The November Amendment-Palooza. Guest Blog by Ross Hancock

 Amendment 5 is a poison pill, crafted by Republicans to ensure that any future Democratic majority will be fiscally powerless 

Putman

Maybe it’s just me, but for all the talk of a Blue Tsunami in November, I’m more fired up to vote on 13 state constitutional amendments than most of the races for office. I’m just not feeling the Bern for Donna Shalala and Bill Nelson. And the leading Dem gubernatorial candidates have put everyone in the State to sleep.  Adam Putnam, a lightening rod attracting enormous ire, is a candidate on the Republican side who is the stuff of nightmares, not sleep. Even the race that I’m personally in, for State House 114, probably won’t set the world on fire, since there is an election for that seat every couple of months or so, and everyone knows they can always just catch the next one.

That’s why a ballot laden with a record 13 constitutional amendments has me so excited that I just can’t hide it.

Anything good that has happened in Tallahassee in the past decade has been the result of voter-approved amendments. Our electeds are mostly lobbyists and semiprofessional officeholders, and at the end of the day, we don’t have much to show for casting our votes for them. But amendment referenda have brought us smaller class sizes in schools, fairer voting districts, solar energy progress, and preservation of environmentally sensitive lands. At least in theory.

And there are a few really good, life-changing amendments this time. Tops is the voter-initiated Florida Amendment 4—the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative. It will bring Florida in line with most other states by extending voting rights to citizens who have served their felony sentences, except for the most serious crimes.

Also, be sure to support Amendment 12 on legislative ethics. It will prevent lobbyists from being public officials, and prevent public officials from becoming lobbyists for six years. It actually used to be illegal for lobbyists to serve in the legislature. Things have only gotten worse since we let the foxes into the chicken house. Nowadays, there are many races that don’t even have non-lobbyists running. That kinda cuts out the middleman between special interests and the government.

There are so many amendments on the November ballot that some unrelated (and potentially contradictory) issues were combined into about half of them, weirdly. For example, to vote against coastal drilling (Amendment 9), a ban on workplace vaping is included in the same measure, so you have to want both. Amendment 11 combines high-speed trains, a civil rights issue, and a rule on prosecution of repealed crimes. Amendment 6 mashes up a victims’ bill of rights with increasing the retirement age for judges.

There are other examples of bundled issues. This is just nuts. Who is running this state?

So while there are 13 amendments on the ballot, there are really more than 20 issues, but it’s like a menu of combo meals that doesn’t allow substitutions.

On the ugly side, there is Amendment 5, a poison pill crafted by Republicans to ensure that any future Democratic majority will be fiscally powerless. It mandates a two-thirds vote of each chamber of the state legislature to raise any taxes or fees forever. Oddly, our local Democratic leader Rep. Kionne McGhee broke party ranks and voted to put this monstrosity on the ballot.

Still, if I have to hold my nose for a few candidates who will be the lesser of two evils, at least I am fired up about voting rights for felons, and especially for ridding the legislature of lobbyist officeholders. Be amendment-smart and study up—and plan on spending some time in the voting booth on November 6.

The Worst Election You Never Heard Of: State House District 114. Guest Blog by Ross Hancock

Democrats are banking on Attorney Javier Fernandez

People in Florida once voted all on the same day — the first Tuesday in November — but in this crazy political era there is a special election going on someplace every month. Democrats have been winning most of them lately, as folks turn out just to keep child molesters and their ilk out of office.

For the May 1 special election for State House District 114 (which stretches from Flagami south to Cutler Bay), two lobbyists and a public school administrator, NPA Candidate Liz de las Cuevas, have raised about a half-million dollars to win bragging rights and a state paycheck — for a seat that will expire in five months. The victor won’t have the opportunity to cast any votes on bills, or to even show up for work. The seat will be up for grabs again in November. (I am personally in the November race.)

Journalists have made a lot of hay about what a waste of taxpayer money (an estimated $1.2 million) it is to hold an election for this lamest-of-all-possible-ducks seat. In addition to the full-fledged primary (that you probably didn’t notice) that look place in February, in which about 4,000 people voted, taxpayers are now paying for “general-special” election ballots to be mailed to absentee voters and military service personnel worldwide. Then a week of early voting will take place starting April 21 at four different libraries in the county. Finally, about 70 fully-staffed precincts will be open all day on May 1 for the three candidates and their “no show” office.

