Nan Rich has decided to continue her candidate for Governor despite what appear to outsiders to be incredibly long odds. Her persistence is admirable but in the minds of most futile. The poll question below asks what percentage of the Democratic Primary vote will Rich receive in her race against Governor Charlie Crist. Leave comments and thoughts in the thread below.
The Florida Squeeze 
Her ego is disturbing. It shows her willingness to help Rick Scott. It really shows her inexperience and her lack of caring about the bigger issue, which is getting rid of Rick Scott.
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I find it hilarious that former Republican Nancy Argenziano is lecturing lifetime Democrats on how they have to be more flexible. Most of us didn’t get appointments to the PSC from Charlie when he was last Governor. Maybe we were not sufficiently “experienced” or “caring”.
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Same as Crist another DemInNameOnly DINO quite a few it appears
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Agree Nancy! Nan Rich’s own anger and bitterness is fueling this rage. She is helping Rick Scott as is the republican backed progressive choice group she refuses to condemn.
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I have had numerous conversations with Senator Rich and attended more than a few of her events. I have not seen any anger or bitterness and I assure you she is not driven by rage. Cheap shot mudslinging!
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DINO CRIST is causing disruption. Obviously confused Obviously still a Republican wants 2 debate Scott but not (D) Rich
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i am as liberal and progressive as you can get. i have met several liberal/progressive women who know nan personally, and they ALL say she is a rude, unpleasant person. sory tom,i think you are FOS. also i know several democrats who have been repulsed by joe kraps’ idiocy on many forums (not just here) and he has driven them to support crist. good job josie!
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Coward of the County, Broward Bob. Your personal attacks really only serve to show what kind of moron you are. You wouldn’t say boo to me face to face and anyone who reads this blog would have no respect for you if they knew who you were. All the anger and bitterness is coming from Charlie employees or hypocrites, I truly believe that the vote will be very close. I spoke to a lady today who says she really doesn’t follow politics that much and I asked her if she intends on voting in the primary. She said yes. I asked her who she plans on voting for in the governor’s race and she said anyone but Crist. I tried correcting her by saying you mean anyone but Scott. She said that too. I asked her if she had heard about Nan Rich and she said no. I explained that she is Charlies opponent in the primary but a lot of people have not heard of her because she is running a grassroots campaign and doesn’t have the backing of corporations and special interests. She really became enthusiastic and said she was planning on voting for Nan and telling everyone she knows to vote for her as well. You see pundits and poll watchers, Charlie has name recognition and that is a plus for Nan. Her numbers continue to grow. Charlie is a loser and the people will not be fooled again.
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I am a progressive/liberal Democrat and I know Nan. She is far from rude. She is someone who cares about children and families and women’s rights and civil rights and education and the environment and equality and fairness for all and… And she has FOUGHT for most of these issues for here entire adult career. She is someone who fights for what she believes. If this was about ego, there are a heck of a lot easier ways to get one’s ego boosted. I stand with Nan.
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come on josie, you are annoying, and you have turned off many voters. you know it’s true. stop calling people (not just me) names and stand on some phone books and i’ll look you in the eye and tell you the same thing. where are you going to hide after august 28? go back to new york and take nan with you.
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Mudslinging because you can’t endure the fact of a female executive!
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Sorry “S”, you are full of “S”. I voted for sink and I’ll vote for Hillary. They are not females?
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All right, I have had enough! I have been reading through these comments and the allegations that Crist supporters are making are just ridiculous! You sound like tea partiers! Nan is one of the nicest and most genuine people I know! She stands for the people and stands by her word! This is nothing new and it is not just to get votes, unlike Crist! If you people want to stand by a traitor then so be it! But don’t attack Nan with statements like this when you haven’t even met her (Broward Bob)!
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You mistake “her EGO” for confidence & determination
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The bigger issue is democracy. The League of Women Voters of Bangor gets it right in the Bangor Daily News :: “A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to Farce or Tragedy or perhaps both,” James Madison, the Father of the Constitution and the fourth president of the United States, wrote. He went on to make the point that “a people who mean to be their own Governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.”
Madison’s statements are as true today as they were in 1822, when he included them in a letter to Kentucky’s lieutenant governor.
Voting is a fundamental right of adult American citizens. However, we, the League of Women Voters of Maine, believe that right comes with a weighty responsibility. Citizenship requires knowledge. Rather than voting the party line or being misled by corporate-funded attack ads or choosing the candidate with the greater name recognition, voters have a duty to study candidates’ records, positions and demeanors before choosing their preferred candidate — to make sure that candidate actually represents the people’s best interests and acts in a manner that befits public office.
