Scott Maddox: Go vote and thank you…

It has been a long fifteen month campaign.

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

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

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

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

Thank you again and go vote.

Respectfully,

Scott Maddox

Maddox endorsed by Sierra Club

Maddox calls opponent’s environmental record “abysmal”

Tallahassee – Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Scott Maddox, was endorsed by the Sierra Club today, as the group lauded Maddox’s commitment to the environment and for being one of the first to call for a ban against oil drilling along Florida’s beaches, long before the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“The Sierra Club’s number one priority is ensuring a clean energy economy to create jobs and solve the climate crisis,” said Cecilia Height, the Sierra Club’s Political Committee Chair for Florida.  “We are confident in Scott Maddox’s commitment to the environment, based on his environmental positions, priorities, and vision and know that he understands the urgency of ensuring environmental protections and supporting the policies needed to accomplish that goal,” Height added.

“Having the support of the Sierra Club is a tremendous honor. This is an organization that has helped ensure that Florida’s environmental treasures are protected, and all Floridians are the benefactors of their great work,” Maddox said. “My opponent is a career politician who has been in Washington for a decade and his environmental record has been abysmal.

In more than a decade in Washington Congressman Putnam has obtained some of the lowest rankings by environmental groups for his support of environmental issues and environmental safety and products.

Consider the following:
In 2009, Congressman Putnam supported the interests of Environment America 27 percent.
During the same year, Congressman Putnam only supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 14 percent.
In 2008, Congressman Putnam supported the interests of the Environment America 15 percent.
He didn’t support the interests of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund at all (zero rating) in 2008.
During the 2007-2009 sessions, Congressman Putnam only supported the interests of Environment America 27 percent of the time.
Congressman Putnam only supported the interests of the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and the League of Conservation Voters 6 percent in 2007-2008.
And in 2007 and 2008, within his own party, Republicans for Environmental Protection, gave him a rating of 12 percent.
“Adam Putnam has a very poor environmental record during his tenure in congress. Sierra Club believes that Scott Maddox will be a far better choice for the Florida Cabinet,”  Height said. “If you value clean air, beaches and water, you will join the Sierra Club in supporting Scott Maddox.”

“An environmentalist voting for Putnam is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders,” Maddox stated.

For more information on Scott Maddox, visit his website at ScottMaddox.com.

Scott Maddox: Six months…

Six-months ago, today, the Deepwater Horizon oil exploration rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Louisiana. Six months later, the Gulf Coast of Florida is still financially suffering. Furthermore, the short and long term environmental impacts of this tragedy are still unknown.

My opponent, longtime U.S. Congressman Adam Putnam, lead the effort in Washington to open up the Gulf to oil drilling – and he has yet to apologize or even commit to a pledge to ban offshore oil drilling in the future.

I came out against near shore oil drilling long before the Deepwater Horizon tragedy, and let me be clear – I have never supported drilling off Florida’s waters. As Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I will work tirelessly to protect Florida’s water, beaches, aquaculture and economy.

But I need your help. The decision on whether or not to drill as close as three miles off our coast will ultimately be made by the Florida Cabinet. We can’t allow Adam Putnam, who is funded by Big Oil, to be one of four votes on that body.

Please contribute $10, $25, $50 or more today so that I can defeat Adam Putnam on November 2nd and be a voice for you on the Florida Cabinet.

Thank you.

Scott

Maddox for Commissioner of Agriculture: Behind the Scenes

Friends,

Weeks before the election, polls are now indicating that Scott is neck-in-neck with his opponent. Scott’s vision for Florida’s future will all come down to the next twenty-six (26) days.

Unfortunately, the reality of today’s political environment means we will have to connect with voters through political advertisements and paid messaging. The good news is that with your help, Scott will win this race on November 2nd, and be a strong voice on the Florida Cabinet, working for you against the special interests that threaten to hurt Floridians.

Over the last week, Scott filmed his first television advertisement – outlining his vision for Florida and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. While Scott was making his ad, his campaign staff was busy filming the process. We produced a behind the scenes, sneak peek, of the making of Scott’s first, soon to be released, television advertisement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV1ZxwXXsKI

As you can see, Scott is hard at work, illustrating the spirit and guiding principles needed to take back Florida.

With your support by donating online now, we can inform the voters in Florida of Scott’s pro-consumer message. Together we can rid Florida of the corporate greed and influence that has, in the past, provided access to government but has not steered Florida the right direction and created the solutions needed to solve to the problems facing real Floridians.

With your help WE WILL WIN THIS TOGETHER! Scott will fight for you! Please donate to help get Scott’s message out throughout Florida.