The three campaigns themselves may spend as much as the county — as much as 500 bucks per voter. Special interests have been very generous to the both party candidates. But they will have to pony up again when the winner and loser replay their battle, starting with an August primary a few months from now.

The bizarre history of District 114 has also been noted by the press. Since the district was drawn after the last census, both elected representatives have pleaded guilty to criminal charges. Erik Fresen, who I almost beat in this district in 2012, failed to file income taxes for the duration of his four terms in the state house, and is now a part-time resident of a federal lockup. Daisy Baez, who recently won the seat after Fresen vacated it, kept postponing her relocation into the district while her ailing mother clung to life in Baez’s home a few blocks outside the boundary. Rivals busted her when she announced her run to replace yet another disgraced legislator, Frank Artiles, who had left the state senate when it was revealed that he was hiring underwear models as staffers. That opened up the current mess for the May 1 special election to replace Baez.

Andrew Vargas

I think the Republican lobbyist is likely to beat the Democratic lobbyist in a low-turnout special election. Even though Democrats have been winning special elections all over the country, Republican lobbyist Andrew Vargas has been outworking and outspending Democratic Javier Fernandez. Plus, Fernandez got a bad start by hiring twice-convicted campaign-law violator Jeff Garcia, who positioned himself as Fernandez’s campaign manager.

And the press has been hard on Fernandez, asking why the Dems would even sponsor a candidate who has a checkered history as a lobbyist for Walmart developers and the like.

While his Republican opponent attacks him from one side, Fernandez is also being mocked as “Javi Lobby” and as a Republican donor in mailings and robocalls conducted by People for a Progressive Florida, which is run by activists who advocate for responsible land use and transit-friendly policies. They maintain an attack website.

Fernandez might be the only Democrat in the world who can’t win this district in the current “Blue Wave” climate. Although the Democratic Party labeled District 114 as “Republican” when they didn’t want to oppose Fresen, the party has been happy when candidates have been able to attract cash to 114, as Baez did with early money from the Dominican professional community. Likewise, Fernandez has been a big magnet for $1000 checks from real estate industry donors.

The best one could say about this expensive and bizarre special election is that it might be another indicator of anti-Trump sentiment. On the other hand, we will know a lot more about the true sentiment of the district’s voters on the first Tuesday in November, when most people will go to the polls to cast votes for a governor, a U.S. senator, members of Congress, a slew of state and local candidates, some very important constitutional changes, and for someone who will actually earn their pay as state representative for District 114.

Roy Hardemon has a formidable challenger: Dotie Joseph. By Geniusofdespair

DOTIE JOSEPH

Here is what is on Dotie Joseph’s website:

Dotie Joseph was born in Haiti, and grew up in the North Miami, attended Miami-Dade public schools throughout the District, and earned degrees from Yale University and Georgetown University Law Center.

Dotie has been a champion for community empowerment, and advocate for civil rights and human rights since she was a teenager – and wants take her passion for service to Tallahassee. She is running in order to advocate for equal access to quality education, affordable health care, public safety, and economic development to improve the quality of lives for all who live, work, and play in the District.

She is running in State House District 108 against Roy, with the dynasty family name Hardemon.

Here is some info on Hardemon from a 2016 article in the Miami Herald:

For the past 30 years, Hardemon’s life has been a revolving door with the criminal justice system. He was unable to recall how many times he has been arrested when asked by a Miami Herald reporter.

Hardemon, 54, has been arrested 19 times since 1987 and charged with 35 different crimes, 12 of them felonies. The charges range from felony battery and kidnapping to municipal violations for trespassing.

When asked about his arrests, Hardemon, a community activist in Liberty City and uncle of Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon, said most of them were for disobeying police.

“I’ve been arrested for trespassing with the Urban League,” he said.

Hardemon was arrested four times for trespassing, six times for resisting an officer without violence and twice for disorderly conduct, charges that can be associated with civil disobedience.

Yet he was arrested in 1994 on charges of armed burglary, battery, criminal mischief and kidnapping. All four charges were felonies.

