Fighting Dem Spotlight on Florida - Taking Back the Sunshine State I

[UncleNoel]

Florida is important. It is the state that sent Bush to the
White House a la the Supreme Court. There is hope that this
election will turn Florida more blue than red - let's say a
royal purple at least! Six veterans are running for U.S.
Congress in Florida and they need our help. This Sunday we are
spotlighting the first three of those races.

In a rundown of the state of the elections in Florida, <a
href="http://www.musicforamerica.org/node/101716">downwithtyranny</a>
blogged the following as posted on Music for America:
<blockquote>
Of Florida's 25 congressional districts-- all undemocratically
gerrymandered, to one degree or another, for incumbent
protection-- 18 are currently held by Republicans and most of
those Republicans are on the extreme fringes of even their own
crazy right-wing party. It should be a fertile hunting ground
for a resurgent Democratic Party-- if there was such a thing.
As is, it looks like there are 3 Republican-held seats that
Democrats have a shot at, possibly-- if massive revulsion
causes a Democratic tsunami in November-- as many as 6… 

The other Florida race with a <a
href="http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2006/03/meet-rick-penberthy-candidate-for.html">Down
With Tyranny</a> endorsement is for <b>Rick
Penberthy in the rural 5th CD [in the] north of
Florida</b>. This one is definitely flying under the
radar but, even as a longshot, it is one Rick could win-- and
help retire a particularly loony right-wing incumbent named
Ginny Brown-Waite… The 6th CD is another north-central
district, this one running from Duval County up by Georgia all
the way down thru Ocala to Lady Lake and Leesburg. The
congressman is Cliff Stearns, another far right, rubber-stamp
Republican <a
href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/11/28/151614/55">stinking
of corruption</a> and special interest politics. The
Democrats are lucky to have <b>Dave Bruderly</b>
running for the seat, a Fighting Dem and a public-minded
citizen who inspires confidence and trust (which can't be said
about many politicians of either party)… If you're looking to
contribute, volunteer or just find someone to root for, my
suggestions are Jan Schneider, Rick Penberthy and Dave
Bruderly. They need the help, deserve the help and each would
make a significant contribution towards making our country a
better place if he or she were elected.
</blockquote>
Our other vet candidate today is Joe Roberts. <a
href="http://www.gulfcoastgateway.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/NEWS01/604080319/1036">The
Pensacola News Journal</a> published this piece about
Joe [paragraphing removed]: 
<blockquote>
"Joe Roberts' career as a carpenter taught him how to put
things together. His latest project is to put together a
political campaign to take over Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff
Miller's seat in Congress. A "regular Joe," Roberts
served as a Marine in Vietnam and recently retired from the
Air Force Reserve. He is building a grassroots political
platform on the environment, particularly opposing offshore
drilling and supporting finding alternate energy sources. He
believes in a literal interpretation of the U.S. Constitution
and responsible fiscal policy. He wants to raise the standard
of living for Northwest Floridians by bringing more
high-paying light industry and high-tech jobs here. Another
reason he's running for Florida's 1st District seat: Roberts
believes somebody needs to challenge Miller in Northwest
Florida as well as Republican politicians and policies
nationwide." 
</blockquote>
The author, Reginald D. Dogan, did not give Joe much of a
chance. However, Districtblogs.com has a rundown on the
district that is more hopeful on their <a
href="http://www.districtblogs.com/Blog.asp?ID=779">FL-01
Blog</a>: 
<blockquote>
Florida's 1st CD is currently represented by
Ultra-conservative Republican Jeff Miller or Chumuckla (yes,
it's actually a town name) who does little more than rubber
stamp all the president's policies and further the far right's
agenda. Jeff was elected in a special election in 2001,
following Joe Scarborough's retirement from the House of
Representatives. Jeff was subsequently re-elected in 2002 and
2004. A Democrat has never gotten more than 28% of the vote
against him. The house seat has been Republican ever since
1994 elections when Democrat Earl Hutto retired and Republican
Joe Scarborough won it.  

