State Attorney Complaint Against Candidate for Mayor Julio Robaina 6 10 2011

State Attorney Complaint Against Julio Robaina 6 10 2011

State Attorney Complaint Against Candidate for Mayor Julio Robaina

Elect Darrin McGillis Mayor of Miami Dade County, Florida

Darrin McGillis is an official candidate for Mayor of Miami Dade County Florida.

Join the Campaign and donate today.

Send contributions to:

Campaign of Darrin McGillis
PO Box 56-6091
Miami, FL 33256

Contributions are limited to $500 per person or corporation and cannot exceed this amount.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Darrin McGillis candidate for Mayor of Miami Dade County, P.O. Box 56-6091, Miami, FL 33256.

Miami Dade County Employees Making 100K to 450K - Time for Immediate Layoffs or Pink Slips!

Miami Dade County Employees Making 100K to 450K - Time for Immediate Layoffs or Pink Slips!

Miami Dade County has over 28,000 employees with a little over 3000 employees making over $100,000.00 each year, and over 75 making over $200,000.00 each year. I assure you the County will be able to get by with the remaining 25,000 employees if we lay-off these 3000 fat cats, I am certain of this.

We can save a few billion dollars immediately by laying-off these 3000 County Employees, and we take the funds saved and reduce property taxes by 20%, and help the people of Miami Dade get through these financial tough times.

This 2010 list is of the Miami Dade County Employees Making Over 100K up to 450K.

Time for immediate lay-offs or pink slips for these 3000 employees.

12 State Attorneys Formally Support Alex Sink for Governor

Today, the majority of Florida’s elected state attorneys formally showed their support for Alex Sink for Governor. Their reasons echo those of Florida’s sheriffs and other law enforcement organizations who agree that Sink is clearly the best choice to lead Florida. 

“I'm proud to be supported by law enforcement organizations statewide,” Alex Sink, the leading candidate in Florida’s gubernatorial race, said today.  “It’s the first time in 20 years that law enforcement has endorsed a Democrat, because they know they can trust me.”

In a letter to Sink’s campaign, prosecutors from the Panhandle to the Keys formally confirmed their support of the former head of the state’s largest bank.  

“I believe in Alex Sink and her leadership, character and vision for Florida.  As state attorney, I have worked with Alex as Florida's CFO to protect seniors from insurance scams that too often target our seniors,” said Michael McAuliffe, State Attorney for the 15th Circuit in West Palm Beach.  “Alex is a public servant in the best tradition of Florida.  Our choice in the governor's race must reflect our collective trust in a better future, not fear of the past. Alex has earned that trust and my vote.”

Ft. Lauderdale State Attorney for the 17th Circuit Mike Satz added, “I’m supporting Alex Sink and Rod Smith because I’ve found them to be extremely conscientious public servants who believe in doing the right thing for the people of Florida.”

"I believe Alex Sink is clearly the best choice in this election, because she will listen to the needs of Florida’s law enforcement,” said Bill Cervone, State Attorney for the 8th Circuit in Gainesville.

“I endorse Alex Sink for Governor. She and Rod Smith are highly qualified, persons of great integrity and the best choice for Florida,” said Lawson Lamar, State Attorney for the 9th Circuit in Orlando.

Of the dozen state attorneys formally announcing their support of Sink, five are Republican, attesting to Sink’s bipartisan appeal.
 
Florida State Attorneys Supporting Alex Sink for Governor include:
Skip Jarvis, 3rd Circuit, Live Oak
Brad King, 5th Circuit, Ocala
Bill Cervone, 8th Circuit, Gainesvile
Lawson Lamar, 9th Circuit, Orlando
Jerry Hill, 10th Circuit, Bartow
Kathy Fernandez Rundle, 11th Circuit, Miami
Earl Moreland, 12th Circuit, Sarasota
Glenn Hess, 14th Circuit, Panama City
Michael McAuliffe, 15th Circuit, West Palm Beach
Dennis Ward, 16th Circuit, Key West
Mike Satz, 17th Circuit, Ft. Lauderdale
Norm Wolfinger, 18th Circuit, Viera

Why Kendrick Meek should be Florida's next US Senator

Issues

Agriculture

As Florida's senator, Kendrick will make sure that Congress continues to strongly support the agriculture sector.

Children

As the proud father of two children, Kendrick Meek believes that the next generation has to be one of our top priorities.

Economy and Jobs

Kendrick is the only candidate who supports repealing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy and corporate special interests, which would add $700 billion in borrowed money from China to the deficit.

Education

Kendrick is the only candidate who has consistently stood up for Florida’s children and teachers. He lead an initiative to reduce class sizes in Florida's overcrowded public schools.

Energy and the Environment

Kendrick is the only candidate who has consistently opposed offshore drilling off the coast of Florida’s beaches both before and after the Oil Spill and the only candidate to oppose additional development in the Everglades.

