Tag Archive for dan gelber

Dems Call to extend early voting and FLOTUS in Daytona

November 1, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

Today, we’re talking about First Lady Michelle Obama‘s visit to Daytona Beach. Calls from Florida Democrats to Florida Governor Rick Scott to extend voting hours and New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg throws more political weight around.

Transcript!

Florida Politics with Frank Torres. We’ve got a lot to cover, let’s get started. We’re going to start with the First Lady out there in Daytona Beach. Michelle Obama out there campaigning for her husband on the coast with only a few days left. A continuation of the blitz we’ve seen from the Obama campaign after the temporary delay caused by Sandy. The President has been in the Northeast surveying the damage. Yesterday we had Joe Biden in Ocala, today we had the first lady in Daytona Beach as they continue their spring through the state for last minute votes. The Romney campaign has also been out there. Romney himself was in Tampa yesterday and later Coral Gables. So, with only a couple of days remaining we’re seeing both campaigns hit the ground running, trying to get as many votes as possible in what is expected to be a close race, especially here in the Sunshine State.

Speaking of votes and early votes. The big talker today on the twittesphere and on the emails blasts has been the call for Florida Governor Rick Scott to extend the early voting hours. Notable Democrats such as FDP chairman Rod Smith, Dan Gelber, former AG candidate and locally candidate Val Demings as well as others have been calling on Florida Governor Rick Scott to extend these early voting hours. Early numbers as about an hour ago reporting that about a 1/4 of Floridians have submitted there ballot in this election so far. Now the strategy behind this, there is always a strategy whether you want to believe it or not, perhaps the Democrat turnout wasn’t forecasted as well as they thought it might be, perhaps they think they need this extra push in the media to make sure there people get to the poles. Perhaps this is an early dig at Governor Rick Scott, it’s never too early to start the next election, it’s funny how in those emails former Governor Charlie Crist is brought up, and the efforts he did to extend the hours, we spoke about Charlie Crist yesterday (LINK HERE) taking a run at Florida Governor Rick Scott as a Democrat. So the loudest voices out this week have been those to extend those voting hours, reports have Rick Scott Traveling right now, and let’s face it, it’s very unlikely that its going to happen, but you’ll continue to hear the calls from Democrats, and expect this to be a marching call for Democrats if they have a bad election day.

Speaking of other lawmakers, especially those involved with Hurricane Sandy, New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, has made a very big imprint on Florida politics recently. As you’ll recall he had the 1.1 million dollar ad buy for Val Demings to attack Daniel Webster, we’ll he is at again today, he endorsed, President Barack Obama, of course this endorsement while the First Lady is in town, perhaps they were looking to compound their media coverage, in his favor in what is expected to be a very close race. So, the New York Mayor throwing his weight around as the election approaches. A lot of chaos right now, we’re going down to the wire, things are getting awfully exciting, all of the candidates are getting ready to pull out the stops, there is certain to be more drama as we end the week, roll into the weekend, and into election day. A very busy day in Central Florida politics, expect more of the same, it’s time to pull out the stops and really let things go. For Florida Politics with Frank Torres, I’ll see you next time.

Hello Wisconsin! How Walker’s win helped Rick Scott

June 6, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

Scott Walker survived a recall vote in Wisconsin this evening and the glasses will klink for Republican organizations everywhere as the victory not only preserves a conservative rising star but swings the momentum in Mitt Romney’s favor as we move towards November.

Yes, it would help Paul Ryan, who’s VP stock will rise after this as Republicans try to capitalize on this newly added swing state but there is someone much closer to him that will breathe a little easier after tonight.

Florida Governor Rick Scott.

Has there been any two Governors with more in common since elected? After Walker was elected “big labor” stormed the capital and immediately put this recall into motion. The balance had been upset and had to be stopped. Walker was cutting everything in sight and threw union bargaining agreements out the window.

Of course, all of you know what Rick Scott’s first 100 days in office were like. You had the dueling “Awake the State” vs. “Save the State” rallies. Scott was going to make teachers and other unionized professions pay into their own retirement funds out of their own salaries. Don’t forget other policies Democrats saw as attacks on their lifestyle like Teacher Merit Pay, and Drug Testing Welfare recipients. Both Walker and Scott had whether the barrage of criticism.

Walker dealt with recall. Scott well he has to deal with a number. %31, his approval rating.

