Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Endorsed by The Bradenton Herald

“As a successful, industrious and confident businessman, Greene would bring a valuable skill set to public office”

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene’s Democratic campaign to put the people of Florida first has gained another key endorsement before the August 24th primary. The Bradenton Herald editorial board announced their strong support for Jeff Greene today. Saying “Greene represents the outsider, one who vows to shun special interests and earmarks,” the Herald strongly recommended Democratic voters cast their ballot for Jeff Greene. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene Endorsed By State Representative Jim Waldman

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, received the endorsement of State Representative Jim Waldman following, Tuesday’s U.S. Senate Democratic debate.

“I support Jeff for US Senate because I strongly believe he will help create jobs for our unemployed, strengthen our economy and give Floridians a voice in Washington,” said Jim Waldman, “As the Democratic nominee for US Senate, Jeff will be part of a strong Democratic ticket that will help Democrats win in November. I encourage my fellow Democrats to join me in voting for Jeff Greene.”

Jim Waldman has been the State House Representative for District 95 since 2006. He serves on key committees and councils including the Rules & Calendar Council, the Criminal and Civil Justice Policy Council, the Finance and Tax Council, the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, the Public Safety and Domestic Security Policy Committee, the Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review, and the State Universities and Private Colleges Policy Committee.

“I’m honored to have Jim’s support, he is public servant who represents his district admirably,” said Jeff Greene. “As U.S. Senator, I will work to revitalize Florida’s economy, create jobs, and get real results. I am the only candidate who is an outsider, has successfully created jobs and won’t take a penny from any special interest.”

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Failed Career Politician Kendrick Meek Continues False Smear Campaign

West Palm Beach, FL – Jeff Greene campaign spokesman Luis Vizcaino issued the following statement in response to failed career politician Kendrick Meek’s latest false claims about successful outsider Jeff Greene.

Said Vizcaino,

“Kendrick Meek continues to launch false and vicious attacks against Jeff Greene because he doesn’t have a record to run on – he’s a failure. He hasn’t passed one single bill in 8 years, but he has given himself 3 pay raises and uses tax payer dollars to lease a $977 per month SUV. Warren Buffett has rebuked Kendrick Meek for his lies. Kendrick Meek’s lies and false claims won’t create one single job for the millions of Floridians who have lost their jobs while Meek was in Congress.”

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Tax Payers Pay $977 A Month For Kendrick Meek’s Car

West Palm Beach, FL – As more than one million Floridians go without work, Kendrick Meek drives around in a $977 per month leased car and has voted to give himself thousands of dollars in pay increases. Kendrick Meek has not been able to pass ONE single bill into law in his eight years in Congress, but he has succeeded in taking tax payer money generously and doing special favors for his campaign contributors.

“Is this the experience that Kendrick Meek is bragging about Florida needing on the campaign trail? He has not been able to pass one single bill, is connected to corruption scandals, does favors for his campaign contributors, gives himself thousands of dollars in pay raises and now we learn he has tax payers paying $14,789 annually for his car,” said Greene. “This guy’s record in Congress is ridiculous and he is clearly abusing his position on the tax payer’s dime. He is exactly what we don’t need.”

“This also raises the question, has the car been used solely for work-related activity?” asked Greene. “He needs to return that expensive car immediately.”

MEEK’S $977 A MONTH LEASED CAR

Meek One of Only 100 Members to Lease Car. Out of 435 members, only about 100 members of the House lease a car at taxpayer expense. [Wall Street Journal, 5/30/09]

Meek Has Spent $78,897 of Taxpayer Money on His Car. Since he has been in office, Kenrick Meek has spent $78,897 on car leases. This does not include expenses. [Meek Congressional office disbursements, Jan. 2003 to present]

Meek’s Car Has Cost More Than Median Family Income in Florida. The 2008 median family income for Florida was $58,339. [www.census.gov]

Meek Has Taxpayer Lease His Car Because the Cars He Owns are in DC. “Rep. Kendrick Meek spent $977 a month to lease a ‘flexible-fuel’ GMC Yukon that runs on gas or a blend of gas and ethanol under a House rule requiring members to lease green vehicles. The monthly payment is high because representatives cannot use their allowances for down payments, and the lease is only for two years, coinciding with their term in office, said Meek’s spokesman, Adam Sharon. A Miami Democrat who is running for the U.S. Senate, Meek took his own cars along with his family to Washington after being elected, and needs to rent a vehicle in his district, Sharon said.” [Sun-Sentinel, 3/7/10]

Taxpayers Also Pay Car’s Expenses When Members Lease Vehicle. “What you pay for when a member of Congress leases a car:

1. The monthly cost of the lease

2. Insurance

3. Excess mileage charges

4. Incidental operating expenses (gas, oil, general maintenance, etc.)

5. Registration fees

6. Property tax during the term of the lease” [Knight Ridder Washington Bureau, 3/12/06]

Meek’s Car One of More Expensive. Of the 100 Members who choose to lease a car at taxpayer expense, Meek’s is one of the more expensive. For example, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) spends $219 a month for his Chevy Impala. Kendrick Meek leases a GMC Yukon, which was costing taxpayers $977.02 per month in 2009 (or $14,789 a year). [Knight Ridder newspaper, 3/12/06; Kendrick Meek office disbursements 2009]

It’s One More Thing Meek Has in Common With Charlie Rangel

Charlie Rangel Also Has Taxpayers Fund His Car Lease. “Charlies B. Rangel, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is not so caught up in the question of gas mileage. He leases a 2004 Cadillac DeVille for $777.54 a month. The car is 17 feet long with a 300-horsepower engine and seats five comfortably. ”It’s one of the bigger Cadillacs,’ Mr. Rangel, of Harlem, said cheerfully this week. ‘I’ve got a desk in it. It’s like an airplane.’ Modest or more luxurious, the cars are all paid for by taxpayers. The use of a car — gas included — is one of the benefits of being a member of the House of Representatives. …Not only does the federal government pick up the cost of the lease and the gas, but also general maintenance, insurance, registration fees and excess mileage charges. The perk itself may draw heightened attention in the coming weeks as members of Congress consider proposals to address gas prices, including one to suspend temporarily the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon. … The Senate does not permit its members to lease cars with public money.” [New York Times, 5/1/08]

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Wins Today’s U.S. Senate Debate

Jeff Greene Outlines His Vision While Career Politician Kendrick is Unable to Defend his Record of Failure and Corruption

West Palm Beach, FL – Jeff Greene Campaign Spokesman Luis Vizcaino issued the following statement following today’s Democratic debate between Jeff Greene and Kendrick Meek:

“Jeff Greene clearly won today’s debate. He discussed the issues while Kendrick Meek continued to launch false and vicious attacks to deflect from his record of failure. … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Meek Gives Himself Multiple Raises While Real Floridians Lose Jobs

West Palm Beach, FL – Following today’s U.S. Senate Democratic debate, Jeff Greene discussed his “Jobs Plan for Florida” that will get Floridians back to work. More than 650,000 Floridians have lost their jobs while Kendrick Meek has been in Washington, but instead of looking out for Floridians, he has voted three times to give himself a raise. Unlike Kendrick Meek who puts himself first, Jeff Greene will put the people of Florida first.

