Looking for Love

It has often been said that Democrats fall in love while Republicans fall in line. The courtship for the hearts of party leaders in the Florida Democratic Party Chair’s race is underway and activists so far show no signs of falling in line. Early reactions to attempts at making the sort of arranged marriages previously accepted by Florida Democratic Party members indicate that Democrats would like to get to know these candidates before heading to the altar this time.

The love and marriage metaphors aside, what Democrats across the state do seem to want is a chance to cast more than symbolic votes. The grassroots activists who helped to win the Florida ground game in the face of GOP voter suppression efforts are not likely to cede the opportunity to fully consider the field and make an independent choice.

The social media chatter among Democrats in the wake of Charlie Crist’s Friday night party switch tweet from the White House ranged from elation to disgust. The disparate responses across the spectrum represent the type of discourse Florida Democrats engage in about what they view as a battle for the heart and soul of the party. So called “party insiders” may roll their eyes at this sort of chatter, but they shouldn’t forget that those chatterers represent votes – whether in a primary or in a state chair’s race.

Efforts to court party activists begin tonight with a radio show via the Progressive News Network. The program will be hosted by Rick Spisak along with Florida Democratic GLBT President Sally Phillips, Democratic Women's Club of Florida 1st Vice-President Dr. Maureen McKenna, and Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida President Susan Smith. Invited candidates include Alan Clendenin - Hillsborough County DEC State Committeeman, Annette Taddeo-Goldstein - Miami-Dade DEC Chair, and Allison Tant Richard - Leon DEC Chair (candidate). The show will include a question and answer session with the candidates. The show is available online at http://NewMercuryMedia.com/pnn.html (click on blogtalkradio link in center of page) or via phone: (909) 265-9104.

Other efforts to become acquainted with the field of candidates are also in progress. The leadership of the Florida Democratic Party Small County Coalition has circulated a questionnaire to be answered by the candidates. The Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. issued an invitation to the candidates for a “meet and greet” reception in Panama City January 11th on the eve of their January quarterly meeting.

The date for the chair’s election is still more than a month away. The meeting is scheduled to be held in Orlando on January 26. Much can happen during this extended time period. The field of candidates is likely to change between now and January 26. In the meantime, Florida Democrats have the opportunity to make a date with the current contenders if they tune into Spisak’s show at 7 pm tonight.