Kendrick Meek refused to endorse 3 fellow Democrats in 2008.

[Alexander]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/03/wasserman_schultz_under_seige.html

Wasserman Schultz Under Siege from Liberal Bloggers

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) is getting brutally walloped in the liberal blogosphere for refusing to endorse the Democratic challengers to three potentially vulnerable GOP incumbents in Florida.

Liberal bloggers are irate that Wasserman Schultz, who co-chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red-to-Blue program, has declined to endorse the Democrats running to unseat Cuban-American Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Lincoln Diaz-Balart and his brother, Mario Diaz-Balart.

Wasserman Schultz -- along with Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.), who also refuses to endorse challengers to the three Cuban-American Republicans -- says she doesn't want to stab GOP members of her own delegation in the back.

Did someone say something about party loyalty?

[HooptieWagon]

1. DLCers don't like Democrats running against their GOP friends. nt

[DemocratSinceBirth]

2. The Balart Brothers And Ileana-Ros-Lehiten Are Reactionaries

The Balart brothers and Ileana Ros-Lehiten are the most reactionary members of the Florida Congressional delegation and that's saying something. The Democratic party in Florida has been desperately trying to recruit Cuban-American candidates to challenge them and break their lock on the Cuban American vote.

Marco Rubio comes from the same putrid pool that the Batista worshiping Balart brothers and Ilean Ros-Lehiten comes from.

[seafan]

3. That was, indeed, an unfortunate decision by Meek and Debbie Wasserman Schultz in 2008.

There was no excuse for their not supporting fellow Democrats locked in very tough races.


We don't forget things like that.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

4. Especially When Supporting Qualifed Cuban American Democrats In Florida Is Job One

~

[Dr.Phool]

5. Par for the course with Weaselman-Schlitz.

In the 2006 race for Florida's 5th District, John Russell-(D) was running against Ginny Brown-Waite-(R). Little Debbie gave a glowing description of Ginny in a St. Pete Times interview. She really fluffed her up, talking about her strong will and steel spine.

She came just short of signing an affidavit of endorsement. With her increased visibility during the last election, I fully expected her to run for that seat.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

6. I Can Understand

I can understand the reluctance to campaign against your pal even if your pal is a Puke.

However, what frosts me is the fact that some DUERS attacked other DUERS for not supporting Meek when Meek could find a reason not to support other Democrats.

[Alexander]

8. Some of these same hypocrites are busy unreccing this thread...

And they're too cowardly to show up and try to defend Meek.

[seafan]

16. Yes, Debbie Wasserman Schultz has her own history to answer for.

Unafraid to support radical wingnuts.....


----May 27, 2006, Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), singing the praises of radical Republican Ginny Brown-Waite in the St. Petersburg Times:

“The bottom line is that the voters, whether they’re in the most liberal or conservative or moderate districts, they like their elected officials to have the backbone of steel that Ginny Brown-Waite has,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a liberal Democrat from Broward County who has worked with, and against, her since their days in the Florida Legislature.

“When constituents know they are represented by someone who is willing to vote her conscience and do the right thing and is independent and not a rubber-stamp, that’s going to be tough to beat.”

US Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) Votes Against Her Own Vets Education Benefits Bill, May 17, 2008

Puerto Rico House unanimously condemns Brown-Waite for claiming they are "foreign citizens"., February 4, 2008

FL Rep Ginny Brown-Waite (R): Hoards cash, announces retirement, votes NO on unemployment extension, July 23, 2010



Lovely judgment, Ms. Wasserman Schultz.



Or whether it's refusing to support fellow Democrats in tough races because of loyalty to more of her Republican wingnut friends....


Or unabashedly feathering her own nest for higher office.



That's Ms. Wasserman Schultz, her eyes constantly locked on the next prize.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

17. There Have Been Seven Unrecommends That I Can See

They should have your name next to your recommendations and unrecommendations.

[tsuki]

30. I remember being told on DU that it was "understandable" that Wasserman-Schultz

and Meek could not endorse their fellow democrats because if the Republicons went back in they would have to work with them.

With a little more help, Raul Martinez could have beaten Lincoln Diaz-Balart.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

31. The Balarts And Lehiten Were Tea Partiers Before There Was A Tea Party

~

[DemocratSinceBirth]

7. Six Recommendations Disappeared Into The Ether

I'd like to know their reason for unrecommending it.