So, why even bother running against Miller? Why waste the
money and time? Why even bother blogging about it? Because it
matters, that's why. Having no one oppose him is as good as
saying that we will roll over, play dead and be steamrolled.
Furthermore, if 2006 turns out to be the kind of Democratic
year it's looking to be, then we can actually be competitive
here. I'm not saying we can win here, but we can get the
issues on people's minds. We can show the public the ways in
which Jeff votes against their interests. We give people a
choice.
</blockquote>
The fact that Joe Roberts is a vet gives him an added
advantage over previous, "token", opposition to
Miller. There is a heavy military influence in the first
congressional district. The Naval Air Station, Eglin Air Force
Base and other military institutions are housed in its
borders. Enough of these just might defect to Democrats just
enough to make this race competitive. Joe says he is a
conservative Democrat, but his stance on Iraq, the environment
and other issues is progressive. Joe sums up the race like
this, "Our whole government needs opposition. We need in
Northwest Florida a representative who is proactive, not
reactive."

Joe ROBERTS for U.S. Congress (FL-01)
 
<img
src="http://america-patriots.com/MusterRoll_AZ-FL/image016.jpg">
U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Air
Force Reserve. Joe served his country as a Marine in Vietnam
(1968-69); In 2005 Joe retired from the Air Force Reserve,
after serving on active duty in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom. In his 25 years of service, Joe served as a member of
the Army and Air National Guard, and participated in military
operations in Central and South America as well as Bosnia and
Eastern Europe (1980s, 1990s). 
<a
href="http://www.joeroberts.us/">Website</a>
:: <a
href="mailto:[e-mail]">Contact</a>
:: <a
href="http://www.joeroberts.us/support/contribute.htm">Donate</a>
:: <a
href="http://www.joeroberts.us/about/biography.htm">Bio</a>

<b>Profile</b>
Joe Roberts is a native Pensacolian, and a graduate of the
University of West Florida. His wife, Sharon McMurrain
Roberts, also a native of Pensacola, is employed by the State
of Florida as an Official Court Reporter for the First
Judicial Circuit. Joe and Sharon have two daughters, Leala,
24, and Lindsey, 19. Joe believes that the family is the most
important and basic institution of American culture. His
compassion for people ensures that he will promote the
interests of the American family when drafting legislation. As
an avid outdoorsman, Joe has a strong appreciation and respect
for nature. He believes that corporate profit should never
come before the health of our planet. His strong military
background and his experiences as a combat-tested veteran and
NCO Leadership Instructor will enable him to make critical
national defense and veterans' affairs decisions based on his
own understanding and knowledge, rather than relying on the
advice of those who have not served. Joe has participated in
humanitarian aid and Christian missionary work in several
countries including Russia and Honduras. As a C-130 Crew Chief
with the Air Force Reserve, he has worked and lived in many
foreign cultures from Eastern Europe and the Middle East to
Central and South America. His understanding of these people
and their cultures will be invaluable in dealing effectively
with foreign affairs as your representative in the U.S. House
of Representatives. Joe believes in a literal interpretation
of the U.S. Constitution and responsible fiscal policy. The
main focus of his campaign and tenure in office will be to
raise the standard of living of Northwest Floridians by
bringing more high paying light industry and high-tech jobs to
the Panhandle. Joe, whose grandparents were farmers in
Northwest Florida, will also promote legislation aimed at
reinvigorating family farms and agricultural entrepreneurship
throughout the region. When elected, he will provide strong
leadership in Washington and promote the interests of the
citizens of the Florida panhandle. His opponent, Jeff Miller,
has been a good friend to the oil companies, even voting
against cracking down on the oil and gas industries' price
gouging. The oil and gas industries have been good to Rep.
Miller as well, putting $4,500 Rep. Miller's in campaign
coffers.
 
Rick PENBERTHY for U.S. Congress (FL-05)
 
<img
src="http://america-patriots.com/MusterRoll_AZ-FL/image017.jpg">
2LT, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy Reserve. Rick is a Vietnam era
veteran who served overseas in Korea at Panmunjon with the
Eighth Army United Nations Command and also on the DMZ with
the 2nd Infantry Division. Later Rick continued to secure the
state of Florida by serving in the United States Naval
Reserves.
<a
href="http://www.rickpenberthy.com/">Webpage</a>
:: <a
href="mailto:[e-mail]/">Contact</a>
:: <a
href="http://www.actblue.com/page/RickPenberthy">Donate</a>
:: <a
href="http://rickpenberthy.com/?page_id=5">Bio</a>