Enjoy the video.

Reggie Cardozo
Deputy Campaign Manager

Scott Maddox for Commissioner of Agriculture: Congressman Putnam’s hypocrisy

Friends -

Today, with the Florida Capitol Press Corps present, Scott had the privilege of illustrating his opponent’s, longtime Congressman Adam Putnam, “shill of an environmental record.”

Throughout his ten (10) year career in Washington, Congressman Putnam has continuously voted against green jobs and green infrastructure for the State of Florida and the nation – now he has the gall to campaign as an advocate. The hypocrisy is startling. This is coming from someone, who for most of his career in Congress, took marching orders from former Republican leader Tom Delay. We do not need that type of leadership on the Florida Cabinet.

Scott, on the other hand, is a leader whose truly committed to creating green jobs and protecting Florida’s environment. Below is the press release that we made public today.

Thank you for the support!

Reggie Cardozo
Deputy Campaign Manager

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2010

Maddox Blasts Congressman Putnam’s Hypocrisy

Putnam’s campaign promises fall short

Tallahassee – Today, candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Scott Maddox, called out Congressman Putnam’s blatant hypocrisy on environmental and alternative energy policies.  Maddox pointed out the vast differences between Putnam’s campaign promises and his D.C. voting record.

In 2008, U.S. Congressman Adam Putnam’s campaign ran an ad focused on alternative energy, highlighting wind and solar power.  In the spot Putnam shows children playing with little pinwheels, and Putnam exclaims, “The concept is simple enough, even a child can understand.”

Apparently the concept wasn’t simple enough for a 10-year Congressman to understand as Putnam repeatedly and consistently voted against the very programs he promised to support.

A review of the Congressional record shows Putnam voted:
Against H.R. 3221 in 2007 authorizing grants up to $300,000 under the Small Business Sustainability Initiative to provide support to smaller and medium sized businesses to improve environmental performance.
Against H.R. 5351 and H.R. 6049 in 2008 which extended tax credits for wind facilities.
Against H.R. 2454 in 2009, funding grants to States to issue loans to manufacturers for investments in clean energy technology, including wind and solar energy.
…and he’s at it again!

In his latest ad, Congressman Putnam puts himself in front an array of solar panels, clearly inferring he supports programs that will truly help our nation break the stranglehold of foreign oil, and will create jobs.  However, a further review of Putnam’s Congressional voting record shows his ongoing disdain for the very solar panels he professes to support, as well as specifically voting against job creating energy legislation.

Putnam voted…
Against HR 7060 in 2008, a measure to extend residential energy efficient property credits for solar electric, solar water heating, and fuel cell property expenditures.
Against H.R. 1 in 2009, giving Florida over $126 million to implement the State Energy Plan- $34 million of which specifically went to Solar Energy programs.  These include rebates and loans to consumers who convert to solar energy and grants for the SunSmart Schools program to install solar panels on 90 schools and emergency shelters across the State.
FAILED TO SHOW UP on September 16th to even vote on H.R. 4785 authorizing the Home Star Energy Efficiency Loan program for energy efficient home improvements.  The measure specifically carved out a program for loans to farm owners to make “fixed structural improvement and investment in a cost-effective, commercial off-the-shelf technology to reduce residential energy use”
“Congressman Putnam got it right when he said, ‘the concept is simple enough, even a child can understand.’  Our state needs real leaders who will be honest about our dependence on foreign oil and who will make an honest investment in green jobs and new technologies,” stated Maddox.  “But we don’t need hypocritical say-one-thing and do-another’ career politicians like Putnam.”

“Telling Floridians one thing then doing another is pure hypocrisy. That’s something even a Washington insider like Putnam can understand,” Maddox said.

###

Maddox touts his environmental plan

Sarasota – Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Scott Maddox touted his plans to create a “greener” Florida by harnessing energy efficient technologies and materials like those made by EcoTechnologies in Sarasota, which promotes and sells solar technology.

During a visit to the Sarasota-based business, which sells, installs and designs solar paneling and other energy efficient materials for homes and businesses, Maddox discussed how as a member of the Florida Cabinet he would work to ensure that Florida property owners have greater access to energy efficient technologies.  Additionally, Maddox said he would work to ensure Floridians actually receive the rebates lawmakers are promising for making their homes and businesses more energy efficient.

State lawmakers signed off on a program that promised rebates to thousands of residents and business owners who invested in solar technology for energy needs; however, the state owes more than 15,000 residents and businesses about $54 million in rebates. Now the program, which expired June 30 and has no money of its own, has about $40 million in rebates outstanding.