Come on district 108!!! Get yourselves a good candidate. You have a politician actually worse than Donald Trump in power. All Hardemon has really done in office is try to get money for various charities in his district which translates into votes. That is the majority of his bills in 2018. It says he has 12 children on his House website. Really?

Vote for a candidate who was Not accused of punching a woman, but one who is a woman!

This is how Hardemon won. He dominated the absentee ballots. However the biggest reason: There were too many damn people in the race. Do you hear that people running for US Congress in District 27? Get out of the race some of you: NOW, or you will not necessarily get us the best candidate elected because of your ego.  He also dominated the absentee ballots.

Geniusofdespair's Run For State Rep. By Geniusofdespair

It is an arduous task to run for office. At the end of each month I had to check a box on a website and put in a pin number I could never remember. Four digits? What do they think I am a Genius?  And, if I had raised any funds I would have had to do even more work every month and even open a bank account  (very annoying task). OMG. How do they do it?

So, since I am so busy with other stuff, like purging my house, I am happy to announce my run for State Rep. is so over.

I wrote to the State of Florida:

"Please remove me from this stupid election for State Rep. 112. I don’t want to be part of a group I am ashamed of. Thank you. If I were elected I would be appalled. Nick Duran is welcome to the seat."

I do think that Nick Duran is a bad Representative for District 112 but I am not going to save you from him, one of you can run. Maybe I will run again, who knows. Right now, not going to happen. I am so tired of remembering to check that box. Now if I had a person to do all the work, that would be a different story.

I want to thank my good friend Ross Hancock for all his help and I hope I didn't disappoint him too much, he did remind me to check the box.

State Legislature: From The Annals Of Government Designed To Fail ... by gimleteye

If you've been at this, as long as we have: nothing surprises you.

Gov. Rick Scott, raising money to take on Senator Bill Nelson, and the aspirants to fill in behind him -- including Representative Matt Caldwell who wants to be Ag. Secty and Ag. Secty Adam Putnam who wants to be governor -- are all poised to do the maximum damage to the public interest that they can. Practically speaking, that means taking full advantage of President Trump's agreement to shovel federal regulatory authority, in whatever shape, form or size, into the dustbin of history.

The triumph of "states' rights" puts Florida Republicans in the drivers seat, which is a much more comfortable position to be than the roller derby where team sport rules apply.

SB1402/HB7043, as originally filed, would allow the state of Florida to pursue wetland permitting under the federal Clean Water Act Section 404. These bills pave the way for the state of Florida to take on the federal Clean Water Act authority of issuing 404 “dredge and fill” permits (the authorizations needed to destroy wetlands for development).

The measure is being proposed in the name of streamlining and efficiency, (jobs! jobs! jobs!) but if it is passed into law, would virtually guarantee that environmental review and protections of wetlands will disappear.

Florida is already witnessing the efforts of the state to marginalize federal consent decrees and agreements protecting the Everglades. There is far worse ahead, if the state (and big campaign funders) get their hands on the wetlands permitting process.

Click this link for the contact information for the Miami-Dade legislative delegation.

Braynon and Flores love fest hurt the party. By Geniusofdespair

So many of you are arguing “It  was an affair of consenting adults.” That is not all it was. Don’t believe me? You surely didn’t in my post last week. Maybe this will convince you.

Try the Tampa Bay Times: 

Why the Anitere Flores and Oscar Braynon affair matters to Florida voters

Why Senators Oscar Braynon and Anitere Flores Cannot be Forgiven for Fornicating. By Geniusofdespair

Anitere Flores Wears The Scarlet Letter! Oscar Braynon didn't just Screw her, he screwed two other  loyal Democrats.

There was an election.

Anitere Flores was in a vulnerable seat redrawn as Democrat in 2015. It is rumored that Oscar Braynon bent over backwards to help her. Most dedicated Dems told me that he ran the party as far as Democratic State Senate seats since he is the Senate Minority Leader. He raised the money and decided where the money would be spent according to insiders, and Debbie Muscarsel-Powell was in the Dog House running against Anitere Flores. When Andrew Korge was running against Anitere Flores he wouldn't help him m either.

