December 4, 2008 - 1:40 PM
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauds the Palm Beach County Republican Party's refusal to recognize Derek Black's election to one of the county Republican Executive Committee seats. In addition to failing to sign the Republican Party of Florida's loyalty oath, Derek Black has an irrefutable long history as a white supremacist and is a rising star in the movement.
Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL FL Regional Director, issued the following statement:
"Although white supremacists typically reject being labeled as such and prefer to say that they are pro-white, it is indisputable that Derek Black is a racist who believes that whites are smarter than non-whites, superior to non-whites and deserve to be treated differently and have more privileges because they are white. Derek Black has been attending white supremacist gatherings since he was ten years-old when he even had his own section on Stormfront to promote white supremacy to other children.
As recently as November 8th, Black was one of the keynote speakers at a white supremacist conference sponsored by former Klan leader and anti-Semite David Duke and his organization EURO (European American Unity and Rights Organization) in Memphis, Tennessee. A number of white supremacists, including Derek's father, former Klansman Don Black, racist radio show host James Edwards and Canadian racist Paul Fromm, also attended the conference."
Read more here.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Statement from Bill McCollum on Martinez Announcement
Tallahassee–Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum released the following statement:
“I was surprised to learn today that Senator Mel Martinez will not be seeking re-election for his post in 2010. Senator Martinez has served his constituents and our state admirably, and with his decision not to seek another term the people of Florida are losing a dedicated public servant.
“I have been asked today whether this announcement will have any effect on my plans for the future. At this point, my plan is – at the appropriate time – to announce my intention to seek re-election as Florida's Attorney General. However, given today's development, I will seriously consider and discuss with my family a race for this U.S. Senate seat, and we will share our decision at a later date.”
“I was surprised to learn today that Senator Mel Martinez will not be seeking re-election for his post in 2010. Senator Martinez has served his constituents and our state admirably, and with his decision not to seek another term the people of Florida are losing a dedicated public servant.
“I have been asked today whether this announcement will have any effect on my plans for the future. At this point, my plan is – at the appropriate time – to announce my intention to seek re-election as Florida's Attorney General. However, given today's development, I will seriously consider and discuss with my family a race for this U.S. Senate seat, and we will share our decision at a later date.”
Greer Praises Senator Martinez's Career in Public Service
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement regarding Senator Mel Martinez’s decision to retire from the United States Senate at the conclusion of his current term:
“I am grateful to Senator Martinez for his commitment to the people of our state and our nation throughout his tenure in the United States Senate.
“From serving in President Bush’s Cabinet to the halls of the Senate to his guidance as Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Mel Martinez has been a tireless advocate for the Republican principles of less taxing, less spending, less government and more freedom.
“Having survived the perils of a communist regime, Mel – more than many – understands that freedom is worth fighting for. He has spent much of his adult life advocating for the American way of life and the freedoms that so many of us take for granted.
“Mel’s career in public service will not end with his retirement from the United States Senate. I look forward to working with him to grow and build our party for years to come.”
“I am grateful to Senator Martinez for his commitment to the people of our state and our nation throughout his tenure in the United States Senate.
“From serving in President Bush’s Cabinet to the halls of the Senate to his guidance as Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Mel Martinez has been a tireless advocate for the Republican principles of less taxing, less spending, less government and more freedom.
“Having survived the perils of a communist regime, Mel – more than many – understands that freedom is worth fighting for. He has spent much of his adult life advocating for the American way of life and the freedoms that so many of us take for granted.
“Mel’s career in public service will not end with his retirement from the United States Senate. I look forward to working with him to grow and build our party for years to come.”
Crist to Obama: Show us the money, and come watch a Shuttle launch
by Aaron Deslatte, Orlando Sentinel
Gov. Charlie Crist has offered a silver-tongued "show me the money" request to President-Elect Barack Obama Tuesday as the nation's governors collectively gathered with him in Philadelphia today to air out their concerns.
Crist's office also sent out a letter to Obama detailing Florida's fiscal plight and asking the feds to provide more Medicaid dollars, road-building assistance and passage of the Columbian Free Trade Agreement.
Crist argues Florida has "the third-highest home foreclosure rate in the nation, a 7 percent unemployment rate, and a projected state revenue shortfall of roughly $6 billion for the current and next fiscal year." He then takes credit for speeding up some 179 transportation projects in August, claims that created 38,000 jobs (even though employment levels continue to plummet), and touts the Cover Florida health isurance plan that will be implemented next month to try and cover some of the 4.8 million uninsured with bare-bones coverage.
His requests:
1. Relax Federal Medical Assistance Percntage (FMAP) rules, so Florida can draw down $991 million in federal dollars for its Medicaid populations.
2. Devote more dollars to infrastructure. Crist said the state has $7 billion in projects that could be completed within four months that would create 195,000 jobs.
3. Pass the much-debated Colombian Free Trade Agreement, which Obama has raised objections about during the campaign.
And by the way, Crist reminds Obama in the letter Florida will need help with that whole Space Shuttle retirement party, and will require "a strong federal-state partnership and commitment to working with local communities to provide economic opportunities for individuals impacted by the shuttle retirement."
"I invite you to join me in Florida for an upcoming launch of the Space Shuttle and to discuss the future of our nation's space program," he writes.
Gov. Charlie Crist has offered a silver-tongued "show me the money" request to President-Elect Barack Obama Tuesday as the nation's governors collectively gathered with him in Philadelphia today to air out their concerns.
Crist's office also sent out a letter to Obama detailing Florida's fiscal plight and asking the feds to provide more Medicaid dollars, road-building assistance and passage of the Columbian Free Trade Agreement.
