Candidate to lead the FL Democratic Party gave to Republican candidate running against Rod Smith

[Orlandodem]

Has anyone been following the election to replace Rod Smith as leader of the FDP?

It is apparently down to Alan Clendenin and Alison Tant. I don't know either. What I have read from a Progressive blogger is that Clendinen has a plan to rebuild the party from the grass roots up. Tant is apparently another Tallahassee insider supported by the establishment.

To her credit, Tant has the endorsement of Scott and Susannah Randolph. It doesn't get much more activist and Progessive than that. I LOVE the Randolphs!!!

There is something strange about this, however. I want a chair who can build a party.

Let's face it. The Florida Democratic Party is the least effective party east of the Mississippi and it might be one of the least effective in the nation. We keep electing Tallahassee insiders who think they can return the FL Dems to their rural, North FL roots. Hogwash! This is now an urban party with a base in Tampa, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and it's trending that way in Orlando.

In short, I think we need new blood who can think outside the box.

Let this post on DU be a message to the FDP establishment like Debbbie W.S. and Bill McCollum. WE ARE WATCHING!!! I am tired of being the minority party in the legislature and not holding the governor's mansion!!! It's time for some effing change!!!!

All Florida Dems must pay attention to their party and hold it accountable!! No more Dems who stand up for Republicans. No more Tallahassee insiders. No more attention paid to Rednecks in North FL who will not vote Democrat even if they are registered Democrat because they are the old Blue Dog Dems!

http://thepoliticalhurricane.com/2012/12/23/tant-contributed-to-republican-opponent-of-rod-smith/

[Baitball Blogger]

1. Hedging their bets.

That's why nothing changes in Florida. We have an internal network which has become a status quo. In that group you can find lawyers, judges and developers. They reward those who support this status quo, which is how the dirty ring has spread into other industries. That's how professional ethics was sent packing a long time ago, in Florida. And the two party system? It's easily breached and undermined by business interests.

Why this is deplorable for the Florida resident, is that Florida is operating under a state of corruption. It has been for decades. It's low level of education doesn't help because ignorance abounds and don't expect help from "professionals" to illuminate the way. They're the ones feeding on the ignorance, like vultures.

[HooptieWagon]

2. Bill McCollum isn't a Dem.

Otherwise, a good article. Yes, the FDP is majorly dysfunctional. The party is run by DLC/Third Way insiders, who view progressives as greater enemies than republicans, and whose sole motivation is preserving their spot at the corporate feed trough. DWS herself has endorsed her republican friends running against progressive Dems.
I think the only solution is to throw the whole mess out and start anew. Maybe get a proven party-builder like Howard Dean to guide the process.

[Baitball Blogger]

3. I think Steny Hoyer and Nancy Pelosi were stung by one of these so called Democrats a few

Last edited Sun Dec 23, 2012, 02:33 PM - Edit history (1)

years back. It's a lesson they need to remember since these are the kind of Democrats that the national party have to deal with at those high levels. They're the ones that manage to stay at the top of the food chain in Florida because of their connections. They're anything but Democrats. It's so damn obvious at the local levels when we recognize Republicans among their campaign volunteers!

Pardon all the ads on the link, but take a peek:

http://www.examiner.com/article/local-politician-paul-partyka-offered-a-bribe-by-democrats-to-end-his-congressional-campaign

[Orlandodem]

4. my mistake. meant bill nelson.

[HooptieWagon]

5. Oh, I was wondering who you meant.

I agree. Can't stand the guy.