Aronberg v Gelber for state attorney general
by Michael C. Bender | June 8th, 2009State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, announced his candidacy today for state attorney general. Watch his announcement above.
The announcement sets up a primary with Palm Beach County’s Dave Aronberg, who filed his paperwork last week.
Loading ...It also sets up the second significant primary for Democrats so far among the five statewide offices that are up for election in 2010. None of the five offices will include an incumbent.
In addition to the AG race, Democrats also have no clear frontrunner in the race for agriculture commissioner, which right now includes three Democrats. Meanwhile, Florida Republicans are expecting contested primaries for U.S. Senate (Crist v. Rubio), CFO (Atwater v. Patterson) and agriculture commissioner (Baker v. Putnam).
In Gelber’s video, he casts himself as a native Floridian from a long line of attorneys. He mentions his time as a federal prosecutor and volunteer and winning a decade of election in the same community he was raised. (Worth noting here: Tallahassee reporters received an anonymous note in their mailboxes today pointing out that Jonah Wolfson, a city commissioner in Gelber’s Miami Beach, has endorsed Aronberg.)
Gelber also mentions the “irony” that the political chaos in the state (this many statewide seats haven’t been open in at least a century) comes at a time of historic economic crisis for Florida.
“But out of this turmoil, we can also find opportunity — the chance to set a new course that avoids the mistakes of the past and tracks a better future for our families,” Gelber says.
Gelber’s campaign bio here.
Tags: Dan Gelber, Dave Aronberg, Democratic primary, Florida Democratic Party
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Sentenced to die for crimes judged heinous and cruel, inmates await execution in a 9 feet by 6 feet cell.
June 8th, 2009 at 11:41 am
The Winner needs to focus and rid Palm Beach County of CORRUPTION on ALL Levels. These County Commissioners are only a start - What about CORRUPT & UNETHICAL JUDGES?
What about CORRUPT & UNETHICAL ATTORNEY’S?
“NEW CAPTIAL OF FLORIDA CORRUPTION”
June 8th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Gelber would be a great Attorney General. When he worked in the US attorneys office down here in southern fl. he did an awesome job dealing with public corruption and prosecuting tons of public officials. he would be the best ag. he’s got my support.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
GO DAN!! Such a strong candidate, I’m really impressed with his long record as a state prosecutor and a counter terrorism investigator. Hope he wins!
June 8th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Sorry but I gotta go with the rock star…
June 8th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Senator Dave has been a hard working, attentive and accesible legislator.
Personally, I am disheartended to see him leave our district but upon his election to AG, he’s the man for the state.
Leo Fisher
June 8th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I’m proud to be voting for Dan - not only one of FL’s brightest and most effective prosecutors ever (convicted hundreds of corrupt officials, drug dealers, etc.) he also has written some of our state’s most important security legislation. Plus he’s so involved in the community, I know he’s in tune with what’s going on in the state. Check him out! http://www.dangelber.com
June 8th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I am happy to be supporting Dave Aronberg who isn’t a race jumper like Gelber. I find it crazy that Gelber thinks he can go from State Senate, to US Senate to AG in 6 months. http://www.davearonberg.com
June 8th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I’ve got to agree with the previous post I am supporting Dave Aronberg.
June 8th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
DAN GELBER all the way. did you know - he rewrote our state’s wiretap laws and reformed how we prosecute corruption? check it out - dangelber.com
June 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
How can you go wrong with the more qualified, more experienced candidate? Dan Gelber has done a great job in the House and Senate, and he is one of the finest attorneys around. His community service is just icing on the cake to me. Gelber’s got my support.
June 8th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I live in Gelber’s district and I can’t support him. It’s time for some new fresh talent in Florida and Dave Aronberg is that guy http://www.davearonberg.com
June 8th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Dave may be a nice guy, but this is about who can do the job.
There is no question that Dan Gelber is more qualified and more prepared to be Attorney General. Gelber has had tough jobs with responsibilities. Aronberg’s resume isn’t even close to matching up. This vote is for Gelber.
June 8th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Dan Gelber is a hypocrite. He gave this disingenuous speech at the JJ Dinner in Miami about how he was stepping aside for Kendick Meeks in the US Senate race because we didn’t need a divisive primary.
He KNEW Aronberg was going to run for AG so what does he do? He files to run for AG and sets this race up for a divisive primary.
Dave Aronberg has fought hard for consumers, families and seniors. I will be fully supporting him.
Gelber has lost my trust and respect.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:13 am
Dan, so now we have two wonderful, ethical democrat attorneys from south Florida running for the same statewide post, why?
The people of Florida need both you and Aronberg still in elected office come 2011. Why back down from running for Senate.
Meek is a DINO, he’s already tainted himself by taking tens of thousands in campaign contributions from the R’s corporate buddies in the railroad industry just because they need a “Democrat” to carry their legislation through the House. H.R.272 gives them an estimated $500 million annually in corporate welfare tax breaks. Their normal Republican buddies can’t muster the votes they need so they recruited Meek with some healthy new political contributions.
Don’t back down, give us a real choice versus Charlie the Empty Suit or run for Governor and give us a chance to take back Tallahassee, or at the very least run for Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’ House seat, Obama took her district in 08, perhaps a Democrat could take her House seat in 2010.