Florida Democrats have had an interesting few weeks. A poorly planned Jefferson-Jackson program turned into a poorly executed spin machine after the Nan Rich’s speaking snub became public.

The public explanations for not allowing Senator Rich to speak have been poorly thought out and have left more questions than answers. However, in recent days the speaking snub has taken a back seat to some of possible fireworks coming this weekend courtesy of House members.  The House caucus appears to be divided in a way that is counterproductive going forward and it also appears both political consultants and party staff are trying to manipulate the situation to benefit themselves.

It is important that the House members come to an accord about common purposes and the collective good of the party this weekend. Fighting over scraps which is what in reality it is when you have 44 Democrats in a 120 member body should be forbidden when a possible implosion could result from further dividing the caucus.  Democrats are in danger of falling again below 40 seats in the next campaign cycle if things are not handled smoothly.The 1998 cycle is instructive to how a badly divided and damaged House Caucus and a protracted leadership and rules fight can doom an election cycle.

The proposed rules changes (not only the change related to possible member expulsion but other involving governing of the caucus) could be a decent move forward if used judiciously but my fear from talking to people this week is that they are politically motivated and have been designed to settle political scores.

Coming off the worst fundraising quarter for the party since 2005, the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner has already been successful judging by the number of tables sold and money guaranteed to come into the party’s coffers. But the bad press and divisions generated by the run up to the dinner need to be addressed this weekend. Let us hope Democrats leave southeast Florida after a successful weekend on the same page and determined to turn state government long dominated by the GOP back towards political parity.