Equality and Civil Rights

Kendrick has been a fearless crusader for justice, equality and civil rights.

Ethics Reform

Kendrick has been a public servant for the past fifteen years and has the honesty, integrity, and personal character necessary to be a strong U.S. Senator for Florida.

Foreign Policy

How the United States interacts with the rest of the world is important to Kendrick Meek.

Health Care

Kendrick Meek believes that every American deserves access to affordable, quality health care.

Housing

Kendrick knows the housing crisis is one of the most critical issues facing Florida and believes more must be done to help Floridians.

Hurricanes & Natural Disasters

The blessing of beautiful Florida weather brings with it the problem of natural disasters, which has resulted in an insurance crisis. That's why Kendrick supports a national catastrophic insurance fund.

Immigration

Kendrick Meek knows we need comprehensive immigration reform so that America can meet the economic and security challenges of the 21st century.

LGBT Civil Rights

There is no candidate in the Florida Senate race that has a track record in support of LGBT civil rights as clear and consistent as Kendrick Meek.

Op-Eds and Guest Blogs

Editorials Kendrick Has Written About the Issues Facing Floridians

Seniors and Social Security

Kendrick is the only candidate who has consistently fought against privatizing Social Security and eliminating its guaranteed benefit. He opposes raising the retirement age.

Technology

Kendrick Meek knows that technology drives American commerce and he supports policies that ensure the United States will lead in a competitive global economy.

Transportation & Infrastructure

It is crucial that our transportation infrastructure is always in good repair in Florida. Kendrick Meek puts a high priority on maintaining our roads and bridges, and also investing in our ports, airports and local commuter projects.

Veterans

Kendrick Meek believes that our veterans deserve to be served as well as they have served us.

Voter Protection

Kendrick is a champion for equal voting rights for all Floridians and expanded access to the ballot box.

Wall Street Reform

Kendrick is the only candidate who supports holding the Big Banks accountable by passing the toughest set of financial regulatory reforms since the Great Depression. He is also the only candidate who supports curbing excessive credit card and bank overdraft fees that unfairly punish consumers.

Women’s Rights

Kendrick supports a woman’s right to choose and is the only pro-choice candidate in the race.

Police Officer Assistance Trust

Police Officer Assistance Trust "POAT" provides gifts to the children of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty or on active duty while serving the citizens of Miami-Dade County. This year, there are 68 children in the program, representing 14 different agencies. This program symbolizes the law enforcement community reaching out and remembering the children of those officers who gave their lives protecting and serving the rest of us.

It is important that these children know that their parent's sacrifice is not forgotten.

Click on Button to make a One time Donation to: "Holiday Remembrances" POAT's motto is "Serving Those Who Serve" - The holiday season is a time of sharing love and joy with friends and family, and these 68 children who lost a parent in service to our community need some special care.  This is an annual event for the minor children of officers who died in the line of duty or while on active duty serving the citizens of Miami-Dade County. The children are reminded that the community has not forgotten the sacrifice made by their mother or father.  A holiday package, including gifts and a check from POAT, is delivered to each child.  In 2010, 68 children representing 14 law enforcement agencies are being remembered. Officers from throughout the county will be manning collection tables and accepting donations during the evening and weekend hours beginning Friday, November 26 through Thursday, December 23, 2010.  Please stop by and support these surviving children as they cope with another holiday without their beloved parent by their side. Make a donation and pick up a keepsake at the following area malls: Aventura Mall – 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Dadeland Mall – 7535 Dadeland Boulevard, Miami The Falls Shopping Center – 8888 SW 136th Street, Miami Village of Merrick Park – 342 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables Southland Mall – 20505 S. Dixie Highway, Miami Please visit http://www.poat.org/ for complete information on the program and its complete mission.

Never-Before-Seen Rick Scott Deposition Video

Alex Sink Wins Tenth Straight Newspaper Endorsement for Governor of Florida

Sink 10, Scott 0

Tampa, FL - This weekend, six more of Florida’s newspapers endorsed gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink. This brings Sink’s endorsement count to ten, while her Republican opponent Rick Scott has yet to be endorsed by any paper.

Scott has set a new precedent in Florida’s gubernatorial races by avoiding public questions, editorial boards and newspaper reporters. His complete lack of transparency with the state’s newspapers is part of a broader pattern of withholding information, like taking the 5th Amendment 75 times during a deposition regarding charges of fraud brought against his company.

“As the newspapers across our state are saying, Rick Scott has a consistent pattern of unethical business practices that make him unfit to be Florida’s next governor,” said Alex Sink campaign spokesperson Alexandra Fetissoff.