It was very odd that he gave Debbie Mucarsel-Powell so little Democratic support when she was running against Right leaning Republican Anitere Flores who made a giant leap to the left to retain her seat. That is when I first heard the rumors of the affair between Oscar Braynon and Anitere Flores. But I really didn't believe it. Now they have admitted the affair publicly thanks to a recent video taken through a hotel peephole.

A Republican just told me: "Anitere Flores, who claims to be religious, broke one of the Ten Commandments. To make matters worse, she made decisions based on what gave her pleasure, instead of what was best for her constituents and her family. Hopefully God forgives her. Lord knows her husband won’t." Yes I think this quote is pretty funny but that is how a lot of Republican's think.

Very active and perceptive  Democratic leader, former House member  and former Mayor of Pinecrest Cindy Lerner said that "His role as the Democratic Leader has not only been compromised it has been thwarted."  She added, "They both should step down. They not only cheated on their spouses they cheated on all of us."

I couldn't care less that they had an affair. Except that I do know Oscar has a lovely wife and beautiful children and a great Dad who once worked for County Chair Barbara Carey-Schuler. He must be furious right now with Oscar, Jr.

Anyway, I think Oscar should step down from ANY LEADERSHIP ROLE in the Democratic party for this giant breach of trust in this particular election. Anitere Flores, I believe, wouldn't have won if Debbie wasn't left out in the cold. And it would have left Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in a stronger position to run against Curbello now.

TAMPA BAY TIMES

Why I Am Running for State Office: Part 2. By Geniusofdespair

Not much on looks but plenty of spunk

The second day of Christmas...
(Also see this blog about Duran)

I am retired, except for volunteer work. I don't owe anyone anything and don't care about campaign contributions. I am not going to get appropriations that benefit me or special interests. I will advocate for the environment but not for groups that get money.

Yes, I agree with a mean anonymous comment yesterday: "My campaign is going to crash and burn." Why wouldn't it? I probably have more baggage than Nick Duran my opponent BUT it is different baggage. None of it relates to getting public money or influencing anyone for money. I am just a civic minded person that has written a good government blog since 2006 for no money. That adds up to 5,454 blog posts I have written and I am not even a good writer. Everything is out there. And there is plenty. Since I went to Washington and wore that pink hat, I reluctantly have stepped up because if we don't we are all going to 'crash and burn.'

Then there is my opponent, yes his father-in-law is an uber lobbyist but there is more:

From Politico 2/2016:

The Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, which represents 90 clinics across the state, is in Tallahassee Thursday meeting with House leaders, educating them about the role the clinics play in Florida’s health care landscape and asking for funds to help with their mission — providing health care to uninsured people who earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

To that end, the group had scheduled meetings with House speaker-designate Richard Corcoran, a Land O Lakes Republican, as well as House health care budget chief Matt Hudson, a Naples Republican.

The group's executive director Nicholas Xavier Duran is optimistic that the Legislature will provide funding.

“We have a lot of support with members of the House,” Duran said. “It’s budget negotiation time, so the folks will come together." AND:

The clinics did get $4.5 million in funding in the 2014-15 budget, but Duran said when it was divvied up among the clinics, it came to less than 10 percent of their operating budgets. The remainder of their budgets came from patient fees and fundraising efforts.

The new push by Duran's group comes as the amount of primary care provided at county health departments has dropped sharply — with, on average, a 17 percent decline in patients seen and a 20 percent dip in visits statewide since Gov. Rick Scott took office.

 The problem here is: State Rep. Nick Duran is paid by this  non-profit group. Duran got $139,359.84 in 2016. "The new push" they talk about...maybe it is because Nick Duran is in office.

Why Am I Running For Office? By Geniusofdespair

First day of Christmas:

Because I have concerns.....

My opponent lists as his address:

The owner of the single family zoned, 3 bedroom - 3 bath home is:

If David Olin is renting the house to Duran - Abrams, then I shouldn't be seeing the Homestead deduction. According to the Property Appraisers office, if you rent for more than 1 month in a calendar year, you cannot take a Homestead Exemption for that year, in this case 2016 -- If Duran did live at the Coconut Grove address for more than 30 days in 2016. (David Olin did relinquish his Homestead Exemption in 2017).