[Alexander]

9. They're cowards who know what Meek did was inexcusable

And they don't want other DUers to know that Meek himself was not exactly Mr. Loyal Democrat.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

13. We Can Have The Debate Or Discussion Without Them

Meek never had a chance against Rubio in this political and economic environment. Florida Democrats running in similar environments were crushed as he will be on Tuesday. The ironic or tragic thing about this election is that Meek was the sacrificial lamb as prominent Florida Democrats avoided this race because they thought Crist was a shoo in, which he was until he was Tea Bagged for embracing Obama and the stimulus. Democrats believed they could "live" with Crist but were alarmed by the prosepect of a Tea Bagger (Rubio) victory. Some then made the calculus Crist was the best candidate to prevent this from happening.

However, Meek's refusal to support the Balart brother's and Ileana Ros-Lehiten's Democratic opponents was much more harmful to the party because the Florida Democratic party is desperately trying to recruit moderate Democratic Cuban American candidates to break the stranglehold reactionary Cuban American Republican politicians have on our state's politics.

And the irony of ironies is that Marco Rubio comes from that same putrid pool.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

10. And Crist endorsed McCain in 2008

But I get your larger point

[Alexander]

11. Very true, and at least you understand my point.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

12. And My Hero and Your Hero, RFK, Voted For Eisenhower In 52

But the point is that Meek supporters on this board disrespected good Democrats on this board because they rejected Meek in the belief he was incapable of stopping Marco Rubio, who they see as a grave threat.

If Meek could find a reason not to support other Democrats so can they.


My hands are clean. I voted for Meek.

[ChiciB1]

14. AND, RFK, Jr. Endorsed CHAWLIE Crist, PLUS Robert Wexler (A Liberal)

from south Florida several weeks back. I also would like to tell you that I just came from downtown Sarasota where everyone goes to wave flags and hold signs, asking people to HONK for the Tea-Baggers! Of course, they support all the Repukes.

I pulled over to watch what kind of reaction they were getting, and TO MY TOTAL AMAZEMENT, there weren't many people honking. THIS COUNTY is Ruby Red, but they had a lot of people out, but it seemed most were just driving by!

AND, they were holding up RUBIO signs, then signs with a BIG O with a slash through it across Crist's name. It's making me wonder about the polling going on. I keep hearing that RUBIO can't be beat no matter what, but I know many, many people who have told me they are voting for Crist. I'm NOT trying to PUSH this onto anyone, but I AM telling the TRUTH! I have gone around and asked so many people, just went up to them in stores and places and asked. Some told it wasn't my business, but MANY said they are voting for Crist. And it wasn't even 50-50. I couldn't believe that in this RED county that it wasn't totally lopsided.

So, I await Tuesday and I sit and wonder some more! I DO FEEL that Florida has experienced VOTER FRAUD here before, two races are vivid in my mind, 2000 and 2006! I WAS there trying to help count votes in 2006, but it was futile and Buchanan was declared the winner even when there were 18,500 under votes. Buchanan somehow won by 369 votes. So, even with what I found I don't DOUBT that things could very well be rigged for RUBIO.

It SUCKS, but THIS IS FLORIDA!!

[tsuki]

32. I live in a Ruby Red County also, in the Panhandle. I have been

working to switch Republicon votes to Crist. Rubio got 81% of the vote here during the primary. The number of Republicons voting in the primary outnumbered the Democrats by more than 3 to 1. A lot of Republicons have told me that they are voting for Crist.

[AtomicKitten]

15. Very interesting. K&R

[DemocratSinceBirth]

18. Up To Nine Unrecommends From People Who Can't Stand The Truth

~

[Alexander]

19. I wonder if any of them are on Meek's payroll.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

20. Maybe That's Why He's Still Asking For Donations At This Late Stage

That seems selfish as there are Democrats in competitive races that could use the money for a last minute push.

[Tarheel_Dem]

21. I realize that some of my favorite DU'ers disagree with this, but I'm

of the opinion that Meek should have done everything in his power to stop Rubio. That was Job One. Even if it meant conceding the race to Crist much sooner, and galvanizing Democratic support around someone who had a legitimate shot at beating Rubio.

Even when it was a two man race, Rubio was stomping Meek, and once Crist went Independent, it seems that Meek fell even furter in the polls. Like it or not, he's polling in the mid teen's, and is mounting nothing more than a vanity run at this point.

Most of those complaining about "party loyalty", are the same ones who admonish the rest of us for voting for anyone with a "D" by their name. If I thought he ever stood a chance, I would have gladly sent money. At this point, any money sent to Meek will most likely be spent to wipe out campaign debt.

Hello, Senator Rubio. :eyes:

[ChiciB1]

23. How Much I Agree With You, And Furthermore My Feelings About Meek

which were once rather positive are now almost nil. This has NOTHING to do with race, it's just that he never really caught on from the beginning and he of all people should have known it. I also have to lay blame at the state Democratic Party which has become very ineffective for a very long time. Karen Thurman and others like her have been, well actually "piss poor" and it's very hard for me to be kind when speaking of them.

