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Could I request a labor endorsement posting at some point? As a union member myself, I'd be very interested to know if and how things are shaping up. I know that Edwards in particular has aggressively courted labor but what does the scene look like at the moment?

Kendrick Meek's endorsement mean's votes. He's works his butt off for the people he endorse.

He has incredicle energy and credibility with voters.

Kendrick Meek's endorsement mean's votes. He's works his butt off for the people he endorse.

He has incredicle energy and credibility with voters.

Kendrick Meek's endorsement mean's votes. He's works his butt off for the people he endorse.

He has incredicle energy and credibility with voters.

Kendrick Meek's endorsement mean's votes. He's works his butt off for the people he endorse.

He has incredicle energy and credibility with voters.

yes

yes

yes

Chris, when are you going to do this same piece for NJ Dems?

Chris, when are you going to do this same piece for NJ Dems?

There is a reason that Sen. Bill Nelson is not on this list. Many of my fellow Democrats consider him to be way too moderate. He also has not gotten anything significant done while he has been a Senator in Washington. As a delegate to the 2005 state party convention, I can tell you first hand about something of the nasty treatment that Bill Nelson got while he was there. He's also not Bob Graham, who is pretty much the idol of all Florida Democrats. Graham never lost any race during his entire career, which is pretty impressive considering all the offices he ran for.

Bill Nelson is a really nice guy. If you ever get a chance to talk to him you will find it hard not to like him. However, a lot of my fellow Democrats feel like he has not represented many of their interests while in Washington. He received their full support in the 06 election because:
1) He was the only Democrat to currently hold a statewide office at the time
2) He was running against Katherine Harris, who the party really wanted some payback against for her efforts in the 2000 presidential race.

Sink is very important because she is the only elected statewide official in the state government and is seen by many as the person who can help the Democrats begin to loosen the stranglehold that the GOP has had on the state for the last decade.

reason: The GOP side is soooooooooooo easy. I think you missed one or two, however.

Martinez probably wont endorse anyone since he's the RNC general chairman, but his endorsement of Crist in 2006 helped catapult him to a landslide primary victory over Tom Gallagher($ helped too).

Marco Rubio, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, will be a very critical endorsement to any GOP candidate. Before the end of the decade, this guy will be in a House seat or maybe challenging Crist in a primary, given the oppurtunity.

Rep. Adam Putnam would be THE most sought-after congressional endorsement(next to Young, if not above him), partially due to his rank in the House, which would help in fundraising.

Former State Rep. Joe Negron: Really? A state rep? The answer is yes when it comes to Negron. This guy left his state house seat in 2006 to make a run for the Republican nomination for Attorney General of Florida. This guy raised HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE sums of cash, though he eventually dropped out due to the reality that he couldn't compete with then-former Rep. (and now AG) Bill McCollum's name recognition from Senate runs in 2000 and 2004. Negron then ran in the thought-to-be hopeless 16th district, as the replacement candidate for Rep. Mark Foley. Despite the fact that Negron had the taint of Foley's name on the ticket, Negron only lost to now Rep. Tim Mahoney by 1%.

Hey the state I live in, the 4th most populous in the nation, is once again relevant. This early primary is nice for me but bad for the US.
US Sen. Bill Nelson is off the list....maybe he won't endorse anyone. I think his endorsement will likely be less significant than Sink's and maybe even of the Congressmen. Nelson was completely beatable last year but the GOP missed the oppurtunity. The fact that he won reelection with 60% of the vote and has long served in politics (congressman, ran for gov. in '90, state treasurer), but that Sink is considered the figurehead of FL Dems, is sad. It shows he shouldn't endorse anyone. Theres one who should make the list (if she'll endorse): Rhea Chiles, and possibly Bud Chiles. They are the wife and son of former Gov./former Sen. Lawton Chiles (may he rest in peace), respectively. Rhea Chiles was a prominent backer of then-Rep. Jim Davis in the race for governor in 2006. Sure, Davis had trouble winning the primary, but that was more due to the fact that his opponent had more charisma, was more moderate, and more electable. Davis only won 48% to 44% for other reasons than endorsements, which he won the best of. But yeah perhaps Rhea Chiles would be another endorsement to seek. She wouldnt be quite as powerful in actual vote-getting, but would stamp the Chiles name on a candidate. Ask any Floradian (including me) about Lawton Chiles, and you wil get a positive response.
"the old he-coon walks just before the light of day"

I second your notion, yellow dog. Bob Graham as a VP would have won Gore the election in 2000. On an episode of Scarborough country, even Joe admitted that R's would lose Florida if, and only if, Graham was on the ticket. Speaking of Joe, I really thought he'd run against Bill Nelson in 06', but he likes his broadcasting career better I suppose, and who can blame him?