From a State of Florida Powerpoint establishing residency:

The couple did live in Miami Shores, Ne. 4th Avenue Road and other North addresses. The last address Duran gave in April 2016 was 780 NE 69 Street. Could be his campaign headquarters. However, I do not know when they all moved to 2900 Calusa Street. If they moved in before December 1 2016, then Olin owes some homestead money.

Nothing earth shattering here, we have to look at the sugar money, don't want to get into the DUI's....

On the second day of Christmas....More to come,

Have sent in my papers to run in district 112. By Geniusofdespair

State Rep. District 112 - I already have a lock on everyone living on Virginia Key.

The Current State Rep. What's his name..., you know the one who screwed Jose Javier Rodriguez and is related to the lobbyist. I will stand up to him and say: "What the hell are you doing?

If I am not mistaken, if there are two Dems in the race the $80,503 cannot be thrown down the sewer to one candidate.

The lovely woman at top is not me. It is my sister. I figured till I actually am listed she can be my stand-in. Don't tell her because she has no way of finding out -- NOT ONE FAMILY MEMBER READS EYE ON MIAMI.

I am Running for Office and Tax Reform Explained From A Math Challenged Person. By Geniusofdespair

I am thinking seriously of running for office.

I want to run against Democrat Nicholas Duran in State House District 112. I want to foil his campaign mainly because of his vote against Jose Javier Rodriguez.  Nick: When a Democrat finds themselves voting with Daphne Campbell they should stop and think about what they are doing.  Besides, I wouldn't even recognize the guy and he is my Representative.  I just need a good photo of myself and someone to manage my campaign for free and I will be ready to go. Oh, and I need a cool sounding PAC name. I would think the Republicans would help me on all those fronts.

 My platform: I like unions, no new taxes except on Rick Scott's house, yes to environmental protection, cupcakes (The good kind, not from Costco or Publix. There would be a choice of fluffy chocolate or pink strawberry with red wedding cake) at all my events, no to anything for big sugar and FPL. No to pumping your damn sea level rise water into Biscayne Bay or connected water-bodies. 

My first move would be no sales tax for buying kicks if you have Florida ID. Everyone needs good kicks. 

My slogan: Sea Level Rise Ain't for Sissies.

Need to know: Who is going to pay my airfare to Tallahassee? Oh, and I need someone to bake cupcakes.

Taxes:

I suppose I am not the right one to ask about tax reform but here it is.

I hear they are going to take away medical deductions. To most of us that is a big loss unless you are super healthy and don't pay for medical insurance.

They are going to take away the tax deduction you pay for State and City taxes. That is a big loss for people who live in New York City and suburban people who work in the Cities. They pay taxes to both the State and the City in addition to the Feds.

So what if they double the individual deduction, the elimination of the medical deduction, the State and City tax deduction, and the mortgage deduction -- in combination  -- is better for most people/families than the increase of the individual deductions.

Anyway, no matter what they do, I expect my taxes to go up with the tax overhaul. Yours might go down by a couple of $100 a year if you are really lucky. Trump's base probably does not pay taxes so he doesn't have to worry about it. 

Election Results: Annette Taddeo Is The State Senator in District 40! By Geniusofdespair

 Results of The Special Election Today...

Newly elected State Senator Annette Taddeo (Dem) beat Jose Felix Diaz (Rep) 50.95% to 47.21%. Annette trounced Jose on election day with 7,269 votes to his 4,878. He beat her in the absentee ballots but she got more than twice the votes during early voting.....2,834 to 1,376.  Annette Taddeo ended up  with 22,649 votes and Jose Felix Diaz got 20,895.

There are 333,706 registered voters in District 40 and 49,025 votes were cast. The voter turnout was 14.69%.   This is very important. We picked up a Democratic seat in the State Senate.

Thank you Annette, for running and winning!

Elections Dept. Won't Budge on Important Election Date. By Geniusofdespair

ANNETTE TADDEO - State Senate District 40

In spite of hurricane Irma disrupting life in South Dade, a special election to replace former State Senator Frank Artiles will be held as planned on Sept. 26. Rick Scott rejected a request by Democrats to hold the election for two weeks to give people time to get back to their routine. Our election supervisor Christina White said she is ready, even if the voters aren't. She should tour the district. People are still without power, drug stores and food markets are just opening and people have to replace all the food in their refrigerator. Are they really thinking about the election?

