Rep. Darryl Rouson seems adept at fundraising probably helped by former longtime House Victory fundraiser Jeff Ryan. Ryan was fired last week after FDP Chairwoman Allison Tant rightfully expressed outrage over Rouson’s activities but wrongly overreacted to the matter. Ryan’s firing is a colossal error, but still the outrage of Tant, Rep. Perry Thurston and others is wholly justified.
Rouson’s fundraising haul was impressive but answers still need to be asked by his House colleagues about his “slush fund” which is contrary to progressive values and the good government reforms that Democrats in this state have long championed. Those defending Rouson do not seem to understand the outrage; they are creatures of politics and many have forgotten an ideology and values system actually exists with being towards the left of the political spectrum. The desperation of many in Democratic Party to “win” using methods that are contrary to the value system the party should represent is alarming.
Should Rouson be removed as Democratic Leader designee? I will let those members impacted by his reckless behavior make that determination but at the very least he must agree to abide by the established values of the party and the caucus in order to stay in the position. But without question his own standing and the unity of the caucus has been frayed during his tenure. But should Rouson be removed it is important the House Caucus not return to using the operatives and consultants who have seen the party’s fortunes in the legislature continue to wane. Fresh blood is needed and while Rosuon gave the hope of fresh blood and new ideas, he also was careless and reckless in the process.
Tampa Bay Times article here.
The Florida Squeeze 
Do not care how much money he raises. He is simply not leadership material. He has proven that time and time again.
LikeLike
If we keep him around we deserve the lose.
LikeLike
To fire Jeff Ryan right before the Florida Democratic Party State convention(October) was another bad move by Tant. The FDP Convention is one of the biggest fundraisers for the party. I don’t see Tant or any of her cronies who are left raising the kind of money needed for a successful convention.
LikeLike
VALUES? Really?
What is this grade school?
Your not running for student council anymore! This is the big leagues baby! And in case you havn’t noticed. or that Columbian stuff your smoking is real good, the Republucons have been kicking our asses out there while we…cue the violins…hold our near and dear values…and the Dems keep loosing big time!
And the voters? Listen up Mr K..they don’t give a s***t!
Perfect example. Watch young Baby Chris Latvala…who does not have a single thought if his own…and if you listen carefully…has no though of his own other than the Republican Tea Party line, is much more conservative than Mommy or Daddy Latvala will sweep to easy victory with the title wave of big business money…and does not have an original thought of his own.
And the greatest piece of crap that there is not one word of indignation from anyone, media or other wise, is that the Republicans have opened up their own House Victory Leadership Slush Fund and they are laughing at all the way to the bank and victory!!!
LikeLike
Rouson was a Republican. Any questions? See Crist down the same road?
LikeLike