Tag Archive for webster

Happy Father's Day from FPFT!

June 19, 2011 Uncategorized One comment

It’s going to be a great day Dads!

Right now, it’s a bright sunny day in Central Florida and hopefully your heading out to have a great meal and do some fun things with your family.

We often forget that the politicians we scrutinize on a daily basis are dads too. They not only have to deal with the pundits, rival lawmakers, and media; they’ve still got to raise their kids!

Happy Father’s day to all of my readers. I hope today is everything you could ask for.

Here are some picture of lawmakers with their kids.

Governor Rick Scott with his wife and kids

President Obama and his daughter

Father and Senator, Marco Rubio

Father and Grandfather Congressman Dan Webster

Happy Father’s Day from FPFT!

June 19, 2011 Uncategorized One comment

It’s going to be a great day Dads!

Right now, it’s a bright sunny day in Central Florida and hopefully your heading out to have a great meal and do some fun things with your family.

We often forget that the politicians we scrutinize on a daily basis are dads too. They not only have to deal with the pundits, rival lawmakers, and media; they’ve still got to raise their kids!

Happy Father’s day to all of my readers. I hope today is everything you could ask for.

Here are some picture of lawmakers with their kids.

Governor Rick Scott with his wife and kids

President Obama and his daughter

Father and Senator, Marco Rubio

Father and Grandfather Congressman Dan Webster

Democrats on the offensive in Central Florida this week.

April 29, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Daniel Webster, Allen West, Sandy Adams, they’re all conservative elected members of the House of Representatives and this week, they’ve all been under attack at their town halls and listening sessions.

Liberals attending their elected representatives forums, and disrupting presentations concerning the current Paul Ryan budget being debated in Washington. An organized group will stand up minutes into the town hall or meeting and start screaming at their lawmakers. On several occasions the police have had to intervene and even arrests one of the out of control activists.

The first news making conflict in the blitzkrieg like initiative was an ambush during, the last stop on a tour of town halls for D-8 Rep. Dan Webster. Planted activists in the audience began to shout down at the congressman just minutes after he started. Webster supporters in attendance started shouting back and before you knew it police had to get involved and tell everyone to act like adults.

The next day, down in South Florida, it was Allen West that had to deal with out of control activists planted in his audience determined, on derailing the town hall. “It’s a town hall” the woman kept shouting throughout the presentation. She was finally arrested.

That same day, later in the evening during a listening session Sandy Adams had to deal with another outburst during the speaking portion of her event. There are currently plans from liberal groups to ambush her next listening session, scheduled this weekend.

In a more creative (and peaceful) protests. Activists dressed up as zombies and once again went after Daniel Webster, this time outside of his district office in Winter Garden, Fl. Protesters held up “Don’t work us till we die” signs.

Obviously, if you’re one of my liberal readers, you’ve got to be completely psyched at all of this activity, but my concerns are how close some of events have come to violence.

One guy shouts, another guy shouts back, one takes a step closer and sticks a finger in the other guy’s face. A shove here, a thrown punch there and we’ve got a riot on our hands. A terrible tragedy considering we’re all on the same side.

This of course, is nothing new. The Tea Party ran a successful campaign of protests outside of lawmakers supporting Barack Obama’s health care plan, and a lot of those guys aren’t in office anymore. My concerns are preventing violence and keeping a rational discussion in play.

Is that too much to ask?

The Unfortunate Dan Webster Town Hall

April 27, 2011 Uncategorized 4 comments

C’mon guys, we’re better than this. Have a look.

After I was done watching this, I was worried and I was worried for everybody.

Democrats and Republicans, from all walks of life. All Americans.

When you can’t let your elected representative get through one minute of his presentation before disrupting him. When you start getting in the face of your fellow countrymen, when you walk into a forum and have decided what your opinion of the info given is going to be, before the first word is ever spoken.

That’s how we get weaker.

Alright, I understand. You don’t like the policies, you are a Democrat and you feel the way Republicans felt this time two years ago. You see, it was Alan Grayson time back in 09′ and he didn’t even let his naysayers in the building.

Dan Webster let his critics in, and it turned into a circus, a reason to cater your audience to your message and when that happens, groups feel left out.