“Instead of working to create jobs for the more than one million Floridians that are out of work, Kendrick Meek worked to give himself three pay raises and give indicted developer Dennis Stackhouse federal dollars for a sham project,” said Jeff Greene. “Kendrick Meek should follow Rep Charlie Rangel’s lead and call for a Congressional ethics committee investigation of himself so Floridians can know exactly what his motives were for giving Stackhouse tax payer dollars.”

The St. Petersburg Times said Kendrick Meek’s “denials aren’t credible” when he claimed to know nothing about developer Stackhouse hired Meek’s mother as a consultant, gave her an Escalade, and provided thousands of dollars to his Chief of Staff. Meek pushed through plans, and requested more than $4 million in taxpayer money for Dennis Stackhouse, a developer and financial benefactor of Meek friends and family who promised to build a $250 million biotech park that would employ at least 1,500 Floridians. Stackhouse said he would build the project in Liberty City of Miami-Dade County, but instead he double-billed the government and never even built the promised job-creating park.

“It’s outrageous that while one million Floridians are out of work, Kendrick Meek voted to give himself a raise three times with tax payer money,” said Greene. I’m running to create jobs that will help workers provide for their families. I won’t take a penny from special interests and will donate my Senate salary to charities in Florida.”

KENDRICK MEEK GIVES HIMSELF A PAY RAISE WHILE FLORIDIANS GET PINK SLIPS

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) on adoption of the rule (H Res 865) to provide for House floor consideration of the bill that would provide fiscal 2007 funding for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development as well as the judiciary and the District of Columbia. The motion blocked an attempt 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]

FLORIDA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE GREW

DATE    FLORIDA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
June 2005    3.8%
June 2006    3.4%
June 2007    4.0%
June 2008    6.1%
June 2009    10.5%
June 2010    11.4%

Jeff Greene Provides Documents that Prove Boat Stop in Cuba Was for Mechanical Repairs

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, the Jeff Greene campaign provided the following documents which clarify that his stop in Cuba did not violate the law and was made to repair a hydraulics problem encountered en route to Honduras. During the stop, Greene visited Jewish synagogues.

The supporting documents include:

Legal opinion from Immigration Attorney, Roger A. Bernstein

Letter from Summerwind Chief-Engineer, Andy Valero

Receipts of parts purchased and for repairs made to Summerwind
The materials back Mr. Greene’s account that the stop in Cuba was not a legal violation and was due to a mechanical problem encountered during a trip to Honduras.

“As I have stated in the past, the stop in Cuba was due to a hydraulics problem we encountered en route to Honduras. During the stop, I visited Jewish synagogues and saw first-hand the plight and injustices that Cubans face. I regret that my first account confused the public but I’m glad to set the record straight,” said Greene.

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Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Meek And Rangel Have More In Common Than Pay-To-Play

MEEK PROTECTING COZY RELATIONSHIP WITH RANGEL BECAUSE IT BENEFITS HIS BIG DONORS

West Palm Beach, FL – Kendrick Meek is supporting Washington’s culture of corruption and refusing to call for scandal-plagued Rep. Charlie Rangel to resign — no surprise given that Meek uses Rangel to do financial favors for his cronies.

“Congressman Meek has used his cozy relationship with Charlie Rangel to score favors for his biggest donors-tobacco companies who wanted to protect their profits instead of provide funding for children’s health care. What Meek did epitomizes what is wrong with Washington today-and Meek just doesn’t get it. I will be a Senator whose only special interest is the people of Florida,” said Jeff Greene.

Meek arranged for tobacco executives who wanted to block funding for Children’s Health Insurance to meet with Rangel, then-chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

After Meek helped Big Tobacco lobby against a tobacco tax that would have paid $2.1 billion towards 616,000 Florida children’s health care, tobacco executives thanked Meek by saying, “Kendrick Meek was important. He got us a meeting with Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Charles Rangel.”

So it’s no surprise that a few months after Meek arranged the meeting those same tobacco executives held a $1,000-a-head fundraiser for him.

Meek is refusing to take the following appropriate steps in light of the ethical allegations he and Rangel have in common:

Meek is refusing to call for Rangel to resign
Meek is refusing to return the money Rangel gave him
Meek is refusing to call for an independent investigation of the pay-to-play allegations he faces regarding the Stackhouse development deal
Ten members of Congress have called for Rangel to resign after a two-year investigation found 13 violations of House ethics rules.

Meek “Important” to Tobacco Because He Got Them Meeting With Rangel. “Meek is, by all accounts, a liberal member of Congress, but that doesn’t prevent him from connecting across party or ideological lines. … On Capitol Hill, Meek was able to leverage connections to make sure that the cigar industry, especially what he calls the ‘family businesses,’ got its message heard in the right places, by the right people, as Congress considered the so-called SCHIP (State Child Health Insurance Program) legislation in 2007, which would have raised the tax on each cigar to as much as $3. ‘We felt there was a need to tell people in Congress the impact on the handmade cigar industry,’ explains Jorge Padrón, president of Padrón Cigars Inc., headquartered in Meek’s district in Miami. ‘Their response was positive. They listened to our side. It was critical to present our side. Kendrick Meek was important. He got us a meeting with Speaker Pelosi and with [House Ways and Means Committee] Chairman Charles Rangel.’” [Cigar Afficianado, 4/16/08]

Tobacco Cronies Held $1,000 Fundraiser For Meek After Rangel Meeting. “Meek, a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, helped Miami cigar maker Jorge Padron get a private meeting with top House Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, so Padron could lobby against the higher cigar taxes that were proposed to partly offset the cost of expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Months later, Padron hosted a $1,000-per-person fundraiser for Meek at his company headquarters in Miami. Meek and Padron said they had known each other for years and that the reception was not a reward for securing a meeting with Pelosi and committee chairman Rep. Charles Rangel, a New York Democrat. In fact, Padron was unsuccessful in persuading Democratic leaders to reduce the cigar tax, though the entire bill was later vetoed by President Bush. The public and private roles Meek played in the bitterly partisan debate over the health insurance bill were revealed partly in a recent story in Cigar Aficionado magazine, featuring photos of him in a dark, pin-striped suit, holding a cigar.” [Miami Herald, 3/24/08]

Meek Said He Voted For It Knowing It Would Be Vetoed. “Asked why he would take a seemingly contrary stance by voting twice for the legislation, Meek explained that expanding healthcare was vital, adding, ‘We knew it was going to be vetoed.” [Miami Herald, 3/24/08]