It took me a long time to decide to vote for Crist because I wanted to give Meek a chance to get his numbers up, but he just hasn't been a good candidate. I could say more about what I feel about him, but will refrain.

I honestly believe in my heart that getting Rubio elected has been Jebby's main objective and his stepping stone to his run for POTUS. Rubio is "his boy" and he will be beholden to Jebby from now on. When Jebby realized that Crist wasn't going to go along with him on every single issue, I feel it was then that Jebby began his search for an apprentice, thus MARCO RUBIO. Even though he said he wasn't going to run in 2012, I never believed him. Some ask why HE didn't run for Senate and the answer is apparent... he wants to live in D.C. and to me it's just that simple.

And the Democratic Party here should have known this and I do believe Meek also knew it too. I don't even feel sad for Meek because he has essentially handed the Repukes more than they could have ever hoped for. Not only from Florida, but very possibly nationally too. You can argue that Crist is an opportunist, but he at least had the grit to stand up to the Repukes here and that's no small act. The Repuke MACHINE here is mighty and it rolls over anyone that gets in their way. I feel that Crist played their game for some time, but when he decided to stop following the leader, they kicked him to the side. I have to give him points for standing his ground. And yes, he did stand with Paling and did the Repuke "duty" required, but something tells me he is more Independent than many here think. He has been more moderate than any Repuke I've seen of late, so they intended to make him pay.

And then there's the fact that voter fraud will probably win the day. Even if Crist were to get close, or perhaps actually win, RUBIO will be the winner! I know too many people who have told me they are voting for Crist and it's made me wonder about the polling more than I ever have before.

So, Florida will remain a state that takes the cake, both literally and offensively. What is happening here will have an impact on this country, not only here in Florida.

[vaberella]

22. ~Sigh~ So should I dump Debber Wasserman Schultz too b/c she's a staunch supporter.

I wonder.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

24. No. You Shouldn't Dump Either Of Them. Their Politicians. And Politicians Play Games

But if it was o k for Congressperson Meek and Congressperson Wasserman Schultz to endorse Republicans against Democratic candidates because they are their friends then it's o k for Democrats to vote for a candidate other than those two when they come up with a reason of their own not to.


I should add that the Balart brothers and Ileana Ros-Lehiten are not your garden variety Republican backbenchers but represent the most reactionary elements of the South Florida Cuban American community and the Florida Democratic party has been desperately trying to recruit moderate Cuban American candidates to defeat them.

[vaberella]

33. Is that the logic?

That's a bit absurd. Considering that I don't think Crist has ever been so loyal to Repubs, neither has he been kind for progressive ideals. But I drop the Dems who have been there for progressive change, because of one really bad mistake for the Repub who turned Indie so he could win. Right...

[DemocratSinceBirth]

34. The Logic

The logic is you can't criticize other people for taking actions you took yourself; you know "the whole do what I say, not what I do thing." That seems fairly self evident. Kendrick Meek had no problem in failing to support other Democrats when they were running against his Republican pals. Kendrick Meek has never polled higher than twenty five percent or came in better than third place in his battle against Marco (Tea Party Candidate) Rubio and Charlie Crist. Consequently some Democrats decided that since there was no logical path to victory for Kendrick Meek and that Rubio was a dangerous, reactionary, extremist, Tea Bagger they would support a less offensive alternative to him and that happened to be Charlie Crist who was actually beating him in the polls at one time.

We are back to square one. Kendrick Meek deemed it was appropriate to support Republicans when they were his pals. Some Democrats deemed it was appropriate to support independents when it became obvious that Kendrick Meek was incapable of beating the Tea Bagger. Again, I'm not saying to dump or not dump Meek or anybody but what I am saying is you can't excuse Meek for failing to support Democrats when they are running against his pals while criticizing Democrats for not supporting him when he's locked in an increasingly quixotic race against a candidate who opposes everything we do and will use his Senate seat to gain national prominence.

I voted for Meek because I concluded while neither he nor Crist could beat Rubio I should vote for my party's candidate but I take it as a personal insult that a person would demand of me that I follow a rule that he or she didn't follow himself or herself because he or she determined it wasn't in their interest.

[Alexander]

35. I remember many DUers raising hell for those two refusing to endorse fellow Democrats.

The irony is, the democrats Meek and Wasserman-Schultz refused to endorse all had better chances of winning their respective races than Meek has in winning his Senate seat.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

36. And Another Irony Is That Rubio Is Part Of The Balart-Lehiten Clique

I wonder who really is the stalking horse for Rubio.