Tonight could be a game changer. Could this recall convince those who have abandoned Scott to give him a second chance? Wisconsin has a small surplus and a 6.7 unemployment rate. 6.7! The guv couldn’t possibly make that happen, could he?

The electorate will be watching. As well as potential Democratic challengers Nan Rich, Dan Gelber, Buddy Dyer, and perhaps, just maybe, Charlie Crist who, beats Scott in a hypothetical poll.

The Cheeseheads in the mid-west might have breathed new life into Rick Scott’s re-election bid. He can tour the state aligning his policies with Walkers, and letting his team drop the vindicated Governor’s name here and there. I can see the quote now ” Governor Scott’s policies mirror Scott Walker’s policies and they’ve seen unemployment steadily drop. We can do likewise”.

It was a historic night in Wisconsin tonight and it might be a turning point in Rick Scott’s first term. What can he do with this momentum?

Walker’s victory could be Scott’s opportunity

Can Nan Rich win the Governor's Race in 2014?

April 22, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

Yesterday, Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich announced that she would be running for Governor in 2014. She’s the first Democrat to surface from a crowded field of potential candidates and will be trying to get her name out to voters, in what promises to be a busy political year in Florida.

So, does she stand a chance? Let’s chop up the political landscape and have a look.

Florida Governor Rick Scott’s approval numbers have been dismal since he’s taken office. He consistently polls in the mid 30′s down the high 20′s but he’s been making himself more accessible to the media, and released what he called “the education budget”, returning to schools some of the budget he cut last year to keep his campaign promises and satisfy his Tea Party base. He’ll have two more sessions to get moderates on his side and meet high job development expectations. Just like he rode the “Red November Tidal Wave” to victory in 2010, a lot of his future will also be decided on what’s going on in the political landscape nationally in 2014.

Right now? Yeah he’s vulnerable.

Nan Rich is the Senate Minority leader facing a Republican Super-Majority in Tallahassee. She is liked by the party and declaring now might result in some early campaign cash amongst the anti-Scott sentiment. She’ll be able to position herself next to the Obama campaign and get herself out there to the rest of the voters this year.

She was also the Minority leader during the most conservative legislative session in the state’s history. Democrats in Tallahassee these days are like field goal kickers in the NFL. They don’t score touchdowns and run up points for their teams, they have to score a couple of points here and there and declare smaller victories from time to time. Is that enough to position yourself as the alternative to Rick Scott, when he pushed most of his policies through on your watch?

She’ll be 73 years old when she takes office and, will already have more than her share of fights in the legislature. Would she be able to keep it up until she’s 81?

Then perhaps the biggest red flag when you look at a Rich candidacy and, that’s the other possible names floating out there for a gubernatorial run.

Former CFO, and Scott foe Alex Sink has been pretty bold on the speaking circuit and through social media channels. She’s rebranding herself as an angrier candidate as oppose to the too timid 2010 political personality, that saw her lose that race by a referendum on President Obama and a text message.

There is newly re-elected Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who, sports strong numbers here in our very own town. The unions love him and he carries one of the biggest markets in the state. He says he won’t run but I don’t believe it and there is that one quote from the Obama for America Office Opening here in Orlando…

“Governor Scott has done more to hurt Florida in one year than anyone in the history of the state”

Yeah, he’s a possibility.

Then there’s good ol’ former Governor Charlie Crist. He’s been penning op-eds for state newspapers criticizing his successors policies and would still be Governor today if he hadn’t let the lights of Washington DC blind him. His lovely wife Carole joined the Democratic Party last year and weary Florida voters might experience nostalgia when seeing that name on the ballot.

Back to the original question. Can Nan Rich win the Governor’s Race?

Maybe. Maybe she can win the general election. Can she win her primary? No way. Not if any of those 3 previously mentioned names jump in.

I didn’t even mention current State Democratic Chair Rod Smith and Former AG candidate Dan Gelber.

Nan Rich throwing her name in the ring does open a crevice of light to state Democrats, those that desperately want Governor Scott gone and it’s a reminder that it should be a competitive Governors race in 2014.

Rich might be competitive in a general election against Scott but, could she win her own party's primary?

Can Nan Rich win the Governor’s Race in 2014?