Crist argues Florida has "the third-highest home foreclosure rate in the nation, a 7 percent unemployment rate, and a projected state revenue shortfall of roughly $6 billion for the current and next fiscal year." He then takes credit for speeding up some 179 transportation projects in August, claims that created 38,000 jobs (even though employment levels continue to plummet), and touts the Cover Florida health isurance plan that will be implemented next month to try and cover some of the 4.8 million uninsured with bare-bones coverage.
His requests:
1. Relax Federal Medical Assistance Percntage (FMAP) rules, so Florida can draw down $991 million in federal dollars for its Medicaid populations.
2. Devote more dollars to infrastructure. Crist said the state has $7 billion in projects that could be completed within four months that would create 195,000 jobs.
3. Pass the much-debated Colombian Free Trade Agreement, which Obama has raised objections about during the campaign.
And by the way, Crist reminds Obama in the letter Florida will need help with that whole Space Shuttle retirement party, and will require "a strong federal-state partnership and commitment to working with local communities to provide economic opportunities for individuals impacted by the shuttle retirement."
"I invite you to join me in Florida for an upcoming launch of the Space Shuttle and to discuss the future of our nation's space program," he writes.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Breaking: Sink Not Running for US Senate?
From (yet again) Politico, just posted:
Sink not running against Martinez
One of the Democrats’ leading candidates to challenge Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) in 2010 has decided to pass up the opportunity, according to a source familiar with her thinking.
Florida’s chief financial officer, Alex Sink, has decided to run for a second term as CFO and forego a run against Martinez. She made the decision over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Sink’s office did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Sink not running against Martinez
One of the Democrats’ leading candidates to challenge Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) in 2010 has decided to pass up the opportunity, according to a source familiar with her thinking.
Florida’s chief financial officer, Alex Sink, has decided to run for a second term as CFO and forego a run against Martinez. She made the decision over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Sink’s office did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Georgia on our Minds...
The folks at Politico sum up the short Obama coattails in GA, noting, "Democrats have given a lot of lip service to the Georgia runoff, but don’t seem to have put their money behind their man. USA Today reports that Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss “raised $1.6 million in large contributions — amounts of $1,000 or more — from Nov. 13 through Nov. 21 compared with $462,000 for [Jim] Martin.” Outside groups have done even more, as the NRSC has put $2.5 million into the race, more than twice that of outside Democratic groups.
Belinda Ortiz to Head Hispanic Outreach for RPOF
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today announced his appointment of Belinda Ortiz to serve as Director of Hispanic Outreach and Deputy Director of the Minority Outreach and Coalitions Department for the Republican Party of Florida.
“Hispanic voters in Florida are an important part of our party’s future success and the appointment of Belinda Ortiz demonstrates that gaining the confidence and ultimately the Hispanic vote is a top priority,” said Chairman Greer.
Ortiz most recently served as president and chief executive officer for Zitro of Orlando, Inc., a public relations and business development firm in Central Florida. She previously served as director of public policy for the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. Visit RPOF's website for more.
“Hispanic voters in Florida are an important part of our party’s future success and the appointment of Belinda Ortiz demonstrates that gaining the confidence and ultimately the Hispanic vote is a top priority,” said Chairman Greer.
Ortiz most recently served as president and chief executive officer for Zitro of Orlando, Inc., a public relations and business development firm in Central Florida. She previously served as director of public policy for the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. Visit RPOF's website for more.
Kosmas Backer Caught Making Sweetheart Deals
Will Suzanne Kosmas Condemn Her Benefactor or Keep Taking His Dirty Money?
Washington- It’s no secret that Suzanne Kosmas' recent bid for a seat in Congress was bankrolled by the ethically tarnished New York Congressman Charlie Rangel. And now, Kosmas' financier is in even more hot water - Rangel has been called upon to step down from his position as House Ways and Means Chair by yet another major editorial board for his appalling disregard of the most basic ethical standards.
The Washington Post takes Rangel to task for a possible quid pro quo deal with a major donor:
“[The] latest revelation of Mr. Rangel’s ethical tin ear is the most galling yet. While he remains innocent until proven otherwise, he should step aside as chairman while the ethics committee expands its inquiry."
Read more here.
Washington- It’s no secret that Suzanne Kosmas' recent bid for a seat in Congress was bankrolled by the ethically tarnished New York Congressman Charlie Rangel. And now, Kosmas' financier is in even more hot water - Rangel has been called upon to step down from his position as House Ways and Means Chair by yet another major editorial board for his appalling disregard of the most basic ethical standards.
The Washington Post takes Rangel to task for a possible quid pro quo deal with a major donor:
“[The] latest revelation of Mr. Rangel’s ethical tin ear is the most galling yet. While he remains innocent until proven otherwise, he should step aside as chairman while the ethics committee expands its inquiry."
Read more here.
Mortgage Lenders Answer Governor Crist's Call for Foreclosure Relief During Holidays
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist joined representatives of the banking and mortgage lending industry to announce a voluntary agreement to provide foreclosure relief to Florida homestead property owners for the next 45 days. Governor Crist encouraged lenders to continue their efforts to actively negotiate with struggling homeowners during the coming months to help people stay in their homes.
“I applaud these bankers and lenders for giving people hope during this challenging economic time,” Governor Crist said. “Struggling families and homeowners should rest easier during this holiday season, knowing that these lenders have heard the pleas of homeowners.”
Read more here
“I applaud these bankers and lenders for giving people hope during this challenging economic time,” Governor Crist said. “Struggling families and homeowners should rest easier during this holiday season, knowing that these lenders have heard the pleas of homeowners.”
Read more here
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