Florida

2012 Florida Senate Race – Candidates Jockey For Position

On January 20, 2011, In Congress, Editorial, Florida, By admin

I am sure everyone has read several stories and polls the past few weeks about possible candidates that may run for against Senator Bill Nelson in 2012. Part of the stirred up or false hype around certain candidates has to be directly related to our good friends at the Sugar Industry that would like to “solidify” a candidate for 2012 early on.

As much as I hate elections and even more that primaries because they often denigrate to a drunken bar fight, they exist for a reason. Recent history, such as the Florida Governor’s and Senate races should be a sign of caution for those of us to ready to declare a victor before the candidates have run the course. I vividly remember Marco Rubio announcing to run in April 2009 and no one thought he would have a chance.

First order for conservatives is to stand united and change the 2010 Florida Senate Race Rule of “ABC”, Anybody But Charlie, to “ABL”, Anyone But Lemieux, for 2012. Senator Lemiuex should be handled with extreme cause because he has brains, unlike Crist, politically savvy and willing to do anything to win.

I am currently watching five candidates in no specific order, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, Former Leader Adam Hasner, Congressman Connie Mack, Mike McCalister and Nick Loeb. Let the race begin!

You might be asking who is Nick Loeb. He is my wild card draw, but could very easily topple the other candidates. His recent life changing experience has caused him to “grow up” and become a leader. In addition his relationship with Sofia Vergara has centered the once “playboy.” For those that don’t know Sofia Vergara, she is a conservative hot Emmy nominated Columbia actress that you will find in “Modern Family” and other popular shows. Nick has a great heart, huge ambitious, but also the ability to raise millions. This couple is Caliente! Check out the speech Nick gave at the first West Palm Beach Tea Party.

I have heard several rumors that Congressman Connie Mack lives in California. Expect his residency to be challenged early on if Mack officially jumps in. Republicans have two major congressional eyesores in Florida, Connie Mack’s residency being one. Let’s hope these individuals quietly walk away without damaging conservatives.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos will likely be one of the most conservative Florida Senate Presidents ever. He is also very connected and was able to raise millions for Florida Senate Candidates in 2010. I think it will be difficult for him to run for Senate and while at the same time being the Florida Senate President. Senator Atwater was successful at this maneuver because he was only dealing with Florida state issues. Mike will have his hands full trying to rodeo both state policy and federal policy, run the Senate and campaign for Federal office.

McCalister drew 10% of GOP Florida Governors Primary in 2010 without any resources. As much as I like Mike, feel he is not likely to be a serious candidate because he lacks a realistic campaign strategy. Running around and ranting at the local tea party meetings is good, but I feel McCalister lacks the ability to connect with the super voters or middle voters.

This past week I have noticed a few “pro” Hasner Facebook pages pop up. Adam Hasner is a rock solid conservative that should give all candidates a run for their money. Hasner lacks statewide name recognition, but so do the other candidates. Expect Adam to play toward his consistency of being a conservative from a part of the Florida that eats conservatives for breakfast on a regular basis. Hasner will also deploy a very sophisticated policy approach on federal issues which most of the other candidates lack. I also expect his leadership to put him in front or near the front.

Who knows which candidate will be the front runner in 2012. Honestly I just hope to see a conservative that has a large amount of support running. We can’t afford Senator Bill Nelson. He is destroying the future of Florida and America with is liberal big government policies.

Fox News' Shepard Smith takes on Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., over public option

On October 14, 2009, In Florida, Video, By jenn

Treasure Coast Health Care Freedom Rally featured on TCPalm.com

On July 5, 2009, In Activism, Florida, July 2nd Healthcare Freedom Rally, By patriot

Treasure Coast, Palm Beach County residents rally against national health care reform and government spending, by Alex Tiegen

WEST PALM BEACH — Barbara Slack and Julia Glattfelt stood outside U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson’s West Palm Beach office Thursday and sang of changes to national health care and political strife.

“They must think the voters are all out to lunch,” the two Port St. Lucie women sang to the tune of the sea chantey, “Blow the Man Down.” “Isn’t it time to throw the bums out?”

A contingent of nine Treasure Coast residents joined a small group of Palm Beach residents at 11 a.m. at Nelson’s office in a rally against proposed national health care reform and government spending.

The South Florida Tea Party group called for locals to gather at the offices of Nelson state representatives, and U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, to protest the Affordable Health Choices Act. Members of two Treasure Coast organizations, Treasure Coast Tea Party and Martin 9/12 Tea Party Committee, participated at Nelson’s office.

