Scott and GOP’s plans fire Dems for ’12 campaigns
by John Kennedy | February 27th, 2011Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature’s ruling Republicans have kicked over a political hornet’s nest by promoting budget cuts, pension overhauls and civil justice changes, which are now emerging as targets for statewide rallies by Democratic-allied organizations.
The GOP’s tough medicine for a state pocked by foreclosures and almost 12 percent unemployment may be breathing life into a Florida Democratic Party, virtually left for dead after wholesale election defeats last fall. It also may effectively prove the opening round of the 2012 presidential contest in the nation’s biggest battleground state.
“Democrats last fall were down and outspent,” said Susannah Randolph, campaign manager for defeated Orlando Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson and now an organizer of the March 8 rallies.
“Now we’re seeing that we have to respond to a threat level like DEFCON 1,” said Randolph, who also is a leader of Florida Watch Action. “And sure, we want to keep this energy going.”
Using a Facebook page, “Awake The State,” organizers are planning events in most major Florida cities on the legislature’s opening day. Although locations are still being determined, teachers and public employees’ unions, including police and firefighters, are forming the core of those protesting expected cuts in education, pensions and government workforces.
Counter-punching, tea party supporters are rallying behind Scott, and looking to converge on the state Capitol for the session’s launch, which coincides with the new governor’s first State of the State address.
Florida’s spring training season goes beyond baseball. The parties are gearing up for the 2012 campaigns by energizing their political bases around Scott and the Legislature’s plans.
Tags: elections, Florida Democratic Party, legislature, Republican Party of Florida, Rick Scott, state budget, Tea Party, unions
February 27th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Grayson is a self-described socialist and his campaign manager is leading Democratic efforts.
I’ve had enough of the Florida Democratic party. I’m switching to NPA.
February 27th, 2011 at 11:27 am
Republicans have really done it now. They can watch their chickens come home to roost, starting on March 8th and going all the way through November 2012, culminating with the reelections of President Obama and Senator Nelson. Eat it, suckers.
February 27th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@Alistair….it is good to have dreams.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
And Mrs Randolph I the wife of State Rep Scott Randolph, arguably the most liberal member of the FL House. No surprise she is “organizing” probably on orders directly groom the Whitehouse.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Were the progressives asleep during the Obama corporate tax cuts?
February 27th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Obama said. “So tonight, I’m asking Democrats and Republicans to simplify the system. Get rid of the loopholes. Level the playing field. And use the savings to lower the corporate tax rate for the first time in 25 years—without adding to our deficit.”
February 28th, 2011 at 2:47 am
Republican have really come this far. What’s next now?
February 28th, 2011 at 7:52 am
Instead of Dems going to war over it, this is where the bypartisan effort should come in to work for a mutual solution to the problem. Just like wisconsin, where the democrats fled the scene, here they are just going to wage political war and nothing will come of it. This is not responsible government at work. This is just irresponsible officials doing business as usual.
Time to get behind Gov. Scott.
February 28th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I appreciate our Governor thought to redeem himself for more public service by paying $70 million to be Governor. Since he parroted “jobs jobs jobs” and no real media outlet asked him hard questions during debates, you reporters are responsible. Your God and pen given mandate.
That being said, Rick Scott is coming out of the box like the movie Gladiator, with a spiked club ready to wack him. I cannot watch, and Im not reading half of the time.
But yes, dont forget to tell all those Jeb Bush hispanics that immigration reforms mean their friends cant get a “free work-healthcare ticket to come to Florida. That WILL affect elections for Dem’s favor. Sorry Charlie, no NP allowed.