That being said, Bill Nelson is a 2 term senator from Florida yet not on the list. Why is that? He won 60% of the vote, more than any other statewide democratic official...yes, I know he was against Harris in a walk. Is it b/c he's a "centrist" he's not that popular with democrats? Or should he be on this list? Other than that, I like this list and think these people are very important to the democratic nomination. I'm betting in the end Graham and Sink will endorse Edwards, while Meek will endorse Obama.

For Florida Republicans, I think the following people are very important:

1. Jeb Bush: If he decides to pick a side, he could offer a great fund-raising list and excite the base of the party to really deliver money, organization and votes.

2. Joe Scarborough: The MSNBC broadcaster and former congressman is a very popular and very, very influential figure in the state of Florida without raising money or donating a cent to a candidate, which he can and would do both! How? He invites "guests" on Scarborough Country to talk about issues on national television. He could merely invite his favorite candidate time after time, and even make it known that candidate has his endorsement. This could be very valuable.

3. C.W. "Bill" Young: He's a 19th term congressman from Florida's 10th district. He's been around for a very, very long time: 38 years as the 10th district congressman! He's very popular in Republican circles and he knows the state inside and out. Could be a big time fund-raiser. Big pick-up for in the Republican primary of Florida.

4. Charlie Bronson: He seems to be a very popular figure in Republican circles (dems. seem to like him fairly well, too) and as agricultural commissioner he has an organization in place that could really work well for a candidate.

5. Charlie Crist: I'm giving it to him on fund-raising credentials, not because he's enormously popular in Republican circles. He does, however, have his supporters and is a very popular governor, therefore very important to Florida's general election.

Anyone have other important Florida Republican figures?

Judge Crater- Graham is 70 years old and will be 71 in November. Florida is also 81% white, 16% African American, and 18% Hispanic which can be of any race.

Corrine Brown is not a major factor because she is even seen as a nutbag by many Democrats. She often makes the party look bad.

What about U.S Representive Corrine Brown. She is heavily democratic district that cruical in primary.

You're probably right, Yellow Dog. If memory serves Edwards didn't even deliver his own state (NC).

How old is Graham?

What is the racial makeup (white/hispanic/black) of Florida these days? A graphic showing us that would be a heck of a lot more informative than a picture of the state of Florida. About as thoughtful as a picture of a glass of orange juice.

In 2000, I thought Gore would choose Bob Graham as his VP running mate. If he had sone so, President Gore would probably be in his second term right now.

"I don't know, Mr. President, it doesn't look good. They simply have too much on you, with potentially more to come, if you know what I mean. The only way, the only legal way that is, to avoid being removed from office is if some kind of "catastrophic emergency" were to occur, in which case you could invoke "Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-20," then quickly put an end to any impeachment proceedings, and any further investigations. But, unfortunately, one never quite knows when a "catastrophic emergency" might occur, now do we sir? If you know what I mean."

On May 9, the White House issued a decree, entitled "Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-20," instituting a plan for responding to a "catastrophic emergency."

In this directive, George Arbusto Junior Bush bestowed upon himself the authority to personally take control of the entire federal government -- including the judicial and legislative branches -- for the purpose of "ensuring constitutional government."

Yes, that's George "the Constitution is just a goddamned piece of paper" Bush we're talking about. The same person who's done more to dismantle the Bill of Rights, and our constitutionally mandated checks and balances, than anyone in history. This is the guy who's going to ensure that our constitutional form of government endures by seizing control of it.

Kerry Tomasi swears, if George Orwell were alive, this BushCo crew would make him weep with envy at their machinations.

I'm sure many of you see nothing alarming about any of this, and believe that goats are not threatened.

But let me ask you this -- do you really think George W. Bush has put forth this directive so that Edwards, Hillary, or Obama would have the authority to take control of the entire federal government in the event of a "catastrophic emergency"?

Or do you think the puppet masters behind the scene are fairly confident that one of their own pawns -- be it George or the next one -- will be at the controls when (not if, but when) the next "catastrophic emergency" occurs?

Most Americans believe that a fascist form of government is simply inconceivable in this country. I suspect that's only because they're expecting to see images of goose steppers, swastikas, little rectangular mustaches, and cattle cars -- all in grainy black and white.

That's not how it's going to look this time around.