If a candidate has served in federal or state government, his or her record is usually available on the body’s website. A candidate’s positions on issues may be gleaned from his or her campaign website or media reports. At campaign appearances, a candidate’s demeanor is sometimes apparent, but short speeches and “meet and greets” can be carefully choreographed. Watching or listening to call-in programs is a better way to gauge a candidate’s positions and demeanor.
However, the best way for the public to evaluate candidates’ records, positions and demeanors is to see them go head to head at in-person or broadcast debates. First, candidates have an opportunity to speak for an equal length of time regardless of their campaign coffers. Second, instead of dwelling on their strengths, candidates are forced to answer the same, sometimes difficult questions. Third, voters can observe how candidates cope with a stress.”
http://bangordailynews.com/2014/07/27/opinion/contributors/we-need-as-many-debates-as-possible-asap-so-voters-can-fulfill-their-duty/
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So much vitriol for a Democrat who never lost any election AS A DEMOCRAT to the Florida legislature from the county that has the largest number of Democrats of any county in Florida and also chosen by her Democratic colleagues in the Senate to be their leader. That you IMAGINE Florida would be better off without such a candidate running for governor makes me wonder whether you are a Democrat at all.
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What the hell are you talking about, Nancy? On another note, I prefer Nan Rich. There’s another problem, you Dems have: You never turn-out for mid-term elections and this is why we will lose Florida and the House and Senate.( here. I’m talking about the Fed.gov’t)
The republicans will show up in numbers but Dems will stay home to watch American Idol.
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What do you mean “what the hell are you talking about, Nancy?” I thought it was very clear and plain.
And Doug, you find it hilarious? What does that mean? Hilarious that I was one of a few that ever was fair and followed the letter of the law and not he Republican leaderships demands that the big electrics get whatever they want? I denied UNJUSTIFIED rate increases when I could have just gone along and kept a great paying job. Hilarious that I didn’t sell you out for money? Crist appointed four decent fair minded people as he knew there was needed changes at the very corrupt PSC. The R legislature, kicked us off, not Charlie. You must work for the Rich campaign and you show your total lack of knowledge,and what history shows .
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hi doug, i like you but tezlen says hi. not in a good way.
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Nan Rich will do a better job of getting out the Democrats in November. Charlie must rely on Democrats voting to get rid of Rick and that’s all he has. Nan Rich has that also, as well as giving Democrats something to vote for.
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To me a vote is a stand on principal, and I appreciate and value the chance to vote for Nan in the primary. Actually, I just did, by mail. At least in the primary I can vote to express my values. Of course, I will bow to the party’s choice in November.
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And that is your right. I speak to the political strategy of this race, and Nan cannot win. I want to be rid of a corrupt Governor Scott. That is very important to me.
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The Charlie operatives have repeated this lie so often I don’t know if you’re parroting is because you are a part of his multi-million dollar spin machine or you have just been drinking the kool-aid. Nancy, part of the Republican playbook is if you keep repeating a lie people will begin to believe. Obviously Charlie has Republican consultants as well as money pulling the strings.
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CRIST + SCOTT = “REAL BUSH TWINS & HEIRS”
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Well, support someone who can get rid of him AND bring fresh ideas to the table. Maybe if you helped rather than criticized, we could all win here.
I have known Nan for a long time. She is confident, yes; rude, no. She has a deep following because she produces: for children, the elderly, the disabled. In short, those who cannot speak for themselves. She leads.
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It’s pretty freaking nervy for any Crist supporter to lecture others on ego. Crist is the embodiment of an ego-driven politician. He stands for nothing except his own need to be in the limelight.
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Anyone who willingly supports nan rich at this point is helping Rick Scott. It was one thing to support her before she turned her campaign into an angry attack machine against Crist. Now it is beyond acceptable.
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The PARTY needs to prove it’s democratic values by insisting on an open process primarily focused on debate, and disclosure of the actual platforms of each caindidate right up until the votes are cast. When party insiders basically coalesce around a candidate SO prematurely (still a MONTH until the primary, folks), then the PARTY (leadership) is showing a disregard for the democratic process of self determination of the voters.
This is not supposed to be a beauty pageant, and it’s not supposed to be a calculation by a small group of insiders of who ‘can win’ against Rick Scott. This is supposed to be a race decided from the bottom up. If Nan Rich captured the support of Democrat(ic) voters through a fair and democratic process, then OF COURSE she could win the general election as well.