“We enjoy the promise of the sun here everyday, but citizens could not trust the promise of Florida lawmakers when it came to utilizing solar energy,” Maddox said.

When the Legislature created the solar energy initiative four years ago, it was hailed as a way to entice renewable energy industries to Florida, and by some estimates could have created more than 40,000 jobs if only 3 percent of homes in the state were retrofitted.

“Companies like EcoTechnologies in Sarasota are taking the lead by not only creating a greener Florida but bringing new jobs to the state that are so badly needed in this struggling economy,” Maddox said. “Unlike my opponent, Congressman Adam Putnam, who has consistently voted against tax incentives for homeowners and is looking to go green during his time in Washington, I believe in providing incentives to businesses and homeowners to create a more sustainable Florida.”

Congressman Putnam voted in 2008 not to extend tax incentives to residents looking to utilize solar energy in their homes. In more than a decade in Washington, Congressman Putnam has obtained some of the lowest rankings by environmental groups for his support of environmental issues and environmental safety and products.

“Sunshine in the sunshine state is a valuable resource we need to harness,” Maddox said.  “As Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services I will work with local businesses like EcoTechnologies to promote affordable alternative energy sources for our citizens.”

For more information on Scott Maddox, visit his website at ScottMaddox.com.

Scott Maddox for Agriculture Commissioner: A resilient nation

Like you, I will never forget where I was on September 11, 2001. In the midst of ensuring the safety of our citizens as Mayor of the capital city, I could not help but think that our country would never be the same after that cowardly attack.

Now, 9 years later, I know that we are not the same. We are stronger. … Continue Reading

Scott Maddox for Agriculture Commissioner: Saluting Florida’s working families

On this day it is important that we take time to honor the many men and women who have labored, fought, and organized to build this great nation.

I am proud to stand with my brother and sisters – honoring their efforts – as we celebrate America’s most indispensable resource – the American worker.

My family has deep roots in Florida labor, and we know firsthand the consequences of not being protected. My grandfather lugged blocks of ice from house to house only to be “let go” so the company he worked for would not have to pay his duly earned retirement. My father founded a union and served as its president.

Today is a day of praise and remembrance, but it is also a day of action. … Continue Reading

Scott Maddox For Commissioner of Agriculture: Enough is enough

Our campaign had a wonderful time in Tampa and Orlando this past weekend. Never before has the division between the two parties been so apparent. I cannot stress enough how happy I am with the group of Democratic candidates running for statewide office this November.

My opponent, longtime U.S. Congressman Adam Putnam, has not only been complicit in supporting failed policies and fiscal mismanagement, he has also led the “federal waste machine” and sought after policies that have enriched his special interest cronies and his own bank account.

Enough is enough. Help our campaign fight back and put an end to Congressman Adam Putnam’s Pork.

A recent report by the Citizens for Governmental Waste, a non partisan taxpayer watchdog group, condemned Congressman Putnam and gave him low marks “when it comes to protecting the interest of taxpayers.” In fiscal year 2010 alone, Congressman Adam Putnam sponsored or cosponsored $17,766,000 of earmarks for his special interest pals. Over the past three years he has managed to accumulate a grand total of over $51.5 million in pork – an offensive amount of waste and greed.

To make matters worse, the Florida Independent recently said, “… It appears that Rep. Putnam is steering money to an industry that he and his family benefit from as well as one he will oversee as Commissioner of Agriculture.”

Now’s the time to stand up against the special interests and to implement real solutions to the issues surrounding Florida. Paired with my foremost commitment and proven track record protecting Florida’s consumers, I will work with individuals across party lines and from all sectors of Florida’s varied industries to bring sustainable growth to Florida’s business and agriculture sectors.

I am seeking the office of Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services because, for too long, incumbent politicians have played-by-the-rules dictated by the special interests and corporate CEOs.

Have you had enough? I know I have. Join our campaign to put the consumers of Florida first.

Thank you for your support.

Scott Maddox

Scott Maddox For Commissioner of Agriculture: Playing Possum

Over the past few months our campaign has traveled all across this great State of ours; visiting with clubs and organizations, participating in festivals and parades, and meeting with the diverse citizens that comprise Florida! This past Saturday our tour rolled into the town of Wausau, Florida for the Possum Festival & Fun Day.

For decades the Possum Festival has been considered the political event of the year for the North Florida area. They say that possums play dead when they are threatened or scared – well that wasn’t exactly the case this past Saturday in Wausau. The possums up for auction at the Annual Possum Festival & Fun Day had plenty of fight in them… much like the statewide Democratic nominees that attended!