The Orlando Sentinel, The Tallahassee Democrat, Naples Daily News, Palm Beach Post, Pensacola News Journal, and the Tampa Tribune said the following about Sink:

“Floridians can count themselves fortunate to have an impressive alternative in Ms. Sink, with her integrity, smarts, accomplishments and vision for the state. She has the experience Florida needs.” -The Orlando Sentinel

“Voters need keep in mind just a few big things about Alex Sink: She has intelligence and integrity — and would run the business of Florida in the open. A vote for Sink is taking no risk at all…it is a pleasure to recommend voters elect a new governor who will bring intelligence, dignity and openness to the top office of them all.” -The Tallahassee Democrat

“We see Alex Sink as the leader that Florida needs for today and tomorrow…She has been an able and aggressive watchdog of public spending…We see her as an able rebuilder of jobs and an enthusiastic recruiter of business for Florida.” -The Naples Daily News

“This state faces many problems, and Sink has laid out detailed, comprehensive plans to attack them…She’s focused on policy, and on how to accomplish goals that can bring about a better Florida.” -Pensacola News Journal

“Florida has a first-class candidate in Democrat Alex Sink, the state’s chief financial officer.” -Palm Beach Post

“We know Sink to be a conscientious leader and a fiscal conservative who can be trusted to put Florida’s welfare first…Floridians should have no trouble recognizing the superior candidate: Democrat Alex Sink… who has performed honorably as the state’s chief financial officer.” -The Tampa Tribune

In addition to newspapers in Orlando, Tallahassee, Naples, West Palm Beach, Pensacola, and Tampa, the following major newspapers have endorsed Sink to be Florida’s next governor: St. Petersburg Times, Bradenton Herald, Sarasota Herald Tribune, and Florida Today.

Both the Public Policy Polling and FEA polls released this week show Sink with a lead over Scott, particularly among independent voters.

Strengthening the Economy and the Middle Class

President Obama speaks to the press about his Administration's effort to strengthen the economy and the middle class as well as the small business bill that's moving through the Senate after meeting with his Cabinet at the White House.

Florida Corruption - Op-Ed: Cleaning up Tallahassee

September 10, 2010
Dan Gelber - Op-Ed: Tampa Tribune

Florida needs a freestanding strike force dedicated to attacking public corruption in state government. There has been an utter lack of scrutiny in large part because limited resources are dedicated to oversight of the excesses of state officials.

This must change if Floridians are to regain faith in their government. According to the FBI, Florida leads the nation in public corruption. Yet few investigative and prosecutorial resources are directed at overseeing Florida's biggest unit of government - state government. That is because the Capitol is located in Tallahassee, which has a small state and federal prosecutor presence.

Unlike the U.S. Attorney's Office in South Florida (which has over 220 prosecutors), the North Florida office has only 30 full-time assistant U.S. attorneys. And it is unfair and unwise to expect the Leon County prosecutor to oversee all of state government and still address its primary mission of protecting Leon County residents.

While the state attorney general is located in Tallahassee, he has limited jurisdiction beyond violations of Florida Sunshine and public record laws. That is why I have recommended assembling a Public Corruption Strike Force in Tallahassee to scrutinize state government operations. The notion would be to put together prosecutors and investigators from the state and federal government to attack public corruption full time - each handling matters related to their areas of statutory jurisdiction.

My hope would be that the U.S. Attorney's Office would designate prosecutors to the mission as the federal government has the best statutes, discovery rules and resources. As Florida attorney general, I would designate some of my own lawyers to work cooperatively.

Although the Attorney General's Office has had a traditionally limited mission in public corruption prosecutions, it does have jurisdiction over violations of our Sunshine Laws and public record statutes. Vigorous enforcement of these laws will not only enhance transparency, but also integrity in government. Sunshine can be a powerful antiseptic.

Strike forces are not uncommon in the prosecution world. They have been created for organized crime, drugs prosecutions and health care fraud. In fact, presently the state Attorney General's Office works cooperatively on health care fraud prosecutions with their federal counterparts. But it is vital that the largest unit of government in Florida have adequate scrutiny, and that scrutiny must be in Tallahassee.

In Washington, the Justice Department has a Public Integrity Section looking over Congress and the executive branch. We should have a similar unit looking over the shoulder of state officials in Tallahassee, and the $64 billion budget that too often is not sufficiently scrutinized. I also believe it important that the unit be staffed with career prosecutors and not political appointees.

Decisions about prosecutions should never be made with a view toward party membership - but because corruption investigations often involve political figures it is even more important to guarantee they maintain not even a hint of partisanship.

Floridians have lost a good measure of faith in their state government. And it is understandable, with indictments coming out of Tallahassee and a general belief that special-interest money has overwhelmed the core mission of state government. I don't believe a corruption strike force will solve all these problems - in fact, too much of what is sleazy about state government is not even illegal. However, I do believe a dedicated force of prosecutors and investigators can do a lot to change the culture of corruption that seems to define state government.