April 19, 2012 Uncategorized One comment

Yesterday, Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich announced that she would be running for Governor in 2014. She’s the first Democrat to surface from a crowded field of potential candidates and will be trying to get her name out to voters, in what promises to be a busy political year in Florida.

So, does she stand a chance? Let’s chop up the political landscape and have a look.

Florida Governor Rick Scott’s approval numbers have been dismal since he’s taken office. He consistently polls in the mid 30′s down the high 20′s but he’s been making himself more accessible to the media, and released what he called “the education budget”, returning to schools some of the budget he cut last year to keep his campaign promises and satisfy his Tea Party base. He’ll have two more sessions to get moderates on his side and meet high job development expectations. Just like he rode the “Red November Tidal Wave” to victory in 2010, a lot of his future will also be decided on what’s going on in the political landscape nationally in 2014.

Right now? Yeah he’s vulnerable.

Nan Rich is the Senate Minority leader facing a Republican Super-Majority in Tallahassee. She is liked by the party and declaring now might result in some early campaign cash amongst the anti-Scott sentiment. She’ll be able to position herself next to the Obama campaign and get herself out there to the rest of the voters this year.

She was also the Minority leader during the most conservative legislative session in the state’s history. Democrats in Tallahassee these days are like field goal kickers in the NFL. They don’t score touchdowns and run up points for their teams, they have to score a couple of points here and there and declare smaller victories from time to time. Is that enough to position yourself as the alternative to Rick Scott, when he pushed most of his policies through on your watch?

She’ll be 73 years old when she takes office and, will already have more than her share of fights in the legislature. Would she be able to keep it up until she’s 81?

Then perhaps the biggest red flag when you look at a Rich candidacy and, that’s the other possible names floating out there for a gubernatorial run.

Former CFO, and Scott foe Alex Sink has been pretty bold on the speaking circuit and through social media channels. She’s rebranding herself as an angrier candidate as oppose to the too timid 2010 political personality, that saw her lose that race by a referendum on President Obama and a text message.

There is newly re-elected Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who, sports strong numbers here in our very own town. The unions love him and he carries one of the biggest markets in the state. He says he won’t run but I don’t believe it and there is that one quote from the Obama for America Office Opening here in Orlando…

“Governor Scott has done more to hurt Florida in one year than anyone in the history of the state”

Yeah, he’s a possibility.

Then there’s good ol’ former Governor Charlie Crist. He’s been penning op-eds for state newspapers criticizing his successors policies and would still be Governor today if he hadn’t let the lights of Washington DC blind him. His lovely wife Carole joined the Democratic Party last year and weary Florida voters might experience nostalgia when seeing that name on the ballot.

Back to the original question. Can Nan Rich win the Governor’s Race?

Maybe. Maybe she can win the general election. Can she win her primary? No way. Not if any of those 3 previously mentioned names jump in.

I didn’t even mention current State Democratic Chair Rod Smith and Former AG candidate Dan Gelber.

Nan Rich throwing her name in the ring does open a crevice of light to state Democrats, those that desperately want Governor Scott gone and it’s a reminder that it should be a competitive Governors race in 2014.

Rich might be competitive in a general election against Scott but, could she win her own party's primary?

Health Law Victory could push Pam Bondi into National Spotlight

March 26, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

The Republican Presidential primary takes a backseat to another political battle this week, as the Supreme court hears arguments and possibly rules on President Obama’s Affordable Health Care act. The court has several options to take after it’s heard the arguments. From upholding the law to throwing it out altogether. It can try to remove parts of the law or punt and push back action for a couple of years.

One Florida lawmaker has been fighting “Obamacare” since the day it was signed two years ago.

Attorney General Pam Bondi made repealing the President’s healthcare plan, the cornerstone of her campaign when she ran back in 2010. She worked with former AG Bill McCullom and several other attorney generals from around the country to have this law heard by the highest court in the land.

Bondi was the underdog in her campaign to become Florida’s AG. Former LT. Governor Jeff Kottkamp held the name ID, the fundraising advantage, and incumbent resources. It was his race to lose.

He also had connections to Republican turned Indie Governor Charlie Crist and a laid back campaigning strategy. This lifted Bondi to victory in the primary.

Dan Gelber awaited Bondi in the general election and despite a heavy attack ad rotation used by the Miami Attorney, Bondi was able to ride the Republican wave of election night victories that saw conservatives sweep the cabinet races and take the Governor’s mansion.

