for the vehicle. [Meek Congressional office disbursements, Jan. 2003 to present]

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Floridians Get Info On Early Vote, Absentee Ballots At www.JeffGreene.com/Vote

With One Week Left Before The Primary, Focus is on Get-Out-The-Vote Efforts

West Palm Beach, FL – The Jeff Greene Campaign has launched an aggressive Get-Out-The-Vote campaign to energize and mobilize voters to the polls this primary season. The campaign has combined statewide conference calls, email blasts to tens of thousands of supporters, recorded phone messages, and direct mailers with information provided on campaign’s website, www.jeffgreene.com to educate voters about their voting options. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Meek Not Concerned With Unemployment, Says “Filibuster Reform Must Be Priority One In The New Senate”

“Filibuster Reform Must Be Priority One in the New Senate” – Kendrick Meek, Ch. 10 Debate 8/15/10

West Palm Beach, FL – In yesterday’s debate, do-nothing career politician Kendrick Meek made news when he stated that filibuster reform would be his top priority if he is elected to the Senate. The issue clearly shows that he is out of touch with the more than one million Floridians that are out of work and while the economy is still weak.

“My top concern is putting Floridians back to work and as Senator it will be priority one for me,” said Jeff Greene, “Kendrick Meek forgets that the average Floridian cannot just vote themselves a pay raise, as Meek has done three times. He increased his own salary by thousands of dollars while hundreds of thousands of Floridians got pink slips. He must be too busy providing favors to his special interest friends in Washington that he apparently forgot Florida is struggling to put people back to work.”

And many of the jobs created are temp jobs which do not provide benefits, or low-paying hourly wage jobs.

When discussing the economy, debate moderator Michael Putney acknowledged Jeff Greene’s background makes him qualified to address job creation. Said Putney: “Mr. Greene, this really is more your area of expertise, but how would you get these people back to work?”

MEEK VOTED TO GIVE HIMSELF HIGHER SALARY

2005: Meek voted to raise his salary by $3,100. Meek voted for the L. Diaz-Balart, R-FL, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule to provide for House floor consideration of the Treasury appropriations bill. The motion blocked an attempt to force an up-or-down vote on a $3,100 increase in the annual salary for House members. [Vote 327, H Res 342, 6/28/05, Passed 263-152, R 136-87; D 127-64]

2006: Meek voted to raise his salary by $3,300. Meek voted for the L. Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.,motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment) onadoption of the rule (H Res 865) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that wouldprovide fiscal 2007 funding for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing andUrban Development as well as the judiciary and the District of Columbia. The motion blocked anattempt to force an up-or-down vote on a $3,300 increase in the annual salary for House members. [Vote 261, HR 5576, 6/13/06, Passed 249-167, R 130-92; D 119-74]

2007: Meek voted to raise his pay by $4,400. Meek voted for the Matsui, D-CA, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on adoption of the rule (H Res 517) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would appropriate $43.8 billion in fiscal 2008 for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Personnel Management and the District of Columbia. The motion blocked an up-or-down vote on a $4,400 cost-of-living adjustment to member salaries.[Vote 580, HR 517, 6/27/07, Passed 244-181, R: 99-98; D: 145-83]

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Truth Squad Exposes Do-Nothing Kendrick Meek’s Lies From Today’s Debate

West Palm Beach, FL – During today’s debate, Kendrick Meek once again dodged accusations about his dealings with indicted developer Dennis Stackhouse, his role in lobbying for the tobacco industry to the detriment of Florida’s children, and the homeownership fairs that contributed subprime mortgages to a failing housing market. Also, with more than one million Floridians currently unemployed, Meek stated his top priority in the Senate would be filibuster reform. After the debate, Jeff Greene issued the following statement questioning Meek’s priorities and claims.