Twenty-first century fascism will be perfectly disguised as true blue Americanism, brought to you by friendly looking, aw-shucks types of folks, waving flags and clutching Bibles (or vice versa), and denouncing anyone who stands in their way as "un-American" or "un-Christian" and quietly unleashing the full force of US military intelligence against the American people to kill for the "War on Christmas".

Americanized fascism is not only possible in this country, it's right at our doorstep, leaning in, farting. All it will take is for just one more "catastrophic emergency" to occur, and that door is going to fling wide open, and in they'll come, prepared to solve all our problems with just a few "minor adjustments" to the Department of Faith-Based Justice.

Dwight Eisenhower saw it coming in 1961: " . . . we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted fascist influence, whether sought or unsought, by the Florida Mafia. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist in Florida, and not only in Florida's 13th District. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted."

Sound advice. Advice we would be wise to heed, prior to the next "catastrophic emergency" befalling us. Otherwise, be prepared for some unwelcome guests settling in. Guests who have no intention of ever leaving.

Others: Mitch Cesar of Broward, Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach, Betty Castor and Kathy Castor in Tampa, Rhea Chiles.

Once again JimD is well informed. I would add that not all of North Florida is conservative. Tallahassee (Leon County) and surrounding Jefferson and Gadsden Counties traditionally support Democrats due to all the state employees and the presence of The Florida State University.

Bob Graham is still the biggest Democratic figure in the state and if he gives an endorsement his will mean the most. However, the Democratic primary will basically come down to the South Florida counties of Broward, Palm Beach, and Dade. This is where the highest concentration of Democratic voters are and this is where most of the candidates will probably spend their time. Remember Rod Smith who ran for Governor in 06 moved his campaign offices to Broward County although he is from Alachua County (Gainesville).

In my mind this gives Clinton the early advantage because:
1) She is a female, of which a large portion of the primary voters will be, especially in South Florida
2) She is from New York and many of the voters in those counties are transplants from New York state.

I hope the electorate wakes up because Hillary is not only a general election loser in Florida, but also nationally as well. Her candidacy would be an absolute disaster.

While Florida is considered a swing state, it does lean Republican. It is not a social conservative state (with the exception of North Florida) but a more fiscally conservative one. Florida does not have a state income tax which is a large draw for many people, especially retirees. Since World War II a Democratic nominee has only received more than 50% of the state's popular vote twice: 1964 when LBJ received 51% (in an election where he received 61% nationally, the highest ever for any presidential candidate) and in 1976 when Jimmy Carter received 52%. Repblicans however have received more than 60% of Florida's popular votes on multiple occasions including a whopping 72% in 1972 in Nixon's re-election.

Florida has more registered Democrats than Republicans. What typically happens is those in North Florida who come from a more Dixiecrat tradition will vote Republican in state and federal elections because the Democratic candidate is perceived as too liberal. While some write these voters off as Democrats in name only, with the right candidate they will vote for Democrats, as they did for Bill Clinton or on the state level for people such as Alex Sink or former governor Lawton Chiles. Even more amazing about the Sink victory is she did it against the incumbent state senate president Tom Lee. It just goes to show you that the right candidate and good campaign can be competitive anywhere in the state.

As JimD points out the I-4 corridor is the swing area. To me the most telling area is the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. Orange County (Orlando) and Volusia (Daytona Beach) will vote for the Democratic and their suburban counties for the GOP. For the Democrats to win they must win Pinellas (St. Petersburg/Clearwater) and Hillsborough (Tampa). Bush won both in his 04 re-election as did Clinton in his 96 re-eelction.

My only advice to my fellow FL Democratic brethren is remember your ABC's: Anybody But Clinton!

Any dem that appears on Matthews show is not for Hillary, as everyone knows Chris is a Clinton hater from the beginning when Bubba first ran.

Shrum has a lousy reputation among so-called "insiders" of various campaigns and Democratic enclaves. Is he to be credited and believed about this? Everytime he appears on Chris Matthews all I visualize is a clown in one of Stephen King's bizarre horror stories set in Maine. I will withhold judgment on this until Kerry verifies the tenor and the text.

am intrigued that peeing on Edwards seems to be the main thing here...

When I see people doing it to Hillary or Obama or Guilliani I know, its only because of the deep fear

that WASHINGTON INSIDERS have for

LOSING THEIR PLACE IN LINE...

THEIR PARTICULAR FEED TROUGH CLOSED DOWN...

THAT IS WHY BILL CLINTON WAS SO HATED...