September 10, 2010
Dan Gelber - Op-Ed: Tampa Tribune

Alex Sink has the ONLY plan to bring jobs to Florida.

Getting our state through this recession and coming out stronger and more prosperous on the other side will require a leader with experience in private business whose focus has always been entrepreneurship and problem solving.

With real world business experience behind the Governor’s desk, Florida can have a leader who understands how to work with Florida’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and working families to create and save jobs.

Alex Sink has a different vision for our state than the career politicians. With 26 years as a leader in the private sector, she will focus on getting Floridians back to work.

REVIVE Our Economy In The Short Term

The immediate task at hand is creating and saving jobs. Alex Sink has the turnaround expertise and business know-how to jumpstart Florida's economy with a three-pronged strategy for doing that, starting with small business:

•Stabilize and Expand Small Businesses

•Incentivize Employers to Keep Jobs Here and Start Expanding Again

•Spur Economic Sectors That Create Jobs Quickly

REMAKE Our Economy For The Long Term

Alex's vision for expanding and diversifying Florida's economy will mean a laser-like focus on attracting the innovative and diverse industries of tomorrow. We can do this by:
•A stronger emphasis on R&D and commercialization of new products.

•Boosting partnerships between our university faculty and private industry.

•A Governor who will be Florida's economic ambassador

•A more efficient state government

•Building the best-educated, best-trained workforce in the country

REFORM Our Government To Create A Climate Of Confidence And Prosperity

Our efforts to revive and remake Florida’s economy can only succeed if we reform government to ensure that our economic partners in the private sector have confidence that we are capable and dedicated to helping them succeed.
Alex Sink has a record of streamlining government as Florida's CFO. As Governor, Alex will institute a Florida Performance Score Card to which she will hold state government accountable – and to which she expects voters to hold her accountable.

Click here read the FULL plan.

Meet Alex Sink's Running Mate for Lt Governor Rod Smith

Meet Rod Smith

Rod Smith shares Alex Sink's commitment to diversifying Florida's economy, strengthening our public schools, and holding Tallahassee politicians accountable. As a former prosecutor, Rod knows how to root out corruption, and will be a strong partner as together they clean up Tallahassee. As Alex's running mate, Rod is a man of integrity who cares as much about Florida as Alex does.

Raised on a family farm in South Florida, Rod Smith knows firsthand the true value of family and hard work. He graduated from public schools in Palm Beach County and worked his way through college, earning his law degree from the University of Florida. Rod served nearly 20 years as a labor lawyer defending working Floridians.

In 1992, Rod was elected State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit. As State Attorney, he earned national recognition for his successful prosecution of Gainesville serial killer Danny Rolling on charges of first-degree murder for the slayings of five college students. He also created one of the state's first special prosecution units to crack down on crimes against women and children and a special unit to target environmental crimes.

In 2000, Rod ran for State Senate, winning a seat previously held by a Republican. Despite the gridlock in Tallahassee, Rod was able to build consensus and produce legislative results. In 2003 the Miami Herald recognized his leadership by ranking him the most effective Democrat in the Florida Senate. He successfully led efforts to strengthen programs to help abused children, fight discrimination in housing, protect the privacy of crime victims, improve the state's crime prevention initiatives, and reinforce homeland security. Rod opposed gun control and received high marks from the NRA; he was the only Democrat to receive an "A" rating from the Chamber of Commerce in 2003. In the Republican-controlled legislature he was one of only two Democrats given a chairmanship: he served as Chair of the Agriculture Committee, and as the Vice Chair of the Criminal Justice and Justice Appropriations Committees.

Rod was not afraid to take a stand against misguided leadership in Tallahassee, leading a coalition of Democrats and Republicans to successfully thwart Jeb Bush's interference in the Terri Schiavo case, and again working across the aisle to gather the votes necessary to stop Bush's expansion of school vouchers. Despite opposition in the legislature, Rod would not give up the fight to expand stem cell research.

In 2006 Rod ran in Florida's Democratic gubernatorial primary, gaining the endorsements of nine major Florida newspapers along the way, although he lost the nomination in a close battle to U.S. Representative Jim Davis.

Rod practices law at the Gainesville firm of Avera and Smith and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Law. He and his wife, DeeDee, an attorney and advocate for child abuse victims, live on their farm in Alachua County. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Two Richard's and Two Scandals, President Nixon meet Candidate Rick Scott

Richard "Rick" Scott wants to be Governor of Florida.

Get the facts before you hand over the peoples credit card to Rick Scott.

Vote for Alex Sink Governor
http://www.alexsink2010.com/

President Richard Nixon and Richard Scott two great Republicans

Rick Scott's Hypocrisy Knows No Bounds as He Uses Special Interests to Smear Alex Sink

Tampa, FL - Disgraced executive Rick Scott tries to take the focus off his multitude of scandals, gaffes, and depositions by trying to muddy the clear choice in the records of the two candidates for governor. But his smears and distortions against Alex Sink are falling flat as they conflict with Scott's own record.