When visiting Alan Grayson (Webster’s Liberal predecessor) events. I stayed quiet even though, I disagreed with his policies and you know what I did? I voted for the other candidate.

That’s how it’s done. If you don’t like what your representative is doing you vote him/her out. You don’t try to incite a riot at a townhall, where the majority in attendance voted for the guy.

You want to know who the wisest guy in that building today was? It was the police officer, who said we all needed to start acting like adults.

He was right. They have QA’s for a reason, that is the time you’re suppose to speak. That’s the organized forum, that changes minds and votes.

It was unfortunate…no it was a tragedy. Central Florida looked bad today.

So, what are we going to do to change it?

Dan Webster in the House, Boehner says Hawaii’s word is good enough for him and Jeb in 2016?

January 7, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

A few odds and ends for Friday, lets get started..

Dan Webster in the house!Wut, Wut…..yeah, he would never say that. It was a proud moment for his supporters, when Congressman Webster presided over the House of Representatives on Thursday night. It’s true that the afternoon drive isn’t prime real estate in Washington, but hey, the guy has been there for less than a week. Good for him.

I'll give 100 dollars to the first Rep that Hi-Fives Dan Webster - My tweet from Thursday

“The state of Hawaii has said that President Obama was born there. That’s good enough for me” Speaker John Boehner: This was in response to a birther heckler’s outburst during the reading of the constitution. Seriously, guys let’s move on. I thought Boehner handled that question well, when NBC’s Brian Williams brought it up during an interview. There is too much to be done and when a key leader from the opposition let’s it by, then it shouldn’t be an issue.

Jeb in 2016?: Not in 2012….but maybe 2016? Never say Never, the former Governor of Florida said. Would eight be enough, for another Bush to run? I’ve said in the past, that if Jeb wants to run, the powers that be, will rally around him and he’ll run. 2012 might already be too crowded with Republicans that can’t wait to jump on a vulnerable incumbent. If the President get’s re-elected, the timing would be right for Jeb in 2016 (He’d be 63). I’m sure this won’t be the last time we here this.

Calm down guys, I'm just a guest here...

Have a great weekend guys.

Dan Webster in the House, Boehner says Hawaii's word is good enough for him and Jeb in 2016?

January 7, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

A few odds and ends for Friday, lets get started..

Dan Webster in the house!Wut, Wut…..yeah, he would never say that. It was a proud moment for his supporters, when Congressman Webster presided over the House of Representatives on Thursday night. It’s true that the afternoon drive isn’t prime real estate in Washington, but hey, the guy has been there for less than a week. Good for him.

I'll give 100 dollars to the first Rep that Hi-Fives Dan Webster - My tweet from Thursday

“The state of Hawaii has said that President Obama was born there. That’s good enough for me” Speaker John Boehner: This was in response to a birther heckler’s outburst during the reading of the constitution. Seriously, guys let’s move on. I thought Boehner handled that question well, when NBC’s Brian Williams brought it up during an interview. There is too much to be done and when a key leader from the opposition let’s it by, then it shouldn’t be an issue.

Jeb in 2016?: Not in 2012….but maybe 2016? Never say Never, the former Governor of Florida said. Would eight be enough, for another Bush to run? I’ve said in the past, that if Jeb wants to run, the powers that be, will rally around him and he’ll run. 2012 might already be too crowded with Republicans that can’t wait to jump on a vulnerable incumbent. If the President get’s re-elected, the timing would be right for Jeb in 2016 (He’d be 63). I’m sure this won’t be the last time we here this.

Calm down guys, I'm just a guest here...

Have a great weekend guys.

The 112th Congress is sworn in and The Robert Gibbs resignation Sideshow:

January 6, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Washington D.C was rocking and rolling yesterday with the 112th Congress going to work with a Republican led House of Representatives and Speaker of the House. Not to be outdone, there was an extra newsworthy event, as the most coveted public relations job in the world was abandoned.