[ibegurpard]

25. Crist is a Repuke

and an untrusworthy closet-case snake to boot

[krawhitham]

26. no

He might be a conservative but he is not a rethug anymore, they kicked him out of the party

conservative > Teabagger


Meek can not win PERIOD

[ibegurpard]

28. yes

and if Democrats happen to lose the senate the fucker will caucus with his repuke friends.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

29. The Purpose Of This Thread

The purpose of this thread is to expose the hypocrisy of Congressman Meek and his supporters demanding unyielding party discipline and loyalty when Congressman Meek had no problem throwing his fellow Democrats under the bus when they were running against his Republican pals.

What is your opinion on that.


BTW, I voted for Meek. I guess if Rubio was my pal I'd get a pass for voting for him; just like Kendrick did when a Democrat was running against his Republican pal.

[flamingdem]

27. REC no more Cuba Pac dough for dems! nt

[DemocratSinceBirth]

49. +1

~

[BeFree]

37. Un rec

Because it is just trash.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

38. Too Bad You Can't Handle The Truth

And if you think it's appropriate for Kendrick Meek and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz to support their Republican pals when they are running against qualified Democratic candidates with legitimate chances of winning there is nothing I can do to disabuse you of that notion.

Real Democrats support Democrats

[BeFree]

39. Truth is

Crist is worse than Rubio. I am so glad to see crist become dead meat.

Now we go after rubio. This ought to be fun. And we shouldn't have too many dems opposing us as we destroy rubio. With crist we end up, as we are doing now, fighting amongst ourselves.

Rubio will unify dems and that will be good for Florida.

Can YOU handle that reality?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

40. I Voted For Meek But. Both Him And Crist Are Done

Crist would not have been as bad as Rubio but it's academic now.

The point is loyal Democrats support Democrats except in the most exceptional of circumstances and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Kendrick Meek weren't being loyal Democrats when they refused to support Democratic candidates when they were running against their Republican buddies.

It's even worse in their case because unlike Meek those three candidates had legitimate chances to win in their races. Meek never had a prayer.

[BeFree]

42. 95 times now?

That you have told us you voted for Meek.

And yet you are here campaigning against Meek.

You remind me of Ted K against Carter and how that let Reagan in.

Crist was a dividing force and rubio will be a unifying force.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

43. I Voted For Ted Kennedy. I Caucused For Him At A Florida Straw Poll In Daytona Beach In 1980

Meek never had a chance. That's history now.

The reason I feel so passionately about this is because I have seen my friends on this board trashed for suggesting that voting for an independent candidate is a legitimate option against a dangerous and extremist candidate when the Democratic candidate is not a legitimate option. Yet the same people doing the trashing don't see any problem in Democrats supporting Republican candidates when they run against their pals.

If you want to defend that naked hypocrisy there is nothing I could ever do to clonvince you to do otherwise.

[BeFree]

44. Ted never had a chance

Crist is NOT an independent. He lied to you.

Crist can't win. He never could. The voters of Florida, even in his own damn party, rejected him.

Your hypoCRISTy <pun intended> slander you are throwing around is a fucking disgrace. Just stop it.

[Alexander]

45. He voted for Meek. Just because the truth makes you uncomfortable

is no reason to take it out on him.

Face it, even Meek decided not to endorse three Democrats in 2008. He was even quoted saying that he wouldn't.

By the way, it's not slander if it's true.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

47. Thank You

~

[DemocratSinceBirth]

46. I Voted For The Democrat

Unlike your pals I never supported a Republicant in my life. Why don't you go to Miami and canvass for your pals;Ileana Ros Lehiten, Lincoln Diaz-Balrt, and Mario Diaz-Balart.


on edit- I deeply, deeply resent your implication that I am a hypocrite. If I wasn't concerned about getting banned I would tell you what you could do with it.

[JCMach1]

41. Welcome to FL politics...

[ChiciB1]

48. I Just Want To Burst The "Race" Issue Here. Charlie Crist Is A Life-Long

member of the NAACP! As a former Repuke, that's not so normal. I'm don't want to keep beating this drum, but Crist isn't the RIGHT WING PINKO many people are saying he is.

He has governed as a moderate, he's been VERY popular here in Florida, even though I campaigned against him and voted for Davis. And I wasn't THAT crazy about Davis, but I SURE WAS LOYAL! Davis LOST!

This race is DIFFERENT, and many of us here who voted for Crist have been trying to explain the reasons why. And yes, just because he's a member of the NAACP may not mean much to some, but it's not the norm for many Repukes.

Just thought I would add it to the mix.