"First, Rick Scott embraced the special interest insiders he previously attacked. Now he's attacking Alex Sink, even though he made millions from federal stimulus funds," said Kyra Jennings, spokesperson for Alex Sink for Governor. "Rick Scott's disregard for the truth and lack of integrity are signs that he will do anything just to help himself."

Scott faces charges of hypocrisy in his efforts to nationalize the election for Florida Governor. Scott owns around 15% of a company called XFONE, which received $63 million in stimulus funds last year -- with Scott earning $4 million from the grant himself.

"After a week in which Alex Sink laid out her comprehensive education plan to invest in Florida's children and build a 21st Century workforce, Rick Scott's special interests and Tallahassee insiders attempt to distort her record," Jennings said. "Alex Sink is the only candidate in this race with the right kind of business experience and detailed business plan to create jobs and hold Tallahassee politicians accountable. The endorsements she received this week from numerous Republican and Independent Floridians reflect that."

Background:

Rick Scott Invested $10 Million In Company That Received $63 Million In Stimulus Money. According to the Palm Beach Post: Post On Politics Blog, in June, 2010, "Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott is critical of the federal stimulus package, but it looks like one of his companies has benefited from the money. Research from one of Scott's opponents shows that the stock price from XFONE, an international telecommunications company, nearly tripled after it received $63 million from the stimulus package...Scott, who owns about 15 percent of the company, invested $10 million in the company in 2007 and 2008. He lost most of the value of that investment when the stock price dove. But after receiving the stimulus money, the value of Scott's holdings increased by $4 million." [Palm Beach Post: Post on Politics, 6/24/10]

Rick Scott Deposition Pleads the Fifth Over and Over and Over......

Rick Scott Deposition In Health Care Fraud Pleads the Fifth Over and Over and Over....

Rick Scott Deposition in the massive Health Care Fraud case.

Scott Pleads the Fifth Over and Over and Over, even on the question asked if he worked at the Hospital, Rick Scott took the Fifth.

Rick Scott refused to answer basic questions and asserted his rights under the constitution not to incriminate himself.

Rick Scott did whatever it took to avoid criminal prosecution and arrest.

Rick Scott wants to be Governor of Florida and would like the Peoples Credit Card.

Visit http://www.yesfloridacan.com/ and STOP Rick Scott from being Governor of Florida today.

Looking for Love: Why Don't Florida's Republicans Want to Be Rick Scott's Running Mate?

NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

For Immediate Release: Sept. 1, 2010

Looking for Love: Why Don't Florida's Republicans Want to Be Rick Scott's Running Mate?

As disgraced executive Rick Scott embraces the corrupt Tallahassee Republican establishment that spent millions of dollars calling him a "fraud," his search to convince someone to be his running mate has hit more bumps than his train wreck press conference a few weeks ago.

First, Senator Paula Dockery, who many assumed to be the frontrunner to be Scott's Lieutenant Governor, said she wasn't interested in being Scott's running mate. This admission started the stampede of Republicans on Scott's shortlist to reportedly reject Scott's advances. From Representative Anitere Flores, to University of North Florida President John Delaney, to Representative Bill Galvano, and even Representative Mike Weinstein, news reports of Republicans refusing to associate themselves with Scott are coming faster than Rick Scott taking the Fifth Amendment in a deposition.

"While we completely understand why Republicans are scared to be an accomplice to Rick Scott's negative campaign, it is still surprising that so many Republican officials would rebuke Scott so publicly," said Eric Jotkoff, spokesperson for the Campaign for Accountability 2010. "At the rate his choices for Lieutenant Governor are rejecting him, pretty soon the only candidate left for Scott will be indicted former Republican Chairman Jim Greer - actually, considering Scott's record of overseeing the largest Medicare fraud in American history and taking the Fifth Amendment 75 times in one deposition, that sounds like a perfect match."

Herald/Times: Flores says she's not interested in being Scott's LG
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/08/flores-says-shes-not-interested-in-being-scotts-lg.html

Times/Herald: Delaney, Galvano not interested in LG
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/08/scotts-search-for-a-no-2-could-head-to-i-4.html

Florida Times-Union: John Delaney will not be Rick Scott's running mate
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/larry-hannan/2010-08-31/john-delaney-will-not-be-rick-scotts-running-mate

Florida Times-Union: Weinstein says he will not be Scott's running mate
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/matt-dixon/2010-08-30/weinstein-says-he-will-not-be-scotts-running-mate

Orlando Sentinel: Dockery: Won’t be Rick Scott’s running mate
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2010/08/dockery-wont-be-rick-scotts-running-mate.html

St. Petersburg Times: Paula Dockery not interested in being Rick Scott's running mate
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2010/08/paula-dockery-not-interested-in-being-rick-scotts-running-mate.html

Tampa Tribune: Dockery says she’s not interested in LG position
http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/news/story/dockery-says-shes-not-interested-in-lg-position/

About Florida Congressman Kendrick Meek

About Kendrick Meek -

Crowded Classrooms

Kendrick Meek learned the value of public service as a child. But it was as a parent that he realized just how much decisions made by the government affect everyone — including kindergartners.