“God Bless you Speaker Boehner” John Boehner is the new Speaker of the House”: Outgoing speaker Nancy Pelosi’s final statement was a reminder that while our people in Washington often bicker like children at the playground, we are all on the same team. Boehner accepted the gavel and acknowledged that everything in the house is “on loan from the American people”. He then began to tear up….again. My man Boehner, just can’t seem to stop crying! Still, he has a plan and while reading the constitution today is more PR than anything (if your serving in Washington and don’t know it, then send me an E-mail. I would love to know how you pulled that off) he is promising to cut the house budget, have a mandatory references to the constitution with all legislation and yes, start over with health care. If you’re Republican this is music to your ears, if your a Democrat well, I feel for you, but get to the polls next time.

I’m also very exited about Senator Rubio, and Representatives Adams and Webster taking office yesterday. Congresswoman Adams is a great fit for her district and Congressman Webster’s ability to work peacefully with members of both parties bodes well for the 8th district. I also expect a fast start for Senator Rubio, this is only the beginning of what is going to be a great career in our nation’s capitol.

in other news….

Robert Gibbs offers counter-programming by resigning as White House Press Secretary: Do you want to know what is the most coveted Public Relations job in the world is? It’s White House Press Secretary. It’s like being a Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys or starring in a movie with Al Pacino. It’s like being in the studio recording with Jay-Z. It’s pretty much it, in the field of Public Relations and so what do you do?

You abandon it, to upstage political rivals.

Now Robert Gibbs is not a rap star or Tony Romo ( I know it’s hard to believe) but he resigned yesterday as White House Press Secretary to take another position as a political adviser to President Obama. He is resigning to spend more time with his family (ah, the Urban Meyer method). As a colleague, I would like to wish him luck and may someone who really recognizes what that opportunity is, take his place.

Gibb’s brightest moment was when he had to “regulate” during a visit to India when security officials wouldn’t let a group of American journalist into a press conference with President Obama and India’s Prime Minister.

No, he's not Jay-Z or Tony Romo but until yesterday he had the hottest job in Public Relations

See you guys tomorrow

Breaking down the photograph: Sunrail signed into law

November 23, 2010 Uncategorized No comments

One image or photograph that always sticks with me, is the one shown below, from the Sunrail event held in Orlando.

December 17th 2009

It looks like a vodka commercial, doesn’t it.

Oh, how the times have changed. This photograph taken almost a year ago, was in a completely different political environment here in Florida. In my PR work, I always tend to look at the things the average reader won’t see. I examine body language and what the people in the photograph were thinking, when it was taken. Let’s move along the lawmakers in this photograph from left to right.

State Senator Lee Constantine: He looks like he is about to pop Orange County Mayor Crotty’s shoulder back into place, Ouch! He’s got a deathgrip right behind the Mayor’s neck. Seriously, we all know that friend that gets, just a little too exited sometimes.

Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty: He looks like he’s having a good time, but Constantine has that kung fu grip on him. It’s hard to tell.

Congressman-elect Dan Webster: This pic was taken a few weeks before Webster announced that he would not be running for office in the 8th Congressional district. He would change his mind a few months later and banish Alan Grayson from Washington. He was also the only person in the photo (besides the dude in the back) who was not holding office at the time this photo was taken. Fact: He will be the only Republican in this photo who, will be holding office in 2011.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer: The only man who doesn’t look like he’s having a good time in this photo. It almost looks like he’d rather be at the dentist office. The only Democrat pictured.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist: Was he telling a Marco Rubio joke? “I’m ahead 15 points guys! “Where do you guys want to go when you visit me in Washington?” Crist’s expression here is probably the most ironic in this photograph. These were nicer times for the Guv. I wonder if he flips through photos like these and second guesses his decision. I know he does. He looks like he’s having a great time, I kinda feel bad for the guy.

Lt. Governor Jeff Kottcamp: Kottcamp is pretty well liked guy, at least he was before this story broke . He was another guy in this photo that had to feel pretty good about his chances for winning his election. He was highly favored to be the Republican nominee for AG but when the time came for campaigning, he was invisible. Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi was criss crossing the state, won a tough primary and went on to defeat Dan Gelber in the General election.

Off camera- Frank Torres: I was there and was listening to the media interview some of the people in attendance on both sides of the issues. No way, that I could have predicted what would go on to happen to some of the politicians in this photograph.