<b>Profile</b>
Rick and Doreen Penberthy live on a 5-acre ranch in Wesley
Chapel. They have 4 children, Brittany, Brett, Corttney, and
Colette. Rick Penberthy is a life-long Democrat. Rick
Penberthy, 52, has a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary
Social Science, a Bachelors degree in International Studies,
and a Masters in Political Science from the University of
South Florida. Rick’s outreach goes beyond the classroom and
includes volunteer work with St. Anthony’s School Board,
Metropolitan Ministries, the Children’s Christmas Toy Network,
Habitat for Humanity, and Florida Coastal Clean-up. Rick has
been recognized as Pinellas County’s Secondary Social Studies
Teacher of the Year and has received the Rotary Club Paul
Harris Fellowship Award. Rick’s record of public service is
backed by a commitment to District 5’s future. Rick has been
an educator in Florida for over 20 years. As a father of 4,
Rick understands that a secure future begins with a secure
education. Everyday Rick sees the determination that families
of the Nature Coast have in ensuring their children have a
bright future. Sadly, in Washington, this determination has
taken a backseat in a never-ending political cycle. In an
effort to restore District 5’s voice in Washington Rick
Penberthy is taking his fight to the United States House of
Representatives. Rick’s candidacy is about our families, our
community, our security, and about Washington’s
responsibilities to District 5.

David BRUDERLY for U.S. Congress (FL-06)
 
<img
src="http://america-patriots.com/MusterRoll_AZ-FL/image018.jpg">
U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy Reserve. A retired Navy
officer who served during the Vietnam era at sea and on shore
at the Naval Undersea Center, San Diego.
<a
href="http://www.bruderly.com/">Webpage</a>
:: <a
href="mailto:[e-mail]">Contact</a>
:: <a
href="https://services.myngp.com/NGPOnlineServices/contribution.aspx?X=bNXzpOXtwV9RtDrOFIYvaw%3d%3d">Donate</a>
:: <a
href="http://www.bruderly.com/about.php">Bio</a>

<b>Profile</b>
Professional Engineer David Bruderly has lived in Alachua
County for over 30 years. He has 2 children, David and Heidi,
and 3 grandchildren. Dave received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Marine Engineering & Transportation from the U.
S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1969. He received a Master of
Science degree in Engineering from Columbia University in
1971. Dave has been an environmental engineering consultant
for 32 years. He is currently the President of the Clean Power
Engineering Company and an active member of the American
Society of Civil Engineers. Throughout his career, Dave has
advocated for cleaner, more efficient technologies for
transportation, maritime and alternative energy industries.
Dave began his career as a cadet-midshipman serving on
ocean-going break bulk cargo ships, a container ship and the
flagship of the US fleet, the passenger liner SS United
States. After winning his USCG licenses as 3rd Mate - Oceans
and 3rd Engineer - Unlimited Horsepower, he served on three
civilian oceanographic research vessels and a research
submarine with active duty naval service at sea on a
destroyer, a destroyer escort and ashore at the Naval Undersea
Center, San Diego. During the height of the Cold War, these
ships took Dave across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans
to a multitude of European countries. Included in his travels
were Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, the
Bahamas and South America. After returning from his duty at
sea, Dave implemented projects in more than 20 American
states. He also participated in engineering programs overseas
in countries such as Canada, Israel, Egypt, Germany and Japan.
Dave has worked in over 45 countries during his career. Some
of his achievements include environmental studies for electric
power plants, military bases (including the Kings Bay nuclear
FBM Sub Base), and many industrial facilities. Dave also
analyzed urban and agricultural non-point contamination,
evaluated lake and river restoration projects, helped clean-up
dozens of contaminated petroleum and chemical sites and
investigated spills, leaks and illegal disposal activities.
Dave currently serves as a Director for the following
non-profit organizations: the Florida Hydrogen Business
Council, Sustainable Alachua County, Florida Defenders of the
Environment and the Cross Creek Initiative. He is currently
active in the Florida Hydrogen Business Partnership,
coordinated by the Florida Department of Environmental
Regulation, and recently served on the Clean Fuel Florida
Advisory Board, sponsored by Governor Jeb Bush. Dave, a
retired U. S. Naval Reserve officer who served during the
Vietnam-era, would relish the opportunity to serve his country
again, to leverage his vast experience and knowledge of the
world to better serve the people of North Florida as the U.S.
Congressman from Florida's 6th District.

Florida counts. Let's not let it get counted wrong again.
These candidates will count towards the 15 needed to take back
the U.S. House of Representatives if we support these
candidates.