Meek Received Nearly $20,000 In Contributions Tied To Padron and Over $100,000 In Contributions From The Tobacco Industry. Meek has recieved a total of $102,000 in contributions from the tobacco industry. Specifically, he recieved $35,000 during his state campaign, $21,000 during his congressional campaign, and $78,375 during his senate campaign. Meek also received almost $20,000 from Padron and his affiliated companies Padron Cigars, Caribbean Imported Cigars, and Piloto Cigars. [Federal Election Commission; Florida Division of Elections]

Meek Has Received $5,500 from Rangel. Rangel ‘s campaign committee and leadership PAC have donated $5,500 total to Kendrick Meek. [ FEC.gov, $5,000 donated on 1/14/08 from National Leadership PAC, http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/dcdev/forms/C00302588/354069/sb/23; $500 donated from Rangel for Congress, www.fec.gov]

Meek Voted to Keep Rangel in Chairmanship of Ways and Means. Meek voted for the Crowley, D-NY, motion to table (kill) the Carter, R-TX, privileged resolution that would remove Rep. Charles B. Rangel, D-NY, from his chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee. [House Vote 57, H Res 143, 2/10/09, Tabled 242-157 D 237-09 R 5-157]

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Special-Interest-Meek Sided With Medical Companies Over Seniors

West Palm Beach, FL – Today Jeff Greene’s campaign released information about legislation Congressman Kendrick Meek introduced that protected the interests of medical equipment suppliers instead of seniors. Meek’s bill was opposed by the AARP and backed by the medical supply industry. Meek received at least $20,000 in campaign contributions from medical equipment firms while pushing his bill. Meek’s proposal would have killed a Medicare competitive-bidding program for medical supplies that was designed to reduce fraud and save money for seniors. Experts have said the fraud could contribute to the collapse of the entire Medicare system.

“Kendrick has never had time to pass a bill in Washington but he did have time to try and ‘kill’ a program that would lower Medicare costs for Florida seniors. That is why the AARP opposed Meek’s efforts and precisely why we need a proven leader who will protect Florida’s seniors in the United States Senate. As a business man, I know firsthand the importance of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse and it is shameful that Meek would push a bill on behalf of his special interest supporters that would protect our seniors from those who would seek to rip-off our Medicare system,” said Jeff Greene.

This is the latest example of Kendrick Meek siding with his special-interest cronies over Floridians. Congressman Meek is already tied to developer Dennis Stackhouse, who is facing criminal charges after taxpayer money Meek helped Stackhouse receive is missing, with the promised development project never really begun. Stackhouse gave Congressman Meek’s mother $90,000, a Cadillac, and free office space, and lent $13,000 to Congressman Meek’s Chief of Staff. An editorial has called for an investigation of Meek’s role.

“Floridians should be outraged that Kendrick Meek, a Congressman from their state, who now wants to be U.S. Senator, is siding with the special interests and putting the health of seniors at risk. There is a clear pattern of corruption with Mr. Meek, who received money from big oil including BP; gave millions of dollars in federal earmarks to indicted developer Dennis Stackhouse while his chief of staff received thousands of dollars and Meek’s mom was a consultant for Stackhouse; and also attempted to block reduction in Medicare costs while receiving tens of thousands from that industry. Kendrick Meek is a special interests best friend,” said Greene.

Jeff Greene Launches New Television Ad: “Story”

Jeff Speaks Directly To Voters About Family, Upbringing And Reasons For Running

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, launched a new television ad entitled “Story.” In the 60 second spot that will air across Florida, Jeff speaks directly to voters about being raised in a middle-class family by parents who instilled in him the importance of a good education, hard work and giving back.

As a husband, new father and successful businessman, Jeff wants to do what he can to make Florida prosper again – that’s why he’s running for the U.S. Senate. He will put the people of Florida first and won’t sit by and do nothing while career politicians continue to lookout for the special interests instead of the people of Florida. Unlike his opponents, Jeff won’t take a single penny from special interests and will only be beholden to the people of Florida who elect him. Jeff will give Floridians a voice in Washington.

The ad makes it clear how Jeff Greene took on Wall Street and won, and how he wishes he could have done that for the people of Florida in the Senate. It also explains how Jeff put himself through college by working three jobs, and how he has lived the American dream. Jeff talks about the struggle of his family after his father lost everything, and how that experience brought his family to Florida 40 years ago, and the insight he gained from it about what so many Floridians are going through today in these tough economic times.

The latest Quinnipiac University poll released July 29,2010, found that Floridians are embracing his candidacy as he leads Kendrick Meek by 10 points (33 – 23). Jeff is gaining momentum while Kendrick Meek continues to loose support among voters and is unelectable.

Link to “Story”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hYbnAcPMVk

Script:

“I grew up middle class and suddenly my dad found he lost everything.

It was very difficult because, you know, we went from living in a house with a backyard to living in a very small apartment.

And it puts me in touch with what people are going through in Florida today.

I was lucky that I was able to get scholarships to Johns Hopkins University.

I took out student loans and I had 3 jobs.

On college vacation I worked as a busboy at Breaker’s Hotel in Palm Beach.

I was determined to get ahead and everything broke again. I’ve created jobs my whole life.

I understand what it is not just to sign the back of a paycheck, but the front of a paycheck.

By 2006, I could see that the housing market as imploding and I was determined to not lose everything that I had worked for all my life.

And so I was able to go up against the biggest banks on Wall St. to protect the jobs I’ve created and I won.

My only regret is I wish I’d been in the Senate so I could’ve done this for the people of Florida.

I’m a middle class kid who just happens to have lived the American dream.

And you know what?

I will be a Senator who can’t be bought by anyone.

The only people who I’m going to be answering to are the people of Florida.

I’m Jeff Greene and I approve this message.”

New Poll Shows McCollum Closing Gap with Scott in GOP Race for Governor

Meek and Greene tight in Democratic race for U.S. Senate

Results set stage for crucial debates in Orlando

Poll Attached

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Less than three weeks before Florida’s August 24 Primary Election, a new poll indicates the crucial GOP race for Florida Governor may be tightening between Attorney General Bill McCollum and businessman Rick Scott.

The new Mason-Dixon poll commissioned by Leadership Florida and the Florida Press Association – the organizing partners of the statewide debate project Decision 2010: Before You Vote  – shows Scott leading McCollum 37 percent to 31 percent, with 29 percent still undecided. That result is closer than other polls have indicated in recent weeks, and the issue of immigration may be playing a factor. … Continue Reading

Statement By Jeff Greene Regarding Confirmation Of Justice Elena Kagan

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s confirmation of Justice Elena Kagan.

Said Greene,

“Congratulations to Justice Elena Kagan. Her confirmation as the newest Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court is a historic milestone: for the first time, three women now serve on the highest Court in America. Her commitment to the Constitution will serve America well.”

