We’ve chronicled extensively how Freshman House Democrats have tacked further to the right on core progressive caucus and issues. Now Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) the most powerful (and reactionary) business lobby in the state has further confirmed this trend with the organization’s voting record release.
Unlike last year when no Democrat in the House scored higher than any Republicans, freshman Rep. Katie Edwards of Plantation scored higher than six Republicans including her county delegations lone Republican George Moritas. Edwards 95% score was the highest AIF rating for a Democratic House member from Broward County since the GOP takeover of the chamber following the 1996 election.
Other freshman Democrats that scored highly from AIF were Rep. Mark Danish of Tampa (81%), Rep. Shevron Jones of Hollywood (83%), Rep. Larry Lee of Fort Pierce (88%), Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Parkland (81%), Rep. David Richardson of Miami Beach (81%) and Rep. Linda Stewart of Orlando (82%).
The true heroes from the progressive perspective were Freshman Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez (Miami) with a 59% Rep. Mark Pafford (West Palm Beach) with a 54% and Rep. Elaine Schwartz (Hollywood) with a 53%
The Florida Squeeze 
Katie Edwards is a miserable disrespectful bitter tool.
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Are we surprised? I also find it ironic that Ms. Edwards who screams and yells on the House floor about if I am antiwoman so be it regarding the alimony bill (FLAWED) even crazy ass Scott new it was unconstitutional. She also voted wrong on the Orlando wage theft/sick days law. Screaming I believe what I believe around town….then walked. Listen lady, when Pat Schroeder, Celebration, FL – The first woman elected to Congress from Colorado who helped pass the Family Medical Leave Act
Nancy Argenziano, Dunnellon, FL- Former Public Service Commissioner and Florida state senator
Linda Chapin, Orlando, FL- First Woman Orange County Mayor
Ethel Kennedy, South Florida– Wife of Robert Kennedy
Gloria Steinem, New York- Feminist activist since the late 1960s; co-founder of Ms. Magazine, co-founded the Women’s Media Center and has received numerous journalism and literary awards for her outstanding writing.
Linda Saul-Sena, Tampa – Community advocate and a former Tampa City councilwoman
Lisa Versaci, Miami – Co-founder of Emergent Order
Nan Rich, Weston, FL – Former Florida state senator and Senate Democratic Leader, President of the National NCJW from 1996-1999 and served on the Children and Youth Cabinet in Florida.
Daniella Levine, Miami – Founder of the Human Services Coalition of Dade County (now renamed Catalyst Miami)
Michelle Dunaj Lucking, Miami – Chair the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women
Donna Slutiak, Ocklawaha, FL- President of the Florida National Organization for Women, Inc.
Nadine Smith, St. Pete – Executive Director of Equality Florida
Stephanie Porta, Orlando – Executive Director of Organize Now
all write a letter to veto the bill….you my friend might be a woman but you are sure as hell not good for woman. We need to replace her.
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Linda Stewart disappoints me.
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Edwards is the only smart one. She knows how to maneuver in a GOP legislature unlike these other stupid Ds.
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You should see the libelous, slanderous crap your ex-cohort has written at the Political Hurricane in the last 48 hours. He should stick to international politics as he promised us he would not so long ago.
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We need better candidates! Kevin Rader, are you kidding???
Tara Laxer should run next time. She is young smart, Jewish and HOT!
Rader will loose to her so he better hope she keeps up her policy work.
Pafford and Clemens are superstars. We have your back guys!!!!
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I THINK BECAUSE SHE IS SMART AND HOT. SHE SAYS SHE IS A DEMOCRAT BUT I THINK SHE IS AN INDEPENDENT…COME TO OUR SIDE LAXER..YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT ON POLICY. WE WILL LET YOU RUN AGAINST RADER. WE ARE SCARED YOU WILL RUN AND BEAT HAGER.
COME TO OUR SIDE PLEASE YOU ARE SO HOT.
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