[ellenfl]

1. i don't understand why we are considered a red state . . .

there are more registered dems than repugs here. the dems have to reach out to the indies to put us back in the blue.

that said, i think jeb's elections were tests for putting his brother into the wh. iow, all the tricks the repugs could dream up were first used for jeb's benefit. just my opinion.

ellen fl

[BlueCaliDem]

2. Registered Democrat does not a Democrat make.

S. Sanders Saul, the notorious judge that refused to see the packed election machines David Boise wanted to enter as evidence for the reason why there should be a hand-recount of ballots that ultimately showed dent marks for a Gore vote, was a registered Democrat who'd only changed party affiliation shortly before he campaigned to get elected as judge in a heavily democratic jurisdiction.

Smart man that he undoubtedly is, he knew his chances of winning the bench was next to nil were he registered as a republican, but I seriously doubted he'd ever voted for any Democrat in his life.

I've read at Brad Blog some time back that "Madame Butterfly" Theresa LaPore who designed those faulty, misleading butterfly ballots, was a registered and voting republican up until shortly before she got the job. You think she voted for Gore? I don't.

But it can be true that Florida's never really been a "red state" since too many African-American people have been purged from voter rolls, and many more intimidated by local and state police to even try to cast their vote.

It's the ol' intimidation tactic the ol' south is so (in)famous for, and it would've served the Gore campaign better, had every voter who felt disenfranchised, had taken to the streets and surrounded those recount centers so John Bolton and other miscellaneous republiklans flown in to disrupt the vote counting, would've been met with enraged, disenfranchised Blacks, Haitians, and Jewish people.

Instead, we Democrats and Liberals want to find peaceful solutions through the courts (now we know they're all under republiklan control) while republiklans have NO TROUBLE being assholes and change the rules to their advantage.

However, republiklans are cowards, and faced with real physical resistance, they would've never gotten away with stealing Florida's electoral votes since the SCOTUS wasn't even in the picture then.

[snowbear]

3. You're only considered a red state b'cas the MEDIA sez you are..

Once in a blue moon, you see Florida shown either in stripes or in purple.

But you're right.. for the most part the media (and all of their graphics) almost always show Florida in the red column.

"One State, Two State, Red State, Blue State"

Here's a map a guy made who claims to have created it by how voters in each state actually vote ( http://www.pascal.com/ ):



Not at all sure how accurate his map is? :shrug:

[MarkDevin]

5. Connecticut's voting pattern doesn't surprise me one bit.

Its two wealthiest counties, Litchfield and Fairfield, are in red, while the rest of Connecticut is blue. Sounds right to me!

[Doctor_J]

4. Maybe because all of the state-wide offices are held by GOP?

and your ev went to Smirk in 2000 and 2004? And because Jeb runs the place like a Banana Republic?

Just some thoughts.

[ellenfl]

6. my point is that we should not have gone red.

dems in this state have some work to do but not as much as some. dean is right . . . we need to start concentrating on the local elections.

ellen fl

[Doctor_J]

7. Oh. Your post was titled "why are we considered a red state?"

and the answer is, because your elected officials are are Repukes.

[ellenfl]

8. but the electorate is not. as i have said elsewhere,

it seems to me that the frauds perpetrated by * were tried in florida before going nationwide. red or blue describes how the vote turned out in 2004. it is a media construct. all i am saying is that we have to change that since more floridians are registered dem than repug. if the 50,000+ 'felons' that were inappropriately purged from the rolls had been allowed to vote, guess who would have been prez in 2000?

ellen fl

[madville]

9. People sometimes forget

People sometimes forget that most of North Florida(north of Ocala)is still very rural with small towns and more churches than stoplights. Many people register as Democrats because most of the local races like Sheriff sometimes don't even have a Republican challenger so the election is decided in the primary. Alot of people register as Democrats because that is what their family has always done, daddy and momma were Democrats so I'll mark that down.

Then they turn around and vote Republican in the state and national races. Take some of the people I am related to and work with for example, we live in a county of 19,000 people. They go to church, they're pro-life, hate gays and the idea of them being married, make racist remarks and use slurs, hate welfare, etc, etc. They are Democrats in name only but almost all the things they believe in are typical Republican stances.

There are tons of white registered Democrats in the south just like them so I wouldn't put to much stock in the fact that there are more registered Democrats, doesn't mean much.

[ellenfl]

10. then why did * have to cheat to win by 534 votes? eom

[snowbear]

11. LOL... Good question!

If they wouldn't have tossed out all the ballots that they never even looked at.. Gore would have won Florida by probably 25K or more.