I have attended and participated in the Possum Festival for several years now and my family and I have always enjoyed ourselves! This year was no exception, we had a great time, and I wanted to thank all of those who came out to support our campaign.

Check out the pictures from our facebook fan page photo album.

I have visited the panhandle area throughout the years and this wasn’t my first “rodeo”, unlike my opponent, Congressman Adam Putnam. As Congressman Putnam ate possum and explained to the press how it tastes, I was quoted as saying: “North Florida folks know that we don’t really eat possum – we just trick Washington politicians into paying money for it and eating it.” Please read the article here.

You deserve a Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services who will never play possum when it is time to stand up to the special interests and I will always fight for every day Floridians while in Tallahassee.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you on the road soon!

Scott Maddox

Scott Maddox wins International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO Endorsement

Tallahassee – The Florida International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), AFL-CIO announced their support of Scott Maddox for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services today.

“As law enforcement officers, our members are sworn to protect the public safety. When you take office you will swear to protect the consumers of the state of Florida. Looking at Scott’s long record of service, we are convinced that he will serve Floridians with skill, determination, and commitment,” said Sam Cabral, International President of IUPA. … Continue Reading

Scott Maddox For Commissioner of Agriculture: 70 days…

70 days have come and gone since we called on Congressman Adam Putnam to sign a pledge opposing offshore oil drilling in Florida.

During those 70 days, our campaign has:
Toured coastal communities to offer my assistance in any way I can.
Toured Florida, holding meetings with working families on my vision for a better Florida.
Received the unanimous endorsement from the AFL-CIO, representing over 500,000 working Floridians.
Received the support of the Florida Education Association.
Received the endorsement from the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, representing over 200,000 Floridians from different parts of the state.
Endorsed by nationally renowned Sheriff John Bunnell along with many Florida Sheriffs, the Fraternal Order of Police, County Commissioners, City Commissioners, Legislators and Mayors from all over Florida.
And the list goes on… I could not have done this without your help!

Midnight Friday (5 DAYS FROM NOW) is a HUGE deadline for our campaign… FRIDAY marks the end of our financial quarter and I need YOUR help to keep our momentum going!

I am asking you to go online and donate $70 (or whatever you can do) and show my opponent, Congressman Adam Putnam, that 70 days of this CONTINUED support of oil drilling is not what Floridians want.

During the 70 days we’ve been out there working for Florida, Congressman Putnam has refused to see the light on oil drilling. 70 days have come and gone without his signature on a pledge to stop oil drilling in Florida and to make matters worse, Congressman Putnam continues to represent the special interests instead of the consumers here at home.

I believe it’s time that we retired Congressman Putnam once and for all but to do this, I will need your help now. Remember the financial quarter ends FRIDAY!

Please go online immediately and send a message that Congressman Putnam will never forget! $70 dollars will help make sure we will have the funds necessary to continue our fight for the consumers of Florida! Any amount helps.

Will you join our campaign?

Thank you.

Scott Maddox

Scott Maddox for Commissioner of Agriculture: Tallahassee Reception today

Please Join…

Ed & Susan Murray

(host committee in formation)

For a Campaign Fundraiser & Reception Benefiting

Scott Maddox

Candidate for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Monday, July 12th

The Manor @ Midtown

1122 Thomasville Road

Tallahassee, Florida 32303

5:30 PM – 7:30PM

Suggested Contribution: $250 (All other contributions welcomed)

Please make all checks payable to the “Scott Maddox Campaign”.

Contributions are limited to $500 per person or corporate entity. The maximum contribution for an individual, corporation, PAC or trust is $500 for the primary and $500 for the general ($1,000 for the entire cycle).

To contribute online, please go to: www.scottmaddox.com/contribute/

To RSVP for the event, please contact our Campaign Coordinator at josh@scottmaddox.com or call (850) 445-1781.

Scott Maddox for Agriculture Commissioner: Maddox Praises Senator Nelson’s Bill; Continues call to move BP out of the way

Tallahassee - Today candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Scott Maddox, praised U.S. Senator Bill Nelson for his bill to require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to study the long-term effects of the BP oil spill especially as those effects relate to underwater plumes.

Nelson is reacting to the reality that in the wake of the spill, there is too little information about the short-term and long-term impacts of this disaster.  Scientists have raised concerns about the lack of information about the breadth and depth of the spill even while BP spokespersons have attempted to downplay the size and scope of the massive underwater plumes. … Continue Reading

Scott Maddox for Commissioner of Agriculture: Tallahassee Reception on Monday

If you would like to be listed on the Host Committee for this event (a $500 dollar raise commitment), please contact our Campaign Coordinator at josh@scottmaddox.com or (850) 222-6050. Thank you.