How could 5- and 6-year-olds, including his daughter, learn effectively when they were packed in a room with 33 other rambunctious kids? They couldn't, Kendrick decided.

So the father and Florida State Senator took action. In 2002, Kendrick launched an initiative to reduce class sizes in Florida's overcrowded public schools. As chairman of Florida's Coalition to Reduce Class Size, Kendrick led a petition drive that collected more than 500,000 signatures. He guided the amendment through two opposition efforts in the Florida Supreme Court, as well as a campaign meant to kill the measure at the ballot box. But the people spoke. About 2.5 million Florida citizens voted for the measure, and it was approved.

"I wasn't fighting just for my daughter, Lauren," Kendrick said. "I was fighting for her classmates. I was fighting so that all kids would get a good start in an environment in which they could learn. As a father, and a lawmaker, nothing is more important to me."

It wasn't the first—or last—time Kendrick stood up for the little guy.

Standing Out, Sitting In

Kendrick's mission has always been this: to use his talents to serve his community.

His involvement started early. When his mother, Carrie Meek, decided to run for the state Legislature, 12-year-old Kendrick helped out by painting campaign signs at the kitchen table. As a college student, he honed his political leadership skills as the founder and president of the Florida A&M University's Democratic club. The next year, he became statewide president of the College Young Democrats.

He graduated from FAMU in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a reputation as a leader on the football field. He launched his law enforcement career as a Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol, helping keep the public safe on the state's roadways. He later became a captain and was assigned to the security detail traveling with Democratic Lt. Gov. Buddy MacKay. After Hurricane Andrew blasted South Florida in 1992, Meek assisted MacKay with the state’s hurricane relief efforts. Kendrick also became an on-the-job student of government, attending meetings with MacKay and former Gov. Lawton Chiles.

Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that writing laws—not simply enforcing them—was where he could have his greatest impact. So he resigned from his job and ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives, which he won. He served there from 1995 to 1998 and then in the Florida Senate from 1999 to 2002.

While in the Florida House, Kendrick worked with Republicans on a bipartisan measure to provide compensation for two African-Americans, Freddie Pitts and Wilbert Lee, who had been wrongly convicted of murder 35 years earlier. He also became a strong voice for the opposition under the governor. In 2000 while in the Florida Senate, Kendrick led a 25-hour-long sit-in outside the governor's office to protest the governor's plan to roll back state policies that made sure all Floridians had equal educational and workplace opportunities. The sit-in, along with three town hall meetings attended by state residents, placed sufficient pressure on the governor, he was forced to cancel his executive order in favor of a more-balanced measure passed in the Legislature. “The incident galvanized one of the largest civil-rights marches on the state capital in history" and prompted a massive voter-mobilization effort, The Miami Herald said.

"I thought it would be a 10-minute episode," Kendrick joked at the time.

Tackling Issues

In 2002, Kendrick was elected representative for the 17th Congressional District of Florida, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward County. He was elected to his fourth term in the U.S. House in 2008. The Miami Herald wrote that Kendrick "has grown in influence and effectiveness in Congress, working across the aisle to promote issues and funding for his district" and that he is "tireless, creative and willing to work across party lines." One House Leader described Kendrick as a "rising leader in the House who is respected throughout our caucus and throughout the Congress." People back home also give Kendrick kudos. He's been honored by groups as diverse as the Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and civil rights organizations.

Kendrick is the only Florida Democrat with a seat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which writes bills regarding entitlement programs that affect every American, such as Social Security and Medicare. He was appointed to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which sets the policy agenda for the House Democratic Caucus. He's a co-chairman of the 30-Something Working Group, whose goal is to engage young people in the legislative process, in part through a weekly address from the House floor. The group's efforts were credited for boosting youth involvement in the 2006 midterm elections that gave Democrats the majority in both the House and Senate.

In addition to his Congressional leadership duties, Kendrick has sponsored legislation to:

•Protect homeowners from predatory lenders.

•Protect consumers from unfair overdraft fees.

•Encourage lenders to provide loan modifications to keep families in their homes.

•Provide a credit for businesses furnishing broadband service to underserved areas.

•Give a tax credit to individuals who provide housing and mentoring services to former foster care youths who have aged out of the system.

•Provide preferential trade status for Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

•Expand the number of Medicare-supported physician residency training positions in states with a shortage of residents, including Florida.