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The grand tradition of party politics is to fall in love before the primary and to fall in line after the primary. Since Charlie has no record as a progressive, he should have used the primary to woo Democrats. By failing to participate in the primary he is taking the support of Democrats for granted. This is typical Crist arrogance and it jeopardizes his chances in November. He is a Democrat now and cannot count on Republicans to vote for the Obama hugging traitor. Charlie is the one helping Rick Scott.
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Nan Rich is actively helping the republicans. That is painfully obvious.
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yep, only the clueless would not understand that.
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You have that Bass ackwards
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It is pretty “Freaking Nervy” and arrogant that you should think that others have do not have a right to comment their opinions. You are the lecturer .
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Win or lose, I’m glad she did not quit. Because if she did they would vilify her about that too. As an African American, I’m proud to vote for Nan Rich and on my ballot it will show I voted for “Nan Rich” and not Charlie Crist as Crist’s supporters keep saying. Unless the voting machines are rigged, my vote will go to Nan Rich.
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go check out idiot wimes’ blog. you’d be on the same page. 😦
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Woot! Woot!
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Well said, Tom B. If CC had participated in the primary and shown NAN RICH–a life long true Democrat–the respect she is due for her loyalty and values, he might win over grassroots Democrats. The nomination is not his by fiat as he thinks.
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he’s not in the primary? lol.
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Oh ok.
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Nan deserves our vote. She is our opportunity to get out of politics-as-usual. Crist is no better than Scott. Nan Rich is our only chance to get a Democratic Governor. If people would stop saying she can or cannot win, and simply vote for the better choice, she WILL win. We don’t want Scott. Dems don’t vote. They WILL vote for Nan. For Crist? Who REALLY wants him to be governor??? ….Get to work, Democrats!!! Support the real Democratic candidate for a change. Or stop calling yourselves Democrats.
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If you think Crist is no better than Scott than you have not been paying attention. Charlie Crist is the polar opposite of Rick Scott.
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Not exactly. They are both in the thrall of big money. Do you think Charlie is going to tie a can on the tail all of his old friends that have given him money for years?
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Charlie Crist, when he was the Governor, time and time again did what was right, not what the Republican Party wanted him to do. One example is when he kept the polls open past 7 PM during the 2008 election. The Republican Party was furious, but Governor Crist did what was right so everyone could vote.
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When comparing Crist’s term to Scott’s term. Charlie loses big. 2006 to 2010 were the worst 4 years that Florida has ever seen. Not all the people are stupid. Scott will be more than happy tp put his record against Charlies. He is toothless against Nan.
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The book is open on Rich. She is working with Scott and the RPOF to reelect Scott. She may have once been okay but now she’s a disgrace and her legacy is shot.
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Lies, Lies and more Lies.
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I think we have 2 Republicans running, Crist & Scott maybe they’re paying Crist to help Scott win, so he can run away again
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You know what is really disturbing is when you have a former elected officials blog on this site. I think Ms. Nancy has just lost it. What do you think Mr. Crist is giving you…your appointment back. Floriduh
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Crist and Rich are both bad candidates.
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Why, I am an American, with just as much right to post, if not even more reason to voice my experienced view with much more inside experience then you probably have, as anyone else does. And NO, I have given about 20 years to public service,even to some to ungrateful idiots like you. I have had enough. But I will be damned if you or the corrupt R leadership will stop me from expressing my views. You sound like a real winner that has no clue about what I am expressing. You can vote for who the heck you want to, I will not waste a vote when there is a chance to beat Rick Scott and possibly move the very stagnnet D party to retain some seats. You sound like part of the problem that has kept the D party from being successful. Follow who ever you want, but don’t even try that “former elected should have no say ” with this very independent minded, public servant. Can’t the Rich campaign do better then you?
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Frank you epitomize “Floriduh ! An absolute non critical thinker who has no clue why I am even taking the time to blog. You sound just like the Rs right wing partisan followers. No difference
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The sad thing is that some of the left win nuts here are so partisan that they could care less about the real thing needed and that is to beat Rick Scott. They will not vote when Rich loses because they are that crazy. What a shame the D party has to deal with this at such a critical time. A time to start to take back some seats in the legislature also. If these people do not vote, or vote for Rick Scott, they are no different then the Palin /Limbaugh fools. They can’t see the forest for the trees. They even voted thumbs down on my v=comment that the important thing is to beat Rick Scott. Scotts supporters have said they will monetarily support Rich, and she said in the newspaper shed’ take it. Gee I wonder why her opponent Scott would send her money?????? The far right and the far left are what is killing this country. No difference
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Respectfully, Nancy :: What is killing this country is the death of democracy, and the failure to be able to speak to each other respectfully. There is a month left before primary election days. Embrace democracy, embrace the process.