Bondi has since been “outfront” on this lawsuit and calling for an expedited process on several occasions and while two years might not be considered expedited by most, the day has finally arrived.

Florida’s “camera ready” Attorney General already owns a certain amount of positive name ID on the national level. She’s been an analyst for FOX news for several years, she moderated a nationally televised debate and after eventually endorsing Mitt Romney, she hit the campaign trail hard with the former Mass. Governor, introducing him at several rallies throughout the state.

We’ve already got our share of famous lawmakers here. Allen West from the right, DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz from the left and VP favorite Marco Rubio.

If this law is thrown out or even a partial victory like removing the individual mandate is achieved. Could Bondi be considered major player by party leadership?

She’s already a rising star in the Republican party and has some cross over appeal. If Rubio declined the VP nod, could Bondi be offered the bottom of the ticket in hopes of carrying the most important swing state in the country?

We’ll see how things shakeout in Washington this week but, it’s not if, it’s when Bondi will reaches the national stage.

It's only a matter of time before bigger opportunities move in Bondi's direction

Health Law Victory could push Pam Bondi into National Spotlight

March 26, 2012 Uncategorized 3 comments

The Republican Presidential primary takes a backseat to another political battle this week, as the Supreme court hears arguments and possibly rules on President Obama’s Affordable Health Care act. The court has several options to take after it’s heard the arguments. From upholding the law to throwing it out altogether. It can try to remove parts of the law or punt and push back action for a couple of years.

One Florida lawmaker has been fighting “Obamacare” since the day it was signed two years ago.

Attorney General Pam Bondi made repealing the President’s healthcare plan, the cornerstone of her campaign when she ran back in 2010. She worked with former AG Bill McCullom and several other attorney generals from around the country to have this law heard by the highest court in the land.

Bondi was the underdog in her campaign to become Florida’s AG. Former LT. Governor Jeff Kottkamp held the name ID, the fundraising advantage, and incumbent resources. It was his race to lose.

He also had connections to Republican turned Indie Governor Charlie Crist and a laid back campaigning strategy. This lifted Bondi to victory in the primary.

Dan Gelber awaited Bondi in the general election and despite a heavy attack ad rotation used by the Miami Attorney, Bondi was able to ride the Republican wave of election night victories that saw conservatives sweep the cabinet races and take the Governor’s mansion.

Bondi has since been “outfront” on this lawsuit and calling for an expedited process on several occasions and while two years might not be considered expedited by most, the day has finally arrived.

Florida’s “camera ready” Attorney General already owns a certain amount of positive name ID on the national level. She’s been an analyst for FOX news for several years, she moderated a nationally televised debate and after eventually endorsing Mitt Romney, she hit the campaign trail hard with the former Mass. Governor, introducing him at several rallies throughout the state.

We’ve already got our share of famous lawmakers here. Allen West from the right, DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz from the left and VP favorite Marco Rubio.

If this law is thrown out or even a partial victory like removing the individual mandate is achieved. Could Bondi be considered major player by party leadership?

She’s already a rising star in the Republican party and has some cross over appeal. If Rubio declined the VP nod, could Bondi be offered the bottom of the ticket in hopes of carrying the most important swing state in the country?

We’ll see how things shakeout in Washington this week but, it’s not if, it’s when Bondi will reaches the national stage.

It's only a matter of time before bigger opportunities move in Bondi's direction

Alex Sink vs. Rick Scott II?

February 21, 2012 Uncategorized 2 comments

It could happen according to this report from the Tampa Bay Times. Former CFO and Gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink could run again in 2014.

Yes, Alex Sink who lost to now Governor Rick Scott. Scott who, jumped on the scene in 2010, shoved Bill McCullom out of the way in the primary, and won the general election by a text message.

When I say text message, I’m referring of course to “textgate“ in which Sink used a cell phone to receive some advice from campaign personnel during her CNN debate. Scott called her out on that during commercial and the story broke nationwide that she violated the rules. Here take a look.

Anyways, her narrow defeat from Scott caused her to be called the “Worst candidate of 2010″ from the guys at MSNBC. She later went off on the President’s policies and Washington in general for the low Democrat turnout, that resulted in the “Red November” of 2010.

She’s thinking about jumping back in. There are pros and cons to consider. Let’s take a look.