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Another Meek Crony Bilked Taxpayers

Special-Interest Meek Made Money While Company Overbilled Taxpayers

West Palm Beach, FL – Today Jeff Greene’s campaign uncovered new information on yet another Meek pay-to-play deal where Meek received money from a company that overbilled Florida taxpayers for $3 million. Wackenhut Corp. paid Kendrick Meek and his family more than $200,000 to lobby for them, and Meek is their top recipient of funds from their PAC in 2010, giving him at least $10,000. In return, Meek voted with Wackenhut as a state legislator and they received $3 billion in federal contracts. Not only is this a clear conflict of interest, but after an auditor discovered overbilling, Wackenhut admitted they had bilked Floridians for $3 million.

“The Washington culture of corruption and pay-to-play politics has been ingrained in Kendrick Meek for his entire life. It is time to send Meek and his lobbyist cronies a wake up call that the hard working people of Florida have had enough of their politics as usual,” said Jeff Greene.

Wackenhut Corporation is another Meek crony who Meek helped secure taxpayer money, which they overbilled for. Kendrick Meek has several ties to security company Wackenhut Corp. He was employed by the company from 1994 to 2002 – while he was a state and federal legislator. His wife later worked for the company from 2004 to 2006. Additionally, Meek’s mother, Carrie Meek, lobbied for the company. Wackenhut has not only paid Meek and his family more than $200,000 in salaries while Meek was a lawmaker, but they are one of his largest donors. In return, Meek voted for with them at the state level and Wackenhut has received more than $3 billion in federal contracts. Not only is this a clear conflict of interest, but it’s another Meek crony who bilked taxpayers– Wackenhut admitted they overbilled the residents of Miami-Dade for their work, by $3 million dollars.

WHAT MEEK GOT    WHAT WACKENHUT GOT    WHAT FLORIDIANS GOT
$241,000 + in salary for Kendrick Meek

Maximum Campaign Contributions

Undisclosed Salary for Leslie Meek and Carrie Meek

$3 Billion in Federal Taxpayer Money

State Contracts

Overbilled by $3 Million

Wackenhut admitted they overbilled Miami-Dade by more than $3 million

Meek, his wife and his mother all were employed by Wackenhut Corp. Kendrick Meek and his wife, Leslie, both were employed by Wackenhut Corp. Between 1997 and 2002 Kendrick Meek received $241,000 from the company. Additionally, his mother, Carrie Meek, lobbied for the security company though she has refused to say how much they have paid her. [Miami Herald, 7/1/09; Florida Commission on Ethics]

Wackenhut One of Meek’s Largest Donors. “One of the Democratic congressman’s biggest donors is the political arm of Wackenhut, a Palm Beach Gardens-based security company that retains his mother and wife as lobbyists. Wackenhut gave Meek the maximum donations of $5,000 for the primary and $5,000 for the general election. Miami-Dade County has accused Wackenhut of overbilling; the company denies any wrongdoing.” [Miami Herald, 4/17/09]

Meek Helped Wackenhut Secure State Contracts. “Partly through Meek’s efforts, Wackenhut Corp. has security contracts with Miami-Dade, Tri-Rail, and the South Broward Hospital District. Wackenhut spokesman Cannan said Meek remains on the firm’s payroll.” [Miami Herald, 1/26/00]

“Numerous Conflicts of Interest.” The Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said, “During Rep. Meek’s tenure in the state Senate, he was employed by Wackenhut Corrections Corporation as a business development officer. Rep. Meek’s relationship with the company led to numerous conflicts of interest. For example, Rep. Meek failed to recuse himself from voting on bills that directly impacted Wackenhut’s bottom line. He was also a member of the Senate appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary, partly in charge of doling out state funds, while corrections-giant Wackenhut had multi-million dollar business dealings with the state.” [http://www.citizensforethics.org/crookedcandidates2010#Meek]

Wackenhut Bilked Florida Taxpayers for More Than $3 Million. A 2009 county audit found that Wackenhut Corp. overbilled the county between $3.3 million and $5.8 million. The memo stated, “Wackenhut had billed the county for services not rendered, and security posts required to be covered were not adequately staffed.” It also stated, “On Aug. 29, 2008, Wackenhut responded to the audit, taking exception with its validity, but failing to respond specifically in regards to overbilling or lack of sufficient staffing.” [South Florida Business Journal, 2/18/10]

In 2010 Wackenhut Corp. and Miami Dade County reached a $7.5 million settlement agreement. The Miami-Dade County commissioners voted to approve a $7.5 million settlement agreement with Wackenhut Corp. to resolve the lengthy battle over allegations that the security company charged for services it did not provide. [South Florida Business Journal, 2/18/10]

Commissioner Joe Martinez: “The County Hung Up the ‘For Sale’ Sign. Commissioner Joe Martinez voted against the settlement agreement with Wackenhut. Regarding the agreement he said, “The county hung up the ‘for sale’ sign…Yes, you can take money from us. If the audit is correct, you can overbill us and take money from us, but if you pay us something, it’s OK – and I think that’s the wrong message to send.” [South Florida Business Journal, 2/18/10]

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Meek’s Phony Issues Won’t Distract From Record Of Corruption

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene Campaign spokesman Luis Vizcaino issued the following statement regarding the Kendrick Meek Campaign’s latest false claims.

Said Vizcaino,

“Kendrick Meek’s latest attempt to distract attention from the lies he is running on television is another failure.”

Attached below is a letter from Andy Velero, who has been Chief Engineer on the Summerwind since 1996, confirming Jeff’s recollection of the facts regarding his having to land in Cuba. Mr. Velero’s letter supports Jeff’s statements that:

Jeff and his then-fiancee, now wife, were en route to Honduras;

The boat was diverted to Cuba due to mechanical problems;

The boat then went to the Bahamas after waiting for parts in Cuba that the crew were ultimately unable to obtain;

Jeff visited a Jewish community/Synagogue;

No packages or boxes were brought on board.

It is unfortunate that instead of coming clean on lying about Warren Buffet, even after an email from Warren Buffet’s assistant directly rebuts what Meek has claimed, Meek continues to raise phony issues to distract from his record of corruption.

Again, below is the letter from Andy Valero, Chief Engineer on board the Summerwind since 1996.

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Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Kendrick Meek Caught Lying In Ads, Owes Warren Buffett And People Of Florida An Apology

Warren Buffett: “I have never spoken about Jeff Greene or any of his transactions in any way.”

West Palm Beach, FL – Yesterday, the Associated Press (AP) exposed Kendrick Meek for lying to Florida voters in an attack ad against outsider Democrat Jeff Greene. Previous independent organizations including Politifact condemned Meek’s claim as FALSE. Now, Mr. Buffett himself clears the record that Meek misled voters telling the AP, “I have never spoken about Jeff Greene or any of his transactions in any way.”

