Sands: The Invisible House Democrat Leader

The Miami Herald takes a look at House Democrat Leader Franklin Sands, who illustrates the leadership vacuum facing Democrats in Florida:

"...As a scrum of reporters jostled for sound bites after the governor's annual address last week, House Democratic leader Franklin Sands hung back, despite an aide's suggestion that he join colleagues holding court.

Earlier, the 68-year-old lawmaker had deferred to a lower-ranking colleague to give the party's videotaped response to the speech.

Sands is the only South Florida Democrat in leadership, but he's more frequently pegged as the self-made Weston millionaire who lost his life savings in the global Bernard Madoff scandal.

..."For Rep. Sands to be relevant, his challenge is to offer real ideas and solutions, and he's yet to demonstrate that,'' said Republican Rep. Adam Hasner of Delray Beach.

...In an election that saw record-setting, Barack Obama-fueled turnout, the party picked up only one House seat. (During Gelber's term, Democrats won nine over two years.)

..."The goal was to increase our numbers, and it didn't happen," said Rep. Perry Thurston of Fort Lauderdale. "We needed a more focused approach, as opposed to playing in a number of races."

One month after the election, Sands faced allegations -- which he denied -- that he was basing committee assignments to fellow Democrats on their party fundraising.

..."He's very low-key. Too low key," said Rep. Audrey Gibson of Jacksonville, who ran unsuccessfully against Sands for his leadership job...