Pros:

Rick Scott’s low approval rating: Scott’s numbers are forever in the low 40′s/upper 30′s range. While he’s distanced himself from election year conservative rhetoric and the legislature’s agenda, he’s still going to have a tough time getting reelected if this trend continues.

Name ID: Yeah, that’s an easy one. Swing voters unhappy with Scott’s policies won’t think twice about voting for her this time around.

Cons:

An inevitable tough primary: She’ll have one this time. There’s no way around that. Dan Gelber, Nan Rich,……Charlie Crist(!?) Plus any others. Sink might not fare so well in a primary after taking time off. All of the other Democratic hopefuls have demonstrated much more poise than she has. Speaking of other hopefuls..

What does Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer think of all this speculation?

Hesitation from the party: She’s well liked, don’t get me wrong but, are they willing to stand with her again? Especially at the risk of giving Rick Scott another term?

Age: She’ll be 67 in 2014 (plus 4, carry the 1, think), 71 when her first term ends. She looks fine but, how many more legislative fights does she have left?

Yes, if Alex Sink’s intention was to get back into the political conversation with this interview, it worked. But, there is still plenty of time and it’s a long way till November 2014.

Alex Sink is considering a rematch with Governor Rick Scott

Florida’s Biggest Political Feuds 2011 Pt. 3

December 21, 2011 Uncategorized 4 comments

What was the biggest, Florida political feud in 2011?

Here we are at the big 3. The three biggest political feuds involving Florida Politics in 2011. What you’ll notice about these three feuds are that they involve large groups of Floridians, attached to the Politicians. These are feuds that affected individuals as much as the actual politicians involved in the conflict.

First a few honorable mentions that didn’t make the list.

Scott Powers of the Orlando Sentinel vs. Joe Biden’s Event Staff- When Powers was confined to a closet during a VP visit, he took it in stride and moved on (more misunderstanding than conflict)

The Florida League of Women Voters vs. The State Legislature- The new voter registration laws have pushed the league, dangerously close to wandering away from their non-partisan philosophy.

Orange County Redistricting Board vs. Hispanic and Democratic Activists- The board no one wanted, the maps few liked, and a cultural divide that was painful to observe and hurt everyone involved. Democratic operatives are using this harmful aggression to flip seats for next years elections.

Here are your top 3 political feuds in Florida for 2011.

3.Florida Republicans vs. New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada:

“Florida will hold it’s primary when it dog-gone feels like it!”

That’s what I thought in September that’s the way I feel now.

There was a lot of huffing and puffing leading up to the change and their were also threats from the powers that be, that Florida would be penalized by being stripped of half of it’s delegates (we’ve still got more than most states) and be passed over for preferential treatment during the Republican Convention next year.

In Tampa…(!?)

No matter, we did it anyways and were awarded another nationally televised debate and for the 4th time in 16 months, Florida will be the center of the political universe.

Who Won? Florida: That’s how we roll here in the Sunshine State.

Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon made the early primary in Florida happen.

2. Herman Cain vs. His Past: Herman Cain wins Presidency V straw poll! Herman Cain leading the polls in Iowa! Herman Cain on “The View”, “Tonight Show”, “Jimmy Fallon”.

The Herman Cain train was in full throttle after his victory at Presidency V in Orlando. Florida was responsible for his meteoric rise to the top of the polls and celebrity status in the mainstream. Even though he couldn’t explain 999 and his foreign policy knowledge was suspect, Cain who basically lived in Florida for months was on top. Conservative VIPs from all over the state were supporting him.

Then came the accusations. First one, then two, and then Gloria Allred holding nationally televised press conferences. All from women hurling dangerous allegations against Herman Cain for misconduct during his time with the National Restaurant association.

The Cain train came to a screeching halt and all of his supporters requested transfers. And just like that one of the most improbable political runs in recent history came to an end. The former CEO of “Godfather’s Pizza” suspended his campaign a few weeks after.

Who Won?: Newt Gingrich, who picked up the orphaned supporters from the Cain campaign and holds a narrow lead in key polls.

Herman Cain will be a sore spot for some as 2011 closes

And the #1 Political Feud of 2011:

1. Florida Governor Rick Scott vs. 71%: When Rick Scott took office in January, all of the protesters were already in place. After his narrow victory over former CFO Alex Sink, they knew what was coming.