•Require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop an emergency telephone alert system for use in case of terrorist acts or natural disasters.

•Restore federal aid to repair and/or replace private schools damaged or destroyed by natural disasters.

Roll Call noted Kendrick's reputation as that of a "fierce fighter for social and economic justice," while Gwen Ifill of PBS hinted at Kendrick's aspirations: "Meek considered himself audacious in the Legislature. He makes friends across the aisle, he walks the line, and now he's talking Senate."

Fighting for All Floridians

When the opportunity to stand up for all Floridians as their U.S. senator presented itself, Kendrick was at the front of the pack, not hanging back to see what other possible candidates would do. Members of the media noticed his characteristically bold action:

"Winner of the week: Kendrick Meek. The Miami congressman showed his confident tenacity last week, jumping into the U.S. Senate race while other Democrats sat on the sidelines nervously waiting to see what Alex Sink does. A pal of Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton, Meek has some heavy-hitter Clinton fundraisers in his corner, including Chris Korge and Ira Leesfield of Miami, and has Barack Obama's deputy national campaign manager, Steve Hildebrand, leading his Senate campaign, "- Adam Smith, St. Petersburg Times, 1/17/09

"Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami is charging out of the gate in the Democratic primary for next year's U.S. Senate race." - Bill March, Tampa Tribune, 2/16/09

Kendrick's leadership has won him the backing of working men and women early on in the game. The Service Employees International Union, which according The Hill is "a major force in Florida Democratic politics," quickly signed on. One from the United Teachers of Dade, the state’s largest teacher union, who cited Kendrick’s dedication to educators and students alike, and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades closely followed that announcement. The list of endorsements continues to grow.

Kendrick's backers know that he shares their goals: a fair solution to Florida's foreclosure crisis, high-quality- affordable health care for all who need it, a strong education for our children, a cleaner planet and better financial management of taxpayer dollars in Washington.

A Family Calling

Kendrick is the son of retired Congresswoman Carrie Meek. He is married to the former Leslie Dixon of Brooklyn, New York. Leslie is a former Miami prosecutor who met Kendrick when a judge they both knew introduced them and insisted that they go out to lunch. Eighteen years later, the couple has two children, Lauren and Kendrick Jr., who like to join their dad as he campaigns door-to-door or takes part in service projects, such as handing out book bags stuffed with school supplies for underprivileged youths.

"There's nothing like the joy that comes from helping others in need," Kendrick said. "Public service is a legacy I learned from my mom, and that I hope to pass on to my own kids. Whether it's making sure students can learn, or reworking mortgages to keep families in their homes, it's my privilege to fight for Florida, and it's a fight I look forward to continuing in the United States Senate."

Visit the Campaign Web Site at: http://www.kendrickmeek.com/

Vote Alex Sink for Florida Governor

About Alex -



Alex Sink’s story is all too rare these days. The story of a woman ready to lead Florida as governor – whose priorities and values, leadership style and perspective, were shaped by decades of real-world experience as a business leader and a life lived outside of politics.

A Different Kind of Leader

After a successful 26 year career in business, Alex Sink looked at state government and was troubled by what she saw: A system filled with career politicians and entrenched special interests. A system dominated by politics-as-usual, but woefully lacking in accountability, common sense, or real solutions for Florida.

So in 2006, never having sought elected office before, Alex ran for CFO.

In the words of the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Alex offered Floridians something new and different: "Unmatched business experience and forward-looking plans." Or, as the Bradenton Herald put it: "There’s no need to pick a politician when there is a professional like Alex Sink standing in the wings."

Nearly every major newspaper in Florida endorsed Alex’s candidacy for CFO, praising Alex’s "impressive qualifications," noting "she has the perspectives of a businesswoman," and extolling her "results-driven demeanor and results-defining career."

A Commitment to Accountability

Today, as the state’s elected CFO, Alex oversees approximately 2,000 employees and an annual budget of $200 million in the Department of Financial Services – where she puts her business experience and know-how to work as the determined fiscal and consumer watchdog for the people of Florida.

Time and again, Alex has cracked down on unnecessary spending and demanding accountability for Florida's contracts – including putting a stop to Project Aspire, an $89 million, over-budget and under-performing state accounting program she inherited upon taking office. Alex is setting a whole new standard for cutting waste in her own department, with businesslike steps such as consolidating consumer hotline centers and cutting millions in wireless and printing costs. She brought in other private sector experts and used their best practices to save $12 million a year for the state’s risk management programs. And recently, Alex announced new reforms to streamline unnecessary middle management in her agency, creating greater efficiency and saving taxpayers $8 million to $10 million a year – a step that could save Florida as much as $277 million if done statewide.