It makes for a pretty good blog post.

The Top Ten Political Rivalries of Central Florida- Part 2

November 10, 2010 Uncategorized One comment

Happy Wednesday! I hope this first week after the election madness is treating you well. That your exited for the future and the potential accomplishments that your recently elected lawmakers can achieve or, have started sharpening your claws and are well rested to second guess every decision they make. I started my top ten political rivalries of Central Florida yesterday (link attached) and here is the next part.

7. Alan Grayson vs. Orange County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Lew Oliver:
“He’s going to lose” – Lew Oliver – 2009
“We can win every other race in the state, but it’s not going to mean a thing, if Alan Grayson wins”
“If Alan Grayson wins, I’m going to have to cut my wrists”

All of this wasn’t unprovoked of course. Alan Grayson and the chairman traded insults, through the media for over a year.

“Lew Oliver couldn’t find a $20 dollar bill if it was stuck in his….” hey, hey, eh heh…well, you get the point. One of many shots, that Grayson fired in addition to his antics on the house floor.

Can you feel the love here? No, of course not.

It didn’t matter if the Republican nominee from the 8th district was Dan Webster or Elmo from Sesame Street, Lew Oliver was going to find a way for that candidate to win. If he had to knock on every door from the 55 West Luxury Condo building downtown, to the rural agriculture areas of the western part of the district. He was going to make it happen.

Who won?: Dan Webster won by a larger margin than anyone expected and Talk Shows from all of the networks had to scramble to cover the gaps created in their their schedules.

Elmo lower taxes!...yaaaaaaaaaaay

8. The Tea Party Movement vs. The Florida TEA Party:This is by far, the most difficult subject to explain to viewers on television during a 3 minute spot. I’ve done it a couple of times and each of those times, I’ve felt that the average person at home still isn’t going to know, whats really going on between these two. The whole thing gives me a headache but there is no denying, that this was one of the nastiest rivalries in Central Florida, this year.

Movement= Nationally associated initiative i.e Palin’s, Demint’s, Paul’s

TEA Party= Separate group that was able to register the name with the state. Not associated with the major movement.

What do you get, when you put the two together? Craziness. Interrupted press conferences, illegal mailers, “Nader” candidates that can potentially effect important elections, like Peg Dunmire in the Webster-Grayson race. Back and forth insults and a lot of confusing media coverage.

Who won?: The Movement was able to overcome some of the TEA party’s tricks and push a lot of their locally endorsed candidates to victory. On a national level, the movement effected some major races and has “a seat at the table” in Washington.

Whatever you might think of the Tea Party Movement, they make a difference in the outcome of elections

5. Rick Scott vs. The Media:A politician that doesn’t want to speak to the press? Really? Normally, candidates for office can’t wait to get in front of the TV cameras and talk about their platform to a captive audience of thousands. Not Rick Scott. In fact, at the beginning of his campaign the media was a pain in his side. He was spotted quickly walking away from the press corp. He avoided the spin room after debates and as for Newspaper Editorial Board interviews? No, way! I’m worth 218 million dollars, those interviews are for the “normal candidates”, I’m super rich!.

Who won?: Despite forfeiting every Newspaper endorsement in the state, Rick Scott is going to be the next Governor of Florida. He re-wrote the rules for running for State-wide office in Florida and won. He will no doubt take a beating from the media for the next few years, but he’s no stranger to that.

The final part Friday. Some hints, we still haven’t heard the last from our incoming and out-going Governors.

Your Complete Central Florida General Elections Wrap-up

November 3, 2010 Uncategorized One comment

The Hunt for Red November was successful, to say the least.

The Republicans dominated almost every race and sent shock-waves that spread from Orlando, to the rest of the country. Democrats can at least take solace in knowing that they still have the Senate and the White House, but still its kind of a bummer for them. It’s been a great ride, please let me break it all down for you.

Rick Scott Wins Florida Governor’s Race:: Rick Scott re-wrote the rulebook to Florida Politics. It was awkward but in the end, Florida chose to elect a the businessman who touted his job creating experience. Who built a company from nothing. He knew attacking the President was the route to the Governor’s mansion. He ducked Newspaper Op-Ed boards and didn’t talk to the media if it wasn’t a friendly set up. Billion dollar medical fraud? Yeah, but that was like sooo long ago..