I know voting is the last thing on your mind right now but if you live in Senate District 40 vote for Annette Taddeo, who did NOT TAKE BIG SUGAR CAMPAIGN DONATIONS!

Early voting starts tomorrow.

Need to know more about Annette? Watch this video! I found it very inspiring.

Local Politics: Miami-Dade. By Geniusofdespair

A reader asked: Why don't you write about local politics. One: None of you read the crap. Two: It is a losing battle. You keep electing shit politicians and thus, we are always writing about bad news because we can never get anywhere.

Here is a wrap up of local, lets see how many of you read it:

Francis Suarez - He will be Mayor of the City of Miami. There is no doubt about that. He is a very nice guy. I just hope he can be a leader for the people of the City. I like his mailers so far. I do not support his idea to have a strong mayor as Gimenez has made it obvious how toxic it can be. His friends continue to suck off the tit of County funds. I will vote for Francis.

Daniella Levine Cava - You might think the County Commissioner from District 8 is up for reelection this year by her aggressive campaigning. It won't be till next August. Daniella has already raised $301,309.54. All the even numbered County Commissioners will be up for reelection in August. These are non-partisan so November voting means little in these races.

In the 2018 race to replace Congresswoman Illenan Ros-Lehtinen, only Kristen Rosen Gonzalez is registered. I never heard of the other 3 candidates. I thought I would see Javier Jose Rodriguez and others but none have come out of the woodwork. In Congressman Carlos Curbelo's district 26, there are two democrats running against him: Steven Machat and Steve Smith. Never heard of either of them.

These are all the candidates registered for Governor in 2018 (you can't raise money till you register) but your PAC/ECO can be raising money hand over fist, so it is still early:

Josue Larose is a phantom candidate that registers for a lot of stuff. Out of this group I would vote for Gwen Graham.

In the last election the Republicans put a ringer Democrat into Florida Congressional District 38 to siphon off votes from Jason Pizzo in the primary. Don't be fooled again. Do not, under any circumstances, vote for the DINO Daphne Campbell in the primary. She is the worst Democrat I ever encountered. A totally awful woman, sleazy too. Tell all your friend in the North Beach Cities to vote for Pizzo.

Congressional District 115 has no incumbent. Jeffrey Solomon is there, again.

My Congressional District is 112. I will have to write myself in. I would not vote for the Democrat Nicholas Duran. I hope another Democrat enters the race. I would vote for the Republican Rosa Palomino if we had more Democrats in the House but because we are so over-loaded with Republicans in the State, I have to write myself in here. I would be a good candidate, better than Duran. But, I will not run.

Okay you wanted local - so read it.

Annette Taddeo will face Jose Felix Diaz in the District 40 Florida Senate race. By Geniusofdespair

Primary results today: Annette Taddeo trounced Ana Rivas Logan with 70.64% of the Democratic vote. 9,990 Dems voted in the primary. In the Pub primary 13,262 people voted. Jose Felix Diaz won the pub primary with 57.73% -- twice as many votes as Alex Diaz de la Portilla.

September 26th is the election. Democrats, you have to vote. You rule the district in numbers so use your power: VOTE.

Ron Book, Lobbyist, Always Scores Big in Budgets. By Geniusofdespair

There is so little money to go around yet Lauren's Kids (Ron Book and His daughter State Senator Lauren Book's charity) is slated to get $1.5 from the State Budget.

Lauren Book, as a State Senator, had to do a financial disclosure. Someone please look it up for me. Never mind I did it. Lauren Book's net worth is 1,566,718. Her salary fro Lauren's Kids was, in 2016, $135,000. Until recently she also Made $71,300 doing research for Ron Book's firm. She has two residences worth almost a million dollars. She has very little debt.

What kills me, Ron Book is a master fundraiser, why doesn't he raise the money himself for this charity? Why is he always at the public trough getting the money? Exactly how much money has this charity collected over the years? And how has Ron Book separated charity funds from his lobbyist/law firm funds at the same address? Which one pays for the staples and scissors?

Democrat State Rep Nick Duran is a big disappointment because Lobbyists Rule. By Geniusofdespair

Nick Duran, I mean Mike Abrams.