“Career Washington politician Kendrick Meek is again caught lying to the people of Florida and should immediately run a commercial apologizing to Mr. Buffett and all Floridians,” said Jeff Greene. “Kendrick Meek used Warren Buffett’s image and lied for political gain. It’s a desperate act by a desperate politician.”

In his first two ads, Kendrick Meek attacked Democratic outsider and proven jobs creator Jeff Greene stating “Warren Buffett called Greene’s scheme: financial weapons of mass destruction” and has been repeating this lie in mailers and media interviews. Mr. Buffett disputes that claim saying he never spoke about Jeff Greene or any of his transactions.

Kendrick Meek ran the ads as polls showed his campaign not gaining any traction, and support going towards outsider Jeff Greene.

The independent and credible PolitiFact, a project of the St. Petersburg Times, condemned as FALSE Meek’s claim that “Warren Buffett called (Jeff) Greene’s scheme ‘financial weapons of mass destruction.” http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2010/jul/30/kendrick-meek/warren-buffett-was-talking-about-derivatives-gener/

Meek states in his false and deceptive ad: “Warren Buffett called his scheme financial weapons of mass destruction.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dT0QthPKdY

The truth: Warren Buffett: I have never spoken about Jeff Greene or any of his transactions in any way.

This Claim Has Already Been Indicted By News Organizations

First Coast News Said It’s “False.”First Coast News political reporter Donna Deegan: “This is false. Warren Buffet never referred to Greene specifically in the Reuters article that the ad referred to, and in that article he is simply speaking about those credit default swaps. Also, the statement here uses the word ‘scheme’. What Greene did was in no way illegal. Greene, like many others, made a calculated investment and won big.” [First Coast News in Jacksonville (WJXX and WTLV), 7/29/10]

PoliFact Called Claim “False.”"Here, we wanted to check the claim about Warren Buffett, that he “called Greene’s scheme ‘financial weapons of mass destruction.’ ” Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway, a holding company renowned for its savvy investment strategies, and he’s No. 2 on the 2009 Forbes list of wealthiest Americans. Some folks call Buffett “the Oracle of Omaha.” We were suspicious that Greene (who’s only No. 317 on the Forbes list) would have made it onto Buffett’s radar. … By saying Buffett called Greene’s scheme a bad idea, Meek personalizes a comment that had nothing to do with Greene. Because of that, we rate Meek’s statement False.” [PoliFact ad check, http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2010/jul/30/kendrick-meek/warren-buffett-was-talking-about-derivatives-gener/]

WESH Channel 2 Said It was “Off the Mark.” “The ad’s final claim said that investor Warren Buffet called “Greene’s scheme financial weapons of mass destruction.”This is off the mark. The ad cites the quote from a Reuters news article from 2008.Buffet, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, actually made the statement in 2003, which is long before credit default swaps became common, and long before the mortgage crisis ballooned. Attributing the words “Greene’s scheme” to Buffet is misleading because he never mentioned Greene by name. Records show Greene did not start those types of investments until three years after Buffet made the statement.” [WESH 2 ad watch, 7/28/10 http://www.wesh.com/news/24425900/detail.html]

Statement By Jeff Greene Regarding Senate Delay Of Oil Drilling Legislation

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Jeff Greene, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement regarding the Senate delaying federal action on oil drilling legislation:

Said Greene,

“BP must be held accountable for the environmental disaster they created. I was disappointed to learn the Senate has delayed action on legislation that could help accomplish that very goal. I am hopeful the Senate will act on the bill in September, but the fact that it is still not completed is just more evidence it is time for new leadership for Florida in Washington. Florida needs someone who will work for their interests, not the special interests of big oil. I won’t take a penny of special interest money and will only be beholden to the people of Florida, unlike my opponent Kendrick Meek who is in the pocket of special interests and took money from big oil including BP.”

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Voters Won’t Forget Meek’s Ties To Crime-Charged Crony

West Palm Beach, FL – Corrupt career politician Kendrick Meek began running a new television ad today, “My Life.”

“A fuzzy ad won’t make Florida voters forget Meek’s involvement with Dennis Stackhouse, who is facing criminal charges on the project Meek helped allocate taxpayer money to. Or that with all the time Meek has spent in Washington, he has never had one bill of his own passed,” said Luis Vizcaino. “Florida needs Jeff Greene in the Senate to fight for normal people instead of the special interests that have taken over our government.”

Below is a viewing guide for Kendrick Meek’s new ad:

Ad Claim    Reality
“I was raised by a single mom. … ‘He always had a lot of hair. I don’t know what happened to it.’”
Representative Carrie Meek Was Long-Time Powerful Legislator.  Rep. Carrie Meek spent ten years in the U.S. House of Representatives, before which she was a Florida Senator and Representative.  While in the U.S. House, Rep. Carrie Meek was a, “member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which funds all executive branch programs and independent agencies. Rep. Meek also served on the Subcommittee on Treasury, Postal Service and General Government, and the Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies.” [Miami Times, 7/28/04-8/3/04]

Carrie Meek Effectively Bequeathed House Seat to Kendrick.  “Last cycle, now-Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) was the only son or daughter of a Member to successfully win a seat in Congress. He ran unopposed in the primary and general elections, after his mother, then-Rep. Carrie Meek (D-Fla.) announced her retirement two weeks before the state’s filing deadline.” [Roll Call, 2/4/04]

“I was a skycap, a state trooper, and a legislator. ‘He was one of my best patrolmen. He’s always got time to talk. He’s always got a few minutes.’”
While Mother Was Legislator, Meek Jumped Trooper Ranks.  “After only two years as a trooper, when his mother was a state senator, Gov. Lawton Chiles tapped Meek to handle security for Lt. Gov. Buddy MacKay. Meek jumped over two ranks to become the patrol’s first African-American captain, and, at 24, the youngest in the country. ‘Kendrick gave me an opportunity to break the color barrier in the highway patrol, and the way he handled it made it go very smoothly,’ MacKay said. ‘The fact that he was Carrie Meek’s  son helped, but he had amassed a pretty good record as a trooper.’ Meek said he met Chiles volunteering on his 1990 campaign and had asked for the promotion himself.” [Miami Herald, 8/1/10]

Mother’s Network Helped Him Win State Election. “In 1994, unable to resist the pull of public service after five years as a trooper, Meek resigned to run for the Florida House. His mother’s political network helped him outraise his rivals several times over.” [Miami Herald, 8/1/10]

Meek Has Been Called “Coattail Rider.” “But his mother’s abrupt decision to retire less than two weeks before the deadline to become a candidate in the 2002 election revived criticism of Meek as a coattail rider. She made the announcement from her church pulpit on a Sunday morning. She and Meek embraced in the front pew, and he began campaigning for her seat that day. He has won reelection three times with only token opposition, if any.” [Miami Herald, 8/1/10]