He ran Bill McCullom off the road in that pick-up truck of his and took the Republican Nomination. The party quickly united behind him and he picked the remarkable Jennifer Carrol as his running mate to criss-cross the state with, armed with the best tag-line of Florida’s election cycle, told the voters “Let’s get to work”

What did Alex Sink do wrong? Well, that’s a tough one. Her biggest mistake when referring to this race wasn’t done during her campaign or even during her tenure with Bank of America or Nations Bank.

It was the day she registered as a Democrat in the State of Florida.

Her verdict came down along with a lot of other Democrats that ran great races but came up short. It just wasn’t the year to be in the same party as the President and Rick Scott never missed an opportunity to let the voters know that.

Rick Scott is the new Governor of Florida and I know two things. He’s got the ability to get the state back on its feet and secondly no one knows what to expect.

Let’s Get To Work! This guy is going to give me a lot to write about!

Rick Scott broke the rules and won the Governor's race his way

The Rise of Rubio- Marco Rubio wins Florida Senate Race: Yea, it was the perfect ending to a great senate race and a milestone in a career full of limitless potential. Marc Rubio easily won and his victory speech was just phenomenal. Let me give you the highlights.

“It’s a good thing you didn’t start shouting Polo or we’d all be in trouble”

“This is a second chance for Republicans to be what they said they were going to be”

“I know America is great, not because I read it in a book, but because I’ve seen it with my eyes”

“I will always be the son of exiles”

“This race was never about me or us (family). It was about the fact that we are privileged to be part of this great society and that is worth fighting for.”

“It doesn’t matter if your dad was a bartender or if your mom was a maid. You can accomplish anything if you work hard and play by the rules”

Kendrick Meek never stood a chance, but he did stand his ground against amazing pressure and for that he definitely has my respect.

Rubio beat Governor Crist (twice, if you count bailing from the GOP primary), so what’s next for the Governor? “Going fishing and finishing strong for the people of Florida” he said earlier. I’ll miss our wacky Governor’s survival antics and one-liners. This is probably going to be it for him. I actually hope not and would like to see him pop up on television somewhere. He’s just too much fun to watch.

As remarkable as Rubio's story is, this might only be the beginning

Dan Webster wins the 8th Congressional District Race:

In the end, it was the soft spoken statesman from Winter Garden, that defeated the Street Fighting Man from Orlando.

Alan Grayson has lost and as the results were shown, cheers erupted from the Republicans in the 8th district. Two years of vicious dialogue and frustration gone, with a bigger margin that hardly anyone expected. This was a hurricane of a politician, who threw everything nasty he could, at the quiet gentleman who refused to fight back.

“Dan Webster doesn’t care about Veterans”
Say something, Webster

“Webster billed us for a stairway to nowhere”
No he didn’t, come on Dan

“Submit to me” from the heavily spliced Taliban Dan ad
Fight back Webster! I even spoke up for him a few times on television.

It didn’t matter if they were shredding his signs or invading his rallies, Dan Webster didn’t attack. The ruthless Grayson campaign tried to provoke the midnight blue and cotton-white (the colors of the Webster campaign) with everything they could and the only reply they got was polite silence.

They waited for the storm to pass and when it was over they moved forward, got the vote out and defeated one of the most notorious members of the House of Representatives.

Alan Grayson’s concession speech was an eye opener. He displayed a very rare moment of vulnerability. It wasn’t the fire-breathing monster that the country saw on the house floor or on television. It wasn’t the big Hollywood production type of display, that were shown on his commercials.

It was just a guy who loved his country and did what he felt, was sincerely the best way to serve it.

I saw Dan Webster this morning on television, waving thank you signs with children from his campaign that were having a good time, and playing nearby. It was a fitting final image of a political effort that turned away, from the hostility that you saw in almost every other race.

Quiet strength beats anger on full blast any day, and Dan Webster couldn’t have demonstrated that any better.

The same mentality that Webster had in Tally was the same that won him this race

Sandy Adams wins the 24th Congressional District race: Sandy Adams never quit. Not when she was running low on campaign funds, back in June. Not when the NRCC wasn’t paying her any mind and not when the media made sure to point that out whenever possible.