My problem with Democrats,  in a new trend, has a bevy of candidates who are Lobbyist's Spawns (i.e. State Senator Lauren Book, Andrew Korge - who was vying for State Senate) or Relatives.

Nick Duran,  Newly elected State Rep. is Son-in-Law to longtime Lobbyist Mike Abrams who is a partner in Ballard Partners (a disgusting lobbying firm in my view). Duran has as his State Rep. Secretary Yolanda Abrams. Wow, if related - that is one for the books. The Yolanda on your Facebook page looks like a teenager.

Nick Duran was supported by evil entities such as Fla Chamber and AIF, FPL (through Florida Standing United PC), TECO, a number of sugar growers, and U.S. Sugar through its affiliate Southern Gardens Grove Corp., which he identifies as being a "garden services" company on his filing.

So lets see how lobbyist connected Nick Duran is doing:

For the first time in eons, Democrats control the majority of the Miami-Dade Delegation in the Florida Legislature.

Democratic Senator José Javier Rodríguez was running against Republican Jose Felix Diaz to Chair the delegation.

Republican Diaz was elected Chair. Democrats Campbell, Hardemon, Duran and Geller voted for Diaz. Truth is Republicans still dominate in Tallahassee and hold all the Committee Chairmanships. Kionne McGhee was elected Vice Chair and Daphne Campbell was elected Secretary.

So, our great State Rep. Nick Duran in his first vote -- held back the Democrats in a win they could have used. I wrote him a love letter:

Nick Duran:
Thanks for screwing my State Senator, Jose Javier Rodriguez. Why did I vote for you, to vote with Daphne Campbell? I think not. Better get it together... really! Very disappointed in you.


I thought it rather nice considering what I am feeling towards him. Geller and Hardemon are assholes as well but they are not my Representative. And, Daphne, well she is a Republican cloaked as a Democrat --- thank you Michael Gongora for giving us Daphne Campbell. You idiot.

And Nick, no relatives in your office --- PLEASE!

Mike Abrams Nick Duran and Wife Abrams

Democratic Candidate Nick Duran has Sugar and Industry Ties. By Geniusofdespair

Poison Endorsements. We have written 33 times about AIF.

Nick Duran the Dem State House option for District 112 is backed by Fla Chamber and AIF, FPL (through Florida Standing United PC), TECO, a number of sugar growers, and U.S. Sugar through its affiliate Southern Gardens Grove Corp., which he identifies as being a "garden services" company on his filing.

We hate AIF here at Eye on Miami and FPL and Big Sugar.  Not good. A Democrat???

This is Jose Javier Rodriguez's House Seat (Jose is running for State Senate).  If I had it to do over I might vote for the Republican Rosa Palomino (I already voted however).

Piss Poor Two-Faced Union. By Geniusofdespair

Monica Russo: Shame on you!

“Our members proudly endorse Senator Anitere Flores in Senate District 39,” said Monica Russo, President of SEIU Florida State Council.  “Senator Flores understands that too many families in her district and around Florida are struggling to make ends meet, and that no one working 40 hours a week should live in poverty. We will look to Sen. Flores’ leadership on economic reform that will raise wages for low wage workers, as well as tackle issues confronting immigrant families.”

This seat was fought hard for in redistricting and was meant to be a moderate, Democratic seat. How are we ever going to get a more balanced legislature? It has been overwhelmingly Republican and will remain so until the unions muster up some integrity. If they remain cowardly, sweeping up crumbs of promises from candidates, they will soon find themselves trying to claw  their way up from an agonizing decline due to the shenanigans of the very candidates they are sucking up to.

You are putting an endorsement on a self proclaimed conservative Republican. Your union sucks to endorse this candidate.  Flores has done squat for all issues important to us EXCEPT now she is a poser so she can win. I hope she continues to do nothing for unions because that is what they deserve from her. Maybe they will learn something about doing the right thing instead of selling their soul for empty promises.

There is a very good Democrat running for this seat: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

Only in Florida: PIGMAN is photo of the week. By Geniusofdespair

Now why didn't this guy change his name legally? Can you imagine his campaign signs:

Vote for Pigman

...and they did vote for Pigman, in the middle of nowhere Florida, just West of Lake Okeechobee. You would think he would want to keep his wacky name out of the news.