HE WAS EFFECTIVE, even though he had little backing...

you all need to lose your jobs.

.you sell your country down the tubes because of your greed.

we need to examine the party pushers and the politicos that sell connection to graft machines...

donchoo thingK so?

.

Re: how hispanics will vote.

For what its worth, and I surely dont represent all hispanics, but I am a hispanic living in Debbie's district and I am torn between Clinton and Richardson in the primary.

I think it is going to be interesting, especially in South Florida. One would think that Obama takes most of Meek's district including other African-Americans and Haitians, Richardson the hispanics (non-cubans) and Clinton the remainder. I don't know where Edwards stands since I haven't heard much support for him among other dems friends in South Florida. Obviously this is a micro area compared to the whole nation.

Bob Graham is revered by Florida Democrats and widely admired throughout the state. I am not sure he can really deliver actual votes.

I live in Northeast Florida - a heavily Republican area. Alex Sink is from the Tampa area I believe and the others are from South Florida. I am not that familiar with them. Alex Sink did run a very good campaign for State CFO.

Basically, North Florida is Republican, South Florida is Democratic (except for Cuban enclaves) and the Tampa-Orlando belt contains the swing voters. Obviously those with political organizations in the heavily Democratic areas of South Florida could greatly assist a candidate they endorse in the primaries.

I wonder if Bob Graham might be on some folks short list of VP candidates? He would be a solid pick for someone like Obama. He has experience, is articulate, and was against the war from the beginning and has the vote to prove it. Plus he can give you Florida wrapped up in a bow.

Bob Graham is the only FLA Dem that matters on a national stage. He's lovable, distinguished, and was right about Iraq.
http://www.political-buzz.com/

1. Pat Hamilton
2. Pat Hamilton
3. Pat Hamilton
4. Pat Hamilton
5. Pat Hamilton

I will still post all sorts of dumb things all day. that is my role here. I can offer no substance so instead I just jot down simpleton, one liners meant to inflame. If you are smart, like me, you will take the bait and confront me with some bickering and name calling.

I am the famous ignoRANT coward.

I am still obsessed with zouk. Is he stalking me yet today?

According to Hillary's website, Wasserman Schultz endorsed her

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=1343

According to Hillary's website, Wasserman Schultz endorsed her

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=1343

Welcome back, Razorback. Although I almost never agree with you, you are more respectful and more willing to explain the underpinnings of your arguments than are some others here, especially those of them who rule imaginary nations.

None of the "endorsement elite" should endorse Edwards. Even on a vote of war and peace Edwards was unable to rise about sordid political calculation.

Bob Shrum says:

"The meeting we held in the Edwardses' family room did him a disservice; of course, he was the candidate and if he really was against the war, it was up to him to stand his ground. He didn't. If he had, it almost certainly would have been Edwards and not Dean who emerged early on as the antiwar candidate. But Edwards didn't want to look "liberal" and out of the mainstream; he was, after all, the southern candidate and thought of himself as Clintonesque. He valued the advice and prized the support of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council. I had my own concerns: If he took the antiwar route, I knew I would have been characterized as a malign force moving him to the left--which wasn't true, although I wish it had been given that I now regard the Iraq invasion as one of the great mistakes in the history of U.S. foreign policy."

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1626498,00.html

After several days I am back, so all of the goobs who have posted in the past about me being on here all the time can add one more thing to the list of things they are wrong about.

"It is fair to say...that Senator Thompson needs to take a crash course on Middle Eastern politics."

First Reaction: Fred Thompson on the Middle East

An analysis on LessThanExpert
http://lessthanexpert.wordpress.com/

Chris: Your link needs to be to Bill Nelson, not Ben Nelson.

curious if anyone knows how the hispanic vote in florida is leaning for the democratic primary? and the black vote? i think i had heard that edwards was ahead, but i don't know for sure.

Jim D, do you agree with this list?

I have always thought endorsements were over-rated unless the endorser had a way to turn out votes. The late Sen. Bentsen had that kind of influence in Texas, but I do not think we have seen anything like that here, since.

Found this interesting from the Bob Shrum article in Time Magazine.

"Edwards had told Kerry he was going to share a story with him that he'd never told anyone else--that after his son Wade had been killed, he climbed onto the slab at the funeral home, laid there and hugged his body, and promised that he'd do all he could to make life better for people, to live up to Wade's ideals of service. Kerry was stunned, not moved, because, as he told me later, Edwards had recounted the same exact story to him, almost in the exact same words, a year or two before--and with the same preface, that he'd never shared the memory with anyone else."