“Kendrick Meek: ‘I fought to protect the everglades…’”
Sugar is Meek’s Top Contributor. Flo-Sun Inc is Meek’s top career contributor, donating $57,694 from 2002 to 2010.  They are also his top contributor for 2010, having given him $37,200. [www.opensecrets.org, accessed 7/27/10]

Flo-Sun Oversees Several Sugar Companies Owned by the Fanjuls.  “Flo-Sun Incorporated produces and markets sugar products and offers hospitality services through its subsidiaries. The company owns and operates sugar mills and resorts. Its subsidiaries include Domino Foods, Inc., C&H Sugar Company, Inc., Florida Crystals Corporation, Redpath Sugar Ltd., Casa de Campo, and Costasur Casa de Campo. Flo-Sun Incorporated was founded in 1987 and is based in West Palm Beach, Florida.” [http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=957467]

Fanjuls Helped Pollute Everglades. “The Fanjuls harvest 180,000 acres in South Florida that send polluted  water into the Everglades. (Over the years they have lobbied against plans to have the sugar  industry pay its fair share of the $8 billion Everglades  restoration project.) The Fanjuls were Cuba’s leading sugar  family for decades before Fidel Castro’s takeover. Crossing the Straits of Florida,  they bought land in the vicinity of Lake Okeechobee, which feeds the Everglades, and imported platoons of poorly paid Caribbean migrant workers.” [International Herald Tribune, 12/1/03]

“‘…and against privatizing social security.’”

Meek Has Sided With Donors Over Seniors

“Meek bashed for pushing to kill competitive bidding on Medicare contracts.” “U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek is trying to kill a fledgling program that the federal government says will deflate Medicare costs by requiring competitive bids from companies that provide medical equipment like oxygen tanks and wheelchairs. The congressman’s legislation, which is backed by the medical supply industry and opposed by AARP, has formed a new line of attack for rival Jeff Greene in the Democratic Senate primary.” [Miami Herald, 7/10/10]

Meek received over $20,000 from medical equipment companies while introducing legislation to assist them. Meek reportedly gathered $20,750 of campaign contributions from medical equipment firms while pushing a bill to end a new competitive bidding program for buying medical supplies through Medicare. According to a report released by the Center for Responsive Politics, Meek and 27 of the co-sponsors of the bill received more than $82,000 in campaign contributions from the medical-supplies industry. A total of 70 members were co-sponsors. Meek called the bidding program deeply flawed in ways that put patients in jeopardy. Federal officials were cracking down on widespread Medicare fraud, especially in Miami, much of it in the form of improper billing for medical equipment, such as power wheelchairs and oxygen supplies. Meek introduced a bill that would repeal the program. He told fellow House members the program had been delayed because contracts had been awarded to suppliers outside the bidding area that were unable to serve patients and to unlicensed providers in violation of state standards. [Sun Sentinel, 11/19/09]

Meek has received over $350,000 from the health care industry. Meek has received $354,063 from the health care industry since 1995. [Florida Division of Elections; Federal Election Commission]

“He had the concern and the caring to see how wrong we were.”
Meek Wrong For Florida

Meek hosted homeownership fairs targeting minorities.  In 2004, Meek sponsored a homeownership fair that targeted first-time, minority home buyers.  Meek partnered with With Ownership Wealth, an organization established in 2001 by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) with the aim of increasing homeownership rates among minorities.  Meek’s office said that fair was part of a program spread over several months in which more than 50 organizations including the Fannie Mae Foundation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provide assistance to those who want to own their first homes.  Meek said in a statement announcing the fair that prospective minority home owners face many challenges. These include low income, lack of savings to cover down payment and closing costs, lack of reserve funds, “nontraditional” or “impaired” credit histories and a general lack of knowledge of how to buy a home and the benefits of being a homeowner.  [Miami Herald, 1/11/04]

During the time Meek was hosting the fairs Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae purchased $434 billion in securities backed by subprime loans. From 2004 to 2006, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae purchased $434 billion in securities backed by subprime loans, creating a market for more such lending. The subprime loans were targeted toward borrowers with poor credit, and they generally carried higher interest rates than conventional loans. According to the Washington Post, “In 2003, the two bought $81 billion in subprime securities. In 2004, they purchased $175 billion — 44 percent of the market. In 2005, they bought $169 billion, or 33 percent. In 2006, they cut back to $90 billion, or 20 percent.” [Washington Post, 6/10/08]

The fairs were sponsored by subprime lenders.  Sponsors of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s With Ownership Now included Countrywide, Household International and New Century.  Countrywide was a major subprime lender that eventually collapsed and was taken over by Bank of America.  Household International was a subprime lender later purchased by HSBC and renamed HSBC Finance.  New Century Financial was also a major subprime lender which had its shares suspended on the New York Stock Exchange in 2007.   [USA Today, 4/17/07, BBC, 3/14/07]

Meek has received over $50,000 in campaign contributions from companies and organizations tied to the subprime lending crisis.  Meek received over $50,000 in contributions tied to companies and organizations connected to the subprime lending crisis.  Meek received $18,000 in contributions connection to Bank of America.  He also received $6,500 in Fannie Mae contributions and $3,250 in Freddie Mac contributions.  He also received contributions tied to Morgan Stanley, the Mortgage Bankers Association, JP Morgan Chase and HSBC.  [Federal Election Commission; Florida Division of Elections]

“Kendrick Meek: but in the end it’s about your life and not mine. I’m Kendrick Meek, and I approved this message.”
Meek Hasn’t Gotten One Bill Passed.  Not one bill that Meek sponsored by himself has been passed by Congress. [review of legislation by solo sponsor from 2003-1010, http://thomas.loc.gov/home/LegislativeData.php]

Meek Is Lifelong Politician Tied to Corruption Case of Donor Who Helped His Mother and Chief of Staff

Miami Herald headline: “U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek tied to failed Poinciana Park project fraud case” “As U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek championed a proposed biopharmaceutical complex for Liberty City in 2003, his Miami chief of staff received $13,000 from the project’s developer to help the aide buy a house, newly released police records show. The developer, Dennis Stackhouse, is now awaiting trial, accused of stealing nearly $1 million from the failed Poinciana Park project that was supposed to revitalize the blighted Liberty City community. Nothing was ever built. The police records show that Stackhouse engaged in an elaborate campaign to curry favor with Meek as the builder sought the congressman’s help in obtaining federal funding for the project. In addition to helping the aide’s house purchase, Stackhouse hired Meek’s mother, former U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek, paying her $90,000 in consulting fees and paying for a Cadillac Escalade for her to drive.Meek twice sought congressional earmarks to benefit the project but has insisted that was unrelated to his mother’s work for the developer.” [Miami Herald, 5/15/10]