Now she’s my new Congresswoman.

It’s a great story and now the district has the representative that really represents what they’re all about. Strong conservative leadership. Forget money, she had people and they worked as hard as anyone to knock on doors and get those yards signs out.

Did Suzanne Kosmas really want to be there during this last year? I watched her concession speech and she looked almost relieved that she wasn’t going to be the object of attack from angry constituents. I’m probably wrong and it was late, but she has taken so many shots and isn’t a fighter like Grayson. She stays out of the public eye. Suzanne Kosmas means well, but she was in over her head in Washington.

Congratulations to former Orange County Deputy and State Representative Sandy Adams.

She never quit and now she's the new Congresswoman from Florida's 24th district

Teresa Jacobs wins Orange County Mayoral Race:
Now that’s how you run a campaign….Planning+People+Platform+Possible Donors.
Be honest, and don’t promise anything you can’t deliver on. That’s it.
It sounds simple but, it takes the right candidate to do it and ever since she’s entered the race, our new Mayor of Orange County Teresa Jacobs has demonstrated it.

I’ve written a lot about this race and it’s no secret, that I’ve been a Teresa Jacobs fan for a while, and now I’m happy that we’re going to see where she can take this county. A mayor that’s not afraid of the powerful lobbyist or developers and will make the decisions that are right for everyone, not just the wealthy.

I’ll probably never run for office, but if I did, this would be the campaign I would want to run.

Jeff Atwater wins Florida CFO race: He really was the best candidate for the job. Congratulations, Govern..I mean Sena..ahem….to our new CFO!

Adam Putnam wins Florida Commissioner of Agriculture race: My post on this race was one of the most popular in the state. I hope that a lot of people read it and that our new Commissioner of Agriculture will make the day to day operations easier for his constituents.

Pam Bondi wins Florida Attorney General race: Hey America! This is our Attorney General!

She's beautiful and she takes on drug dealers!

What do you got?

My election cycle crush, easily beat her opponent Dan Gelber (and that silly St. Bernard scandal) to become Florida’s new Attorney General. I joke about her appearance a lot but she didn’t take any breaks and worked as hard as any other state-wide candidate I’ve seen.

Congratulations!

Epic Amendment 4 FAIL: That thing was a nightmare. Good work by those guys getting the info out.

Jennifer Thompson wins Orange County District 4 Commissioner race: One of the best run campaigns in the region this year and the right way to combine social media and politics.

Dr. Tina Calderone wins Seminole County School Board Race: Two strong candidates and only one seat. Hopefully, Becky Erwin will run for office again, in the future.

Jason Brodeur wins State House District 33: The red and black was everywhere this year.

Dean Cannon wins State House District 35: The speaker designate had a great team on the ground and a terrific ad campaign.

Scott Randolph wins State House District 36: Downtown missed out on another great candidate by voting for this guy.

Eric Eisnaugle wins State House District 40: What’s an Eisnaugle? A well like State-Rep that is returning to Tally.

Steve Precourt wins State House District 41: A hardworking campaign that was constantly knocking on doors, delivered victory.

Darren Soto wins State House District 49: I don’t always agrees with what he says, but a we need a Hispanic presence in the state legislature.

Mike Horner wins State House District 79 An endorsement from Mike Huckabee and cool commercials with horses, never hurts.

and there you have it.

I can’t say enough about this cycle and all of the candidates. Including the ones from the primaries and even out in Volusia and Lake Counties where I don’t always travel. I’ve had the chance to meet most of the people that ran for office and know who really made it happen.

Their campaigns.

Candidates can only go so far without great people to stand with them. They knock on doors, make phone calls, unload trucks, and talk to voters. Those are the real winners and I hope the candidates realize that.

A candidate without a great campaign staff and volunteers, is like a cowboy without a horse. They might be the right one for the job, but they can’t get anywhere by themselves.

I won’t be posting everyday for a little while. In fact I might take a break for the rest of this week. I have some great ideas and it’s not over, not by a long shot.

I have to start figuring out, who is ready to declare for 2012!

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