-Teacher Merit Pay
- Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients
- The hard cuts across the board

There was anger over his team’s salaries and appointments. He kept the media behind a velvet rope and killed high speed rail. He watched over the legislature as they held their most conservative session ever. It was everything he campaigned on.

And his approval rating dropped to 29%

He went on the charmed offensive. He lightened up his media policy. Even taking the chance to speak to this blog. He greenlit Sunrail and spoke to the Newspaper boards he’d avoided during his campaign and it worked, for a month or so. His rating flirted with the 40′s for a while.

It’s back down to the lower 30′s/high 20′s and rumors of Nan Rich, Dan Gelber, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and even Ol’ Charlie Crist have been rumored to run against Rick Scott in 14′.

The Rick Scott era is still young and who knows what the next year holds? But, the protests, Anti-Scott publicity stunts, and media coverage have made Governor Scott’s conflict with Florida Protesters and his approval rating, the #1 feud of 2011′

Governor Scott faces an uphill battle to win over Florida Voters in 2012

What Conflicts might make it on the list next year?

Alan Grayson vs. Whoever you put in front of him: Everyone’s favorite/detestable, anti-hero/villain is back and he’s got money(as usual). Will he draw a primary opponent? What if it’s Val Demings? Who will he face in the General election, in one Florida’s new congressional districts?

Wildcards vs. Incumbents: Redistricting will affect races all over the states. Will Allen Westin his new left leaning district get the opportunity to be next years countdown? What about State House and Senate Races?

Bill Nelson vs. The GOP Nominee: Who will the nominee be? Nelson will be 70 when the election rolls around. Does he still got the fire to serve?

President Barack Obama vs. The nominee from the Republican Party: Let’s go ahead and put this one on the list now and here in Central Florida’s I4 corridor, it’s going to be a political war that, everyone is going to be in on.

In 2012, Presidential Politics will get everyone involved.

Conclusion: Occupiers, Event Protesters, and the continued influence of the Tea Party movement all played a large role not only in national politics but, right here at home. It’s this blog’s hope that everyone will get involved next year, and make their voices heard.

Florida's Biggest Political Feuds 2011 Pt. 3

December 21, 2011 Uncategorized One comment

What was the biggest, Florida political feud in 2011?

Here we are at the big 3. The three biggest political feuds involving Florida Politics in 2011. What you’ll notice about these three feuds are that they involve large groups of Floridians, attached to the Politicians. These are feuds that affected individuals as much as the actual politicians involved in the conflict.

First a few honorable mentions that didn’t make the list.

Scott Powers of the Orlando Sentinel vs. Joe Biden’s Event Staff- When Powers was confined to a closet during a VP visit, he took it in stride and moved on (more misunderstanding than conflict)

The Florida League of Women Voters vs. The State Legislature- The new voter registration laws have pushed the league, dangerously close to wandering away from their non-partisan philosophy.

Orange County Redistricting Board vs. Hispanic and Democratic Activists- The board no one wanted, the maps few liked, and a cultural divide that was painful to observe and hurt everyone involved. Democratic operatives are using this harmful aggression to flip seats for next years elections.

Here are your top 3 political feuds in Florida for 2011.

3.Florida Republicans vs. New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada:

“Florida will hold it’s primary when it dog-gone feels like it!”

That’s what I thought in September that’s the way I feel now.

There was a lot of huffing and puffing leading up to the change and their were also threats from the powers that be, that Florida would be penalized by being stripped of half of it’s delegates (we’ve still got more than most states) and be passed over for preferential treatment during the Republican Convention next year.

In Tampa…(!?)

No matter, we did it anyways and were awarded another nationally televised debate and for the 4th time in 16 months, Florida will be the center of the political universe.

Who Won? Florida: That’s how we roll here in the Sunshine State.

Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon made the early primary in Florida happen.

2. Herman Cain vs. His Past: Herman Cain wins Presidency V straw poll! Herman Cain leading the polls in Iowa! Herman Cain on “The View”, “Tonight Show”, “Jimmy Fallon”.

The Herman Cain train was in full throttle after his victory at Presidency V in Orlando. Florida was responsible for his meteoric rise to the top of the polls and celebrity status in the mainstream. Even though he couldn’t explain 999 and his foreign policy knowledge was suspect, Cain who basically lived in Florida for months was on top. Conservative VIPs from all over the state were supporting him.