Daria DiGiovanni at the Boca Raton Health Care Freedom Rally

On July 3, 2009, In Activism, Florida, July 2nd Healthcare Freedom Rally, By patriot

Daria DiGiovanni, blogger for Palin Drone, attended the July 2 Health Care Freedom Rally in Boca Raton and gave us her account of how she braved the elements with other citizens concerned about the plan for the government takeover of our health care system:

In spite of the typical South Florida summer downpour, a devoted group of approximately 40 patriots gathered outside Congressman Robert Wexler’s office, located in the Crystal Corporate Center on Military Trail in Boca Raton. Elaine Laffey, my fellow Smart Girl Politics activist and Facebook buddy, did an excellent job coordinating today’s event. I should point out, I was a bit surprised to discover the congressman’s office was located in such an upscale building — you know, the kind that houses all of those eeeevil corporations the Democrats are always harping about.

When we arrived at 3 p.m., there were a scant few people milling about the parking lot, but within minutes, the size of our group nearly quadrupled. As we were preparing to go onto the sidewalk, we noticed a group of socialized medicine/Wexler supporters, all of whom appeared to be senior citizens. When Elaine approached them to say hello and introduce herself, the greeting one gentleman offered in response summed up the difference between the left and the right better than any conservative ever could: “Why are you talking to us? We’re the enemy!” he exclaimed in a caustic tone. Elaine promptly rebutted, “You’re not my enemy, sir. We just have a fundamental disagreement on this issue.”

With that, most of us quietly moved away from them to take our assigned places on the sidewalk, but my friend and die-hard patriot Ellen Snyder stuck around for a while to argue; as expected, her valid points fell on deaf ears. And during the emotionally charged exchange, one guy actually wagged his finger in her face, obnoxiously claiming he was supporting Obamacare “for your child” and erroneously assuming that Ellen, who has worked in the medical industry her entire career, had no idea what she was talking about. Gotta love these tolerant liberals!

Anyway, I suppose Wexler does indeed fancy himself an untouchable CEO, because Elaine and I encountered much resistance when we peacefully approached the building, intent on paying his staff members a friendly visit (Wexler, we were later told, was in Israel) so that they could inform their boss of our strong opposition to nationalized health care.

First, we were stopped by a local cop, a very nice gentleman who gave us his blessing once we explained our purpose (he wanted to make sure we weren’t bringing any signs with us, which would have been a violation).

However, the arrogant building security team was another matter entirely. Three different guards stopped us rather rudely as we made our way to the lobby; undeterred, we kept going, reminding them that Congressman Wexler is a public servant, and thus accountable to his constituents.

By the time we got to the third one, she was poised and ready with a walkie-talkie, presumably to warn Wexler’s staff that two right wing extremists were on their way. In a tone of sheer condescension, she announced, “That is a private office!” Undaunted we replied, “Congressman Wexler works for us, and we have every right to stop by and let him know how we feel about this issue,” before stepping into the glass elevator.

As we ascended to the fourth floor (Suite 490), we watched as the guard then whipped out her walkie talkie and presumably issued an urgent warning to Wexler’s staff. Once inside, we were greeted politely (if somewhat stiffly) but, as directed, wrote out our grievances on the forms provided. Interestingly enough, these forms, which featured the seal of the U.S. Congress at the top, requested a social security number in a line at the bottom, along with the typical information (name, address, etc). Neither of us filled it in.

Back outside, I asked Ellen to contact talk radio host Joyce Kaufman (who was currently broadcasting live) and apprise her of what had just transpired. Although there were several other callers in queue, Ellen’s call was bumped to the front of the line. Once informed, an angry Joyce publicized the incident on the airwaves. By the time Ellen and other protestors paid a visit to the congressman’s office, the phones were ringing off the hook, with solicitious staffers assuring irate callers that of course their office was open to the public! Power to the people, baby.

One other observation: Military Trail is a heavily trafficked street, and this particular intersection is extremely busy. Our friends from the other side stood at an opposite corner, holding up signs in support of Wexler and Obamacare. But as far as I could tell, we were the only ones who received numerous honks of approval, most notably from every trucker who happened to drive by. We even got media coverage from the Sun-Sentinel and the local ABC affiliate (Patrick Laffey, Elaine’s husband, also took video of several of us, including yours truly). I honestly believe most people are starting to wake up and smell the coffee. And that’s a very good thing for America.

Thank you to every patriot who stood out in the rain with us today! Special mention to the 9/12-ers, especially Shannon and Doug and their family; congressional candidate for Congress and Wexler challenger Ed Lynch; the Smart Girl Politics team and once again, to Patrick and Elaine Laffey. This weekend: TEA PARTIES!

Daria DiGiovanni is a freelance writer, blogger, editor and author of the book Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal.

Tagged with: boca raton • health care • healthcare freedom rally • july 2nd • palin drone • robert wexler