Please Join…

Ed & Susan Murray

(host committee currently in formation) … Continue Reading

Scott Maddox for Agriculture Commissioner: This Independence Day Weekend

I am proud to be celebrating America’s birthday in Lynn Haven and Panama City today. It was great to be part of a parade and town celebration in Lynn Haven, and then on to Panama City, where they celebrate in spite of the stress of preparing for more oil on their beaches.

The people of the gulf coast are resilient – and epitomize the American spirit. During this 4th of July weekend, we should keep them in our prayers, and remember all of the outstanding Americans who have made our country great. Freedom is not free – it requires our active participation. … Continue Reading

Scott Maddox for Agriculture Commissioner: Breathtaking hypocrisy

Yesterday was another “there he goes again” moment for Congressman Adam Putnam’s campaign.

Recall that Congressman Putnam (R-Big Oil) voted to spend nearly a trillion of your dollars to bail out the big banks. That’s right, Congressman Putnam supported the big bank bailout known as TARP.

But two years later, when the too-big-to-fail banks are bigger than they were in 2008, and super-sized bonuses for lackluster performance are once again the norm, he is voting against a bipartisan bill to enact tough new consumer protections to rein in Wall Street. … Continue Reading

Scott Maddox for Agriculture Commissioner: Take a stand

From Homer, Alaska to Key West, Florida – Today, Americans from all across our great nation are joining together for the second ‘Hands Across the Sand’ event.

These events have a common message for our leaders and to the oil companies – WE want clean energy and no more unsafe drilling in the Gulf of Mexico… PERIOD! … Continue Reading

Florida Democrats: Loranne and Scott

Over a year ago, I wrote to you about the amazing opportunity in this election for each of us to make history and elect new leadership in Florida – and we are well on our way.

As of last week, it is official. We have our nominees for Florida’s next CFO, Loranne Ausley, and Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Scott Maddox. They are both exactly the kind of leaders Tallahassee needs to clean up after the mess the Republicans have left.

Loranne has been a leading voice for Florida’s children and families for years – whether it is in the State House or serving as Chair of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation. She is a proven problem-solver and will follow in Alex Sink’s footsteps by using her skills to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used wisely in Tallahassee.

Her opponent, Senator Jeff Atwater, is the ultimate political insider. He has spent his career watching out for the banking and insurance industries, and has been a key player in the Republican Party’s culture of corruption. He was also the architect of the Tallahassee power grab on education and is even interested in turning back the clock and forcing himself between women and their doctors.

As Loranne says, “It’s time to fight back.” Take a minute and visit Loranne Ausley’s website and join her campaign today, to help her become Florida’s next CFO.

And Sen. Atwater isn’t the only typical politician the Republicans have nominated. Congressman Adam Putnam is hoping to escape his miserable record in Washington D.C. by running for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. After leading Republican efforts in gutting consumer protections, supporting drilling off Florida, and currying favor with special interests there is no reason for him to ask for a promotion.

But that is why we need Scott Maddox as Florida’s next Ag Commissioner because he will fight for Floridians and protect consumers. Whether it is fighting against more drilling off our beaches or standing up against the special interests, Maddox has a proven record of fighting for us. Raised on farmlands in Homestead and in rural Leon County – he will work every day to preserve Florida’s unique quality of life and keep it a special place for all of us.

Help Scott Maddox fight back against Congressman Putnam and his special interest pals. Take a minute and visit Scott Maddox’s website and join his campaign today, and help him take back the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services office for Floridians.

Thank you so much for helping Loranne and Scott – with your help, I know we can have an amazing year for Florida Democrats.

Sincerely,

Karen Thurman

Scott Maddox For Commissioner of Agriculture: Thanks.

When our campaign began for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services, I asked you to join our journey. And last week, we took one more step along that path.

On Thursday, I officially qualified to run for Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services. In light of my primary opponents graciously dropping out of the race, I am now the official Democratic nominee. As the nominee, our campaign will continue to shine a light on Congressman Adam Putnam’s dismal record in Washington, while calling attention to our plan for Florida’s future.

Thank you for getting me to this point. We have come a long way but we still have a great deal of work to do before November. It is my great hope that I can continue to count on your help and support in this endeavor.

We’ve opposed oil drilling near Florida’s beaches from the very beginning, even while my opponent sided with big oil in favor of drilling. The voters of Florida will be offered a clear choice this November: our candidacy, which continues to stand up against the special interests or our opponent, who continues to side with them in order to curry their favor.

With your help we can make sure our message in heard throughout Florida. When it is, the people will win come November. Please join us today.

Thank you so much.
Scott