Editorial “Meek’s Denials Not Credible.” “Meek’s situation goes to the heart of public trust. With taxpayer money, he helped out the guy who was making sure his mother had a big payday and drove a very nice ride. The Miami-Dade police public corruption bureau should investigate if it is not already, and the House ethics committee should open an inquiry. At best, there is an appearance of impropriety in the relationship between Kendrick Meek  and Stackhouse. Meek’s denials are not credible, and it will take more digging by investigators to get closer to the truth.” [editorial, St. Petersburg Times, 5/24/10]

With Meek as chairman, an economic task force approved two loans to Stackhouse companies totaling more than $5 million. Two years after local leaders unveiled plans for a massive biotech park in Liberty City, Miami-Dade County  killed the deal, severed ties with the developer and vowed to recover public money spent on the troubled project.  With Meek as chairman, an economic task force approved two loans to Stackhouse companies totaling more than $5 million. Those companies later owed more than $200,000 in late payments.  [Miami Herald, 6/26/07]

Stackhouse is accused of stealing $1 million from the Poinciana Park where nothing was built.  Miami Herald: “The developer, Dennis Stackhouse, is now awaiting trial, accused of stealing nearly $1 million from the failed Poinciana Park project that was supposed to revitalize the blighted Liberty City community.  Nothing was ever built.  [Miami Herald, 5/14/10]

Jeff Greene For U.S. Senate: Meek Continues To Mislead Voters In Lastest Debate

West Palm Beach, FL – In tonight’s debate, Jeff Greene proves why he is the best candidate to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate, while Kendrick Meek continues his typical Washington-politician ways of misleading voters. Instead of discussing the issues, Meek insists on trying to cover up his own ties to the Dennis Stackhouse corruption scandal, for which the St. Petersburg Times called Meek “clueless or worse”.

“Corrupt Washington politician Kendrick Meek just can’t help himself – in tonight’s debate he refuses to come clean about his involvement with indicted developer Dennis Stackhouse who received federal dollars while Stackhouse contributed to Meek’s campaign, provided money to Meek’s Chief of Staff and hired Meek’s mother as a consultant with a $90,000 salary and a Cadillac Escalade,” said Greene spokesman Luis Vizcaino. “Jeff Greene continues to show that he is an outsider who knows how to create jobs, will not take a penny from special interests, and will donate his salary to charities in Florida. His only interest as a Senator will be the people of Florida.”

Also tonight, viewers will see Kendrick Meek again refuse to commit to endorse the Democratic nominee should he lose the nomination. “It’s hypocritical of Kendrick Meek to claim to be a real Democrat when he won’t commit to support the Democratic nominee. Meek is again talking out of both sides of his mouth,” added Vizcaino.

Congressman Meek tried to downplay his role in the Dennis Stackhouse fleecing of Florida. Meek has already switched his answer twice on how much he knew about his mother’s role as a paid consultant for Stackhouse, as Meek lobbied for $4 million of taxpayer money for Stackhouse’s project – a project that never developed, even though a large portion of taxpayer money disappeared. Stackhouse is currently awaiting trial for theft and other criminal acts. In the debate, Congressman Meek spent a lot of time downplaying what he knew from his mother, but never addressed the fact that his Chief of Staff also received $13,000 from Stackhouse. And as the St. Petersburg Times reported, “A Stackhouse employee told Miami-Dade police that Williams arranged meetings between Meek and Stackhouse to discuss federal earmark funding. And a Stackhouse business associate told police that Carrie Meek regularly spoke to Kendrick Meek about the Poinciana Park project.” [editorial, St. Petersburg Times, 5/24/10]

DEBATE WATCHING GUIDE

Here are the following misleading statements from Kendrick Meek to watch for in tonight’s debate:

Meek Rhetoric: I wasn’t tied to any corruption scandal
REALITY: Miami Herald headline: “U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek tied to failed Poinciana Park project fraud case” “As U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek championed a proposed biopharmaceutical complex for Liberty City in 2003, his Miami chief of staff received $13,000 from the project’s developer to help the aide buy a house, newly released police records show. The developer, Dennis Stackhouse, is now awaiting trial, accused of stealing nearly $1 million from the failed Poinciana Park project that was supposed to revitalize the blighted Liberty City community. Nothing was ever built. The police records show that Stackhouse engaged in an elaborate campaign to curry favor with Meek as the builder sought the congressman’s help in obtaining federal funding for the project. In addition to helping the aide’s house purchase, Stackhouse hired Meek’s mother, former U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek, paying her $90,000 in consulting fees and paying for a Cadillac Escalade for her to drive. Meek twice sought congressional earmarks to benefit the project but has insisted that was unrelated to his mother’s work for the developer.” [Miami Herald, 5/15/10]

Meek Rhetoric: Dennis Stackhouse is only being investigated for mortgage fraud
REALITY:  Stackhouse Actually Being Charged With Theft and More.  “Boston developer Dennis Stackhouse surrendered Thursday to face charges that he stole nearly $1 million from a proposed taxpayer-supported biopharmaceutical park intended to revitalize Liberty City.  A Miami-Dade judge on Wednesday signed an arrest warrant charging Stackhouse, 67, with two counts of first-degree organized scheme to defraud and two counts of first-degree grand theft.” [Miami Herald, 10/29/09]

Meek Rhetoric: Jeff Greene shorted the market
REALITY: Credit default swaps and shorting the market are completely different. Meek is either trying to mislead voters or after 8 years in Congress does not know how financial markets work.

Definition of Shorting Stock. “When you short a stock or a basket of stocks, you’re betting it will fall in price. In a short sale, an investor borrows securities from a broker and sells them into the market with the understanding that the shares will be bought back and returned to the broker at a later date. If the stock falls, the investor buys back the stock at a cheaper price, making money on the trade. If the stock rises, the investor must fork over more cash to buy it back, thereby losing money.” [thestreet.com, 4/18/00]

Credit Default Swaps Compared to Insurance. “What is a credit default swap? A type of derivative, a credit default swap is an insurance contract on an underlying asset. The buyer agrees to pay regular premiums in exchange for the protection offered by the swap. Much like a windstorm insurance policy pays only if a house is hit by a hurricane, the swap pays only if the asset loses value.” [Palm Beach Post, 7/11/10]

Financial Experts Agree Meek Dishonest on Greene’s Trade. “Greene countered that Meek misunderstands his trade, and financial experts agree that Meek exaggerates Greene’s role in the housing debacle. Steve Pomeranz, a certified financial planner in Boca Raton and host of the radio show On the Money, called Greene’s trade ‘ethically neutral.’ ‘When there’s any transaction in a security, someone is right and someone is wrong,’ Pomeranz said. ‘If you’re right, why would that make you the bad guy? You’re not profiting from people’s misery. Maybe you’re profiting from people’s mistakes, but it wasn’t you who made the mistake.’ PolitiFact.com, a site run by the St. Petersburg Times and The Miami Herald, labeled Meek’s accusation ‘hyperbole.’ University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith called it ‘a stretch.’” [Palm Beach Post, 7/11/10]