Alex has also been an aggressive consumer advocate, launching important and long-overdue initiatives like the Safeguard Our Seniors Task Force to protect older Floridians from financial fraud, and Florida Housing Help, which provides assistance to Floridians facing mortgage foreclosure and connects homeowners with volunteer lawyers to help them stay in their homes.

Decades of Experience in the Real World

Florida has never had a governor who comes to the job with Alex Sink’s hands-on, real-world experience in the private sector. And with over one million Floridians out of work and Florida consistently ranking among the top three states in the nation for home foreclosures – the time has come for a leader with Alex’s business experience and know-how.

A respected leader in Florida’s business community for over 25 years, Alex is running for governor with a plan to get Florida’s economy moving again now – and create long-term economic prosperity well into the future.

Before her election in 2006, Alex worked her way up during a distinguished business career that culminated in her leadership of Florida’s largest bank. Alex managed more than $40 billion in customer deposits while supervising more than 9,000 employees in 800 branches and earning a reputation for credibility, integrity and dedication to her local customers.

During her career, Alex helped thousands of Floridians get the resources they needed to start or expand their own businesses, both large and small, and helped everyday Floridians achieve dreams like sending their children to college.

Leadership through Service for Florida

While in the private sector, Alex repeatedly gave back to her state and community. Governor Lawton Chiles appointed Alex to the Florida Commission on Government Accountability to the People, charged with finding ways state government could be more responsive to the people of Florida. As vice chair of Florida TaxWatch, she became a recognized leader on fiscal responsibility. And Alex dedicated herself to Florida’s children through her service on Governor Chiles’ Commission on Education, the Hillsborough Education Foundation and as chair of Take Stock in Children.

Alex’s civic work also includes service in the Florida Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Junior Achievement of West Central Florida and as chairman of the board of the United Way of Hillsborough County.

Proud Mother with Rural Roots

Alex grew up on a farm in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, and earned a degree in mathematics from Wake Forest University. She resides in Thonotosassa with her husband, Bill McBride, and they are the proud parents of Bert and Lexi.

Vist the Campaign Web Site at: http://www.alexsink2010.com/

Vote Dan Gelber for Florida Attorney General

About Dan -

Legal Credentials

Earned the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating (AV) an attorney can achieve and is listed in numerous peer review publications including Best Lawyers in America and Florida Legal Elite.

Extensive legal experience as lead counsel in trials and appeals in criminal and civil matters, in federal and state courts in Florida and in Washington, D.C.

Law Enforcement

U.S. Attorney’s Office: One of the nation’s youngest (age of 25) federal prosecutors when he joined the South Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1986. For nearly a decade, he handled some of Florida’s most significant public corruption, civil rights and narcotics prosecutions. He convicted hundreds of public officials, drug dealers, swindlers and environmental criminals.

U.S. Senate: Appointed by former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn as the Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the U.S. Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (a position held by Bobby Kennedy in the early 1960’s). His work focused on counter terrorism and domestic security, and fraud and waste in government. Dan testified before the U.S. Senate and directed investigations and reports on various security issues.

Florida Legislature: Dan’s credentials were so strong that in the wake of 9-11, Republican Speaker Tom Feeney made him vice chair of the 9-11 committee (as a freshman) where he authored or had a hand in nearly all of the state’s domestic security legislation. Dan also rewrote the state’s wiretap laws and Florida’s public corruption statute (which Dan named in memory of his friend and State Attorney Paul Mendelson).

Leadership and Management

At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dan held numerous leadership positions eventually becoming one of the top deputies to the U.S. Attorney where he managed hundreds of prosecutors, investigators and oversaw hundreds of criminal investigations and civil matters.

In the U.S. Senate, he was the Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the Congress’ most prestigious investigative committee overseeing a staff of investigators and lawyers, and managing huge investigations and reports.

As the House Leader in the Florida Legislature, Dan directed one of the most successful efforts in Florida history by achieving more election gains than any other Leader and by uniting Democrats behind an agenda of change.

Community Service

In 1985, Dan began volunteering in the Big Brothers program where he volunteered most weekends for decades. He has been with his current little brother, Travis, for 20 years and in July will serve as the best man in his wedding. He was also President of the Board of Big Brothers/Sisters.

In 1986, he co-founded a summer camp for children with cancer (Camp Fiesta) and has volunteered at the camp as a counselor for nearly every summer since.

Personal

Dan and wife, Joan Silverstein (a career federal prosecutor), are raising three children (Max 5, Hannah 8, Sophie 11) who attend Miami-Dade public schools, and a dog

Dan grew up in Miami and in Tallahassee, attended public schools, and graduated from Tufts

University and University of Florida Law School, where he was a Truman Scholar.
 
Visit the Campaign Web Site at: http://www.dangelber.com/

Vote Kendrick Meek Florida US Senate

Fight for Florida 2010 Vote Democrat

Visit http://www.yesfloridacan.com/ it's time to Fight for Florida.