Then came the accusations. First one, then two, and then Gloria Allred holding nationally televised press conferences. All from women hurling dangerous allegations against Herman Cain for misconduct during his time with the National Restaurant association.

The Cain train came to a screeching halt and all of his supporters requested transfers. And just like that one of the most improbable political runs in recent history came to an end. The former CEO of “Godfather’s Pizza” suspended his campaign a few weeks after.

Who Won?: Newt Gingrich, who picked up the orphaned supporters from the Cain campaign and holds a narrow lead in key polls.

Herman Cain will be a sore spot for some as 2011 closes

And the #1 Political Feud of 2011:

1. Florida Governor Rick Scott vs. 71%: When Rick Scott took office in January, all of the protesters were already in place. After his narrow victory over former CFO Alex Sink, they knew what was coming.

-Teacher Merit Pay
- Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients
- The hard cuts across the board

There was anger over his team’s salaries and appointments. He kept the media behind a velvet rope and killed high speed rail. He watched over the legislature as they held their most conservative session ever. It was everything he campaigned on.

And his approval rating dropped to 29%

He went on the charmed offensive. He lightened up his media policy. Even taking the chance to speak to this blog. He greenlit Sunrail and spoke to the Newspaper boards he’d avoided during his campaign and it worked, for a month or so. His rating flirted with the 40′s for a while.

It’s back down to the lower 30′s/high 20′s and rumors of Nan Rich, Dan Gelber, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and even Ol’ Charlie Crist have been rumored to run against Rick Scott in 14′.

The Rick Scott era is still young and who knows what the next year holds? But, the protests, Anti-Scott publicity stunts, and media coverage have made Governor Scott’s conflict with Florida Protesters and his approval rating, the #1 feud of 2011′

Governor Scott faces an uphill battle to win over Florida Voters in 2012

What Conflicts might make it on the list next year?

Alan Grayson vs. Whoever you put in front of him: Everyone’s favorite/detestable, anti-hero/villain is back and he’s got money(as usual). Will he draw a primary opponent? What if it’s Val Demings? Who will he face in the General election, in one Florida’s new congressional districts?

Wildcards vs. Incumbents: Redistricting will affect races all over the states. Will Allen Westin his new left leaning district get the opportunity to be next years countdown? What about State House and Senate Races?

Bill Nelson vs. The GOP Nominee: Who will the nominee be? Nelson will be 70 when the election rolls around. Does he still got the fire to serve?

President Barack Obama vs. The nominee from the Republican Party: Let’s go ahead and put this one on the list now and here in Central Florida’s I4 corridor, it’s going to be a political war that, everyone is going to be in on.

In 2012, Presidential Politics will get everyone involved.

Conclusion: Occupiers, Event Protesters, and the continued influence of the Tea Party movement all played a large role not only in national politics but, right here at home. It’s this blog’s hope that everyone will get involved next year, and make their voices heard.

Carole Crist joins Democratic Party

October 11, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Say what you like about former Governor Charlie Crist, and you can say plenty.

He flip flops like a freshly caught trout on the issues.
He treats each term of public service as a rung on the ladder to the White House.

and then they’re is always this….(this blog’s favorite clip…ever)

That will never get old.

As much as you can tease Charlie Crist about those things and the fact that if he would have stepped aside for Marco Rubio last year and stayed in the Republican party, he might be ahead of Bill Nelson in the polls. Instead, he’s currently an Independent and working for one of the biggest Democratic fundraisers in the country. So, yeah there’s a lot. One thing he did do right?

He married his wife Carole.

Former Florida First Lady Carole Crist

She looks like a movie star and she’s also the latest high profile addition to the Democratic Party. Her explanation? She feels more comfortable with them. That’s fine, gotta follow your heart but her transition leads to the next question.

When will Charlie Crist switch to Democrat? After he does, will he take on current Governor Rick Scott in 2014?

It all makes sense on paper. Send the spouse in to do a little networking, some recon, gauge the mood and report back. Governor Scott is vulnerable and Charlie Crist would be a better candidate for the Democrats than say former Florida CFO Alex Sink who was caught in “textgate” and voted the worst candidate in the country. Crist would also be able to raise more funds than former AG candidate, Miami attorney Dan Gelber.

Make no mistake, this is the first step Charlie Crist is taking to run for office again.

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