“Kendrick Meek has been in Congress for eight years and has not been able to pass one single bill, he has failed the people of Florida,” said Greene. “Kendrick may have endorsements but I have accomplishments. As Senator I will work for the people of Florida – unlike Kendrick Meek, who works for the special interests. With so many out of work, we need a proven jobs creator in the Senate, and my track record in business proves I will be able to accomplish my number one priority: getting Floridians back to work.” … Continue Reading

U.S. Senate Candidate Jeff Greene to Host Community Party in Miami

West Palm Beach, FL – On Monday, August 16 from 6-8 pm, Democratic Senate candidate Jeff Greene will join with Liberty City residents at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center for a community party and food drive in support of the Hope food bank, a volunteer-run organization operating in Miami-Dade since 2001.

The evening’s event is open to the public. Attendees are asked to bring one or more cans of food to donate to the Hope food bank. At the community party, families will enjoy food, drink, arts and crafts as well as live entertainment. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Wins Final Democratic Primary Debate

West Palm Beach, FL – Jeff Greene Campaign Spokesman Luis Vizcaino issued the following statement following the final Democratic debate between Jeff Greene and Kendrick Meek, hosted by Michael Putney and aired in Miami:

“A clear winner has emerged in every debate this primary season – successful outsider Jeff Greene. On the heels of Florida’s largest newspapers releasing a poll indicating Jeff Greene has maintained his lead in the primary, Greene proved he has what it takes to put the people of Florida first. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Leads Kendrick Meek in New Poll by Major FL News Organizations

Greene 35, Meek 31 In Newest Primary Poll

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement regarding today’s St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald/Bay News 9/Central Florida News 13 poll that shows successful Democrat outsider Jeff Greene continuing to lead do-nothing career politician Kendrick Meek in the race for the Democratic nomination. Greene maintains an advantage over Meek (35 -31) and leads by eight points when voters asked which direction they are leaning towards, and he is poised to become the Democratic nominee in next week’s primary election. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Statement Opposing President Obama’s Support to Build a Mosque Near Site of 911 Tragedy

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement opposing President Obama’s support for building a mosque near Ground Zero.

Said Greene,

“President Obama has this all wrong and I strongly oppose his support for building a mosque near Ground Zero especially since Islamic terrorists have bragged and celebrated destroying the Twin Towers and killing nearly 3,000 Americans.

“Freedom of religion might provide the right to build the mosque in the shadow of Ground Zero, but common sense and respect for those who lost their lives and loved ones gives sensible reason to build the mosque someplace else. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Failed Career Politican Charlie Crist: Least Popular Governor in 16 Years

55 Percent Of Floridians Disapprove Of Governor Crist

West Palm Beach, FL – With the release of today’s Mason-Dixon poll that shows Governor Crist at a record low approval rating, it has become clear that the people of Florida won’t be fooled by yet another flip-flopping career politician.

“Floridians should not be surprised that Governor Crist has the lowest approval rating of any Florida governor in 16 years. He bolted from the GOP when it became clear he wasn’t going to be the nominee for Republican Party of Florida. He’s since tried to reinvent himself as a centrist, and lied about his conservative stances on issues like off-shore oil drilling and a woman’s right to choose. Now, he’s running from photo op to photo op trying to salvage his career,” said Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. “Governor Crist is another in a series of failed career politicians like Kendrick Meek and Marco Rubio that put their corrupt special interest cronies first and the people of Florida last.” … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Statement on Border Security

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement regarding President Obama signing the $600 million Border Security Bill into law.

Said Greene,

“I applaud President Obama for his bold leadership in strengthening our nation’s security.

“These resources will help stop the flow of illegal immigration into our country, and it’s a step in the right direction toward addressing the critical problem of illegal immigration. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Campaign Launches Two New Ads: “Special Interests” and “Jobs”

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, the Jeff Greene Campaign launched two new 15 second television ads entitled “Special Interests” and “Jobs” that will air statewide. In the ads, Jeff speaks directly to voters about real issues that are important to the people of Florida.

“As Election Day approaches, Jeff Greene is making the clear contrast between Kendrick Meek, a career politician who has not been able to pass one single bill in his eight years in Congress and himself – a proven jobs creator who started with nothing, worked for everything he has achieved, and who didn’t have things handed to him,” said Greene spokesman Luis Vizcaino. “As Senator, Jeff will fight for the people of Florida. He has the strength to take on the culture of corruption in Washington, create jobs and get real results.” … Continue Reading