Meek Rhetoric: Warren Buffet indicted Greene’s investments
REALITY:  Numerous Independent News Organizations Have Said Meek is Wrong on This:

First Coast News Said It’s “False.”  First Coast News political reporter Donna Deegan: “This is false. Warren Buffet never referred to Greene specifically in the Reuters article that the ad referred to, and in that article he is simply speaking about those credit default swaps. Also, the statement here uses the word ‘scheme’. What Greene did was in no way illegal. Greene, like many others, made a calculated investment and won big.” [First Coast News in Jacksonville (WJXX and WTLV), 7/29/10]

PoliFact Called Claim “False.” “Here, we wanted to check the claim about Warren Buffett, that he “called Greene’s scheme ‘financial weapons of mass destruction.’ ” Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway, a holding company renowned for its savvy investment strategies, and he’s No. 2 on the 2009 Forbes list of wealthiest Americans. Some folks call Buffett “the Oracle of Omaha.” We were suspicious that Greene (who’s only No. 317 on the Forbes list) would have made it onto Buffett’s radar. … By saying Buffett called Greene’s scheme a bad idea, Meek personalizes a comment that had nothing to do with Greene. Because of that, we rate Meek’s statement False.” [PoliFact ad check, http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2010/jul/30/kendrick-meek/warren-buffett-was-talking-about-derivatives-gener/]

WESH Channel 2 Said It was “Off the Mark.” “The ad’s final claim said that investor Warren Buffet called “Greene’s scheme financial weapons of mass destruction.”This is off the mark. The ad cites the quote from a Reuters news article from 2008.Buffet, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, actually made the statement in 2003, which is long before credit default swaps became common, and long before the mortgage crisis ballooned. Attributing the words “Greene’s scheme” to Buffet is misleading because he never mentioned Greene by name. Records show Greene did not start those types of investments until three years after Buffet made the statement.” [WESH 2 ad watch, 7/28/10 http://www.wesh.com/news/24425900/detail.html]

Meek Rhetoric: My mother only lobbied at the state level for Stackhouse
REALITY:  Police Records Indicate Kendrick and Carrie Meek Discussed Project.  “A Stackhouse employee told Miami-Dade police that Williams arranged meetings between Meek and Stackhouse to discuss federal earmark funding. And a Stackhouse business associate told police that Carrie Meek regularly spoke to Kendrick Meek about the Poinciana Park project.” [editorial, St. Petersburg Times, 5/24/10]

Editorial “Meek’s Denials Not Credible.” “Meek’s situation goes to the heart of public trust. With taxpayer money, he helped out the guy who was making sure his mother had a big payday and drove a very nice ride. The Miami-Dade police public corruption bureau should investigate if it is not already, and the House ethics committee should open an inquiry. At best, there is an appearance of impropriety in the relationship between Kendrick Meek  and Stackhouse. Meek’s denials are not credible, and it will take more digging by investigators to get closer to the truth.” [editorial, St. Petersburg Times, 5/24/10]

Meek Rhetoric: I voted for CHIP legislation with the cigar tax on it
REALITY: Meek told a reporter he voted for it because he knew it would be vetoed.

Meek Said Voted for It Knowing It Would Be Vetoed. “Asked why he would take a seemingly contrary stance by voting twice for the legislation, Meek explained that expanding healthcare was vital, adding, ‘We knew it was going to be vetoed.” [Miami Herald, 3/24/08]

Meek received nearly $20,000 in contributions tied to Padron and over $100,000 in contributions from the tobacco industry. Meek has received a total of 102,000 in contributions from the tobacco industry. Specifically, he received $35,000 during his state campaign, $21,000 during his congressional campaign, and $78,375 during his senate campaign. Meek also received almost $20,000 from Padron and his affiliated companies Padron Cigars, Caribbean Imported Cigars, and Piloto Cigars. [Federal Election Commission; Florida Division of Elections]

Meek Wanted Money for Children’s Health Care to Stay in Pocket of Tobacco Cronies. “Meek, a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, helped Miami cigar maker Jorge Padron get a private meeting with top House Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, so Padron could lobby against the higher cigar taxes that were proposed to partly offset the cost of expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Months later, Padron hosted a $1,000-per-person fundraiser for Meek at his company headquarters in Miami. Meek and Padron said they had known each other for years and that the reception was not a reward for securing a meeting with Pelosi and committee chairman Rep. Charles Rangel, a New York Democrat. In fact, Padron was unsuccessful in persuading Democratic leaders to reduce the cigar tax, though the entire bill was later vetoed by President Bush. The public and private roles Meek played in the bitterly partisan debate over the health insurance bill were revealed partly in a recent story in Cigar Aficionado magazine, featuring photos of him in a dark, pin-striped suit, holding a cigar. Meek told the magazine, “I thought that the tax increase on the handmade cigar industry went a little bit too far. Well, not a little bit too far, it went too far. This would have hurt not only a lot of businesses in South Florida but also those countries where the tobacco comes from.” [Miami Herald, 3/24/08]

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Campaign Announces New Campaign Leadership

West Palm Beach, FL – The Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate campaign is moving full speed ahead as the campaign season kicks into high gear, bringing in a new campaign team to build on the initial successes that has moved the campaign into a commanding lead in the primary and established Jeff as the strongest Democrat in the general election. Campaign strategist and pollster Doug Schoen will be joined by Tad Devine and Julian Mulvey, who are coming on board as the campaign’s media consultants. Managing the day-to-day operation will be Campaign Manager Vincent Rongione.

“I thank Joe Trippi and his talented team for their incredible work in my campaign. They helped catapult my candidacy to a double digit lead, with a clear message that an outsider and proven jobs creator will get real result for the people of Florida,” said Greene. “Moving forward, our new team will build on the momentum of the past months as we work towards victory in the primary and general election.” … Continue Reading

Jeff Greene for U.S. Senate: Jeff Greene Campaign Update

Date: July 31, 2010

To: Interested Parties

From: Luis Vizcaino, Communications Director, Jeff Greene Campaign

Re: Campaign Update

With just a few weeks to go before Florida voters go to the polls to choose their Party’s nominee for U.S. Senate, Jeff Greene continues to travel across the state introducing himself and outlining his plans to create jobs, spur the economy and protect the environment. And the recent polls show that voters are looking for an outsider who is a proven jobs creator. It is clear Jeff’s message is resonating.

A Quinnipiac University poll released last week shows that Jeff has surged ahead in the primary, up 10 points over Kendrick Meek [Greene 33, Meek 23]. The same poll also found that Jeff faired better than Meek in a three-way matchup against Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio. Jeff is humbled by the support he’s received over the past few months and will continue to campaign across the state to earn every vote. … Continue Reading