Anyone want to talk to Scott Maddox about the Florida Dems?

[madfloridian]

December 1, 2004
Dear Florida Democrat,

In the wake of this past election, Florida Democrats have a right to feel disheartened and discouraged. All of you worked tirelessly to help bring about change including launching an unprecedented ground game and voter turnout, and yet, the election did not turn in our favor. However, please allow me a moment to share how this cycle was in fact a successful beginning rather then the continuation of our demise, as many in the media would like us to believe.

It may be hard to remember but just two years ago we were a party in debt, with a lack of infrastructure, technology and message. Together, we have spent the last 18 months expanding, learning and focusing on a common goal. We developed and began the process of using state of the art technology. We raised funds at historic and record breaking numbers. We went to every public University and countless private and community colleges registering and educating our youth. We awarded over $80,000 in grants to small counties. We built an updated voter file and an expanding database—that includes more than 120,000 volunteers. Basically, we have been successful doing those things that will allow us to begin the 2006 election cycle light years ahead of where we started at this past election.

This past cycle, we had over 170 full time paid campaign staffers, over 1200 campaign canvassers, 18 functioning campaign offices, made over 1 million volunteer phone calls to voters, had 120,000 volunteers, and recruited poll workers where we needed them. And when I took over as Party Chair I made a promise to never leave the FDP in debt after an election again—and I have kept my promise.

With your help the Florida Democratic Party will continue to work to right the course in our great state and country. We will continue to work hard in the face of adversity because I believe that we have sparked a fuse that will not and cannot be extinguished. We received over 500,000 more votes than in 2000, and more then 1 million more than in 2002. Our County DEC memberships are continuing to grow and college students and young people across the state have embraced our values and ideals.

Our future is bright and there is plenty of work to be done. Together we will continue to work to get Democrats elected by building on the foundation that began over the previous two years. Together we will continue to plan for the present and prepare for our future. Last week’s survey regarding our past endeavors and this week’s survey, which looks toward the future at www.fladems.com/feedback/, will help us make those plans. Thank you for your feedback and please contact me with additional thoughts at [e-mail].

Sincerely,
Scott Maddox
Chairman
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The last time I wrote him was during the primaries when he publicly announced in the NYT that Dean was too angry, could not win in Florida, that Kerry would carry the state. At that time Dean and Clark were neck and neck here. Kerry was not even near the lead.

I never heard back from, strangely.
But I give him credit for asking, now if only he will listen. He is a nice guy, comes across nicely, but he is one who wants it safe.

He has an opponent this time, and he is having to work a little.
His opponent is Doug Courtney in Flagler County. He sounds like a great guy, but I doubt he has a chance against the entrenched establishment here.