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Please have the grace to wait until it happens before bitching about it and please do not pretend to know what I am going to do.
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Crist & Scott are both Bush cronies Most in the know realize this & will vote accordingly. FLorida is nothing like it once was nor the rest of the USA No more Bushes or their cronies. They are right wing nuts & tea baggers will/have destroyed the Republican party, may very well be the end of the Republican Party. Make the entire USA a True Democracy. Karma 🙂
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Nancy, the cynical views you express are the kind that turn off young adults who care about the electoral process and shun joining any political party! Keep in mind that Alex Sink’s loss in her bid for governor was blamed on lackluster turn out among Democrats in BROWARD Co., which has previously elected and reelected Nan Rich to consecutive terms in the legislature over a dozen years. Bad plan for the FDP leadership to disrespect and attempt to marginalize Sen. Rich, as it has.
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I am a realist, not a dreamer! people need to stop closing their eyes to the truth.
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Nan Rich has some very passionate supporters that truly believe in her as a candidate. And in 2000, Ralph Nader did as well. The point Nancy A. is making is that by the barometers that matter (polls and fundraising), there is ONLY ONE viable Democratic candidate in this race.
Nan was a good senator who stood for progressive causes. I assume she’s still running, not because she thinks she can win, but to guarantee herself a cabinet position (DCF) or a role in a Crist administration. That’s smart politics.
When Crist wins the primary, I just hope Nan gets behind Charlie. Only she can unite the party. I hope she does the right thing.
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Senator Rich has been asked numerous times by reporters if she will get behind Crist if he wins the nomination and she has said yes. I do not believe the same question has been asked of him.
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Charlie Crist has also said he will support Nan Rich if she wins the democratic nomination.
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How about the money?
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We dont see much of Crist on Tampa Bay news either, so wouldn’t know..He ran away & left us & WE got stuck with Scott. We don’t need him, let him run away again too arrogant to debate what a wuss & disrespectful to voters. If elected he wont work for us & we will have fracking & continued bad gun laws. Crist/Scott = bad for FLA
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She was being obstructed by many Tant, Morgan & other bush cronies from being seen on TV. Tant is loser is why we have so few Dems. She is getting attn Now
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They are, indeed, Bush cronies, precisely! House cleaning badly needed in FDP leadership!
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CALL Florida Democratic Party & ASK FDP CHAIR ALLISON TANT-RICHARDS WHY SHE isn’t doing her job & letting us choose BEST candidate to run against R teabag Gov R Scott in November. Crist DEBATE Nan WE want televised debate in FL before August 26 Primary CALL & SHARE BE BRAVE! For questions, call our office in Tallahassee at (850) 222-3411, or please contact Joshua Karp or Max Steele in Tallahassee, at (850) 222-3411. #TANTCANT
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Perhaps Tant and most others involved deeply in the political; process know that Rich cannot win. Perhaps its time for you to take your head out of the sand., It has not one darn thing to do with Rich being a “sweetheart”. The Ds need to win this seat. Are you people blind?
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The Ds don’t need to win this at the cost of democracy. Tell Charlie to debate Nan (several times) and win or lose, fair and square.
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The Ds need to win desperately and for democracy. getting balance back in this state enables democracy ti happen. The Rs have stolen democracy. Nan Rich can’t win and Crist should not debate her as he will be seen as the bad guy beating up a woman. You guys are beating that old drum because she needs the name recognition and if Crist decided to debate her that would be the only way her name recognition would get a bump. I feel sorry for the D leadership has to deal with this at this time from a candidate that has very little chance, and that is desperately fighting for its life to regain some seats we all very much need them to regain
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What do your words mean to the average citizen? I believe you are saying that if you are not the annointed one, the one selected by the 1% of the party — that you should just sheeple your way to the booth like an obedient grunt and pull the party levers, even if the party hasn’t stood for democratic process. And god forbid, you should get uppity, and hold yourself out to serve — because we will pulverize you. Really? To hell with that.
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You obviously have no clue what my words mean. You are wrong . You have no clue how this process works and how big a machine the Rs have. They have all but sold out the whole process.. It does not work the way intended and you need to wake up to the fact that if the Ds cant win one, we all lose. Look beyond your nose and see that representative government is all but gone. Now we must fight fire with someone that has no freaking chance. My God you really have no understanding of what has happened. Just look around. But then again I am arguing with a supporter of a candidate that can’t win. Have a good night
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You obviously have no clue what my words mean. You are wrong . You have no clue how this process works and how big a machine the Rs have. They have all but sold out the whole process.. It does not work the way intended and you need to wake up to the fact that if the Ds cant win one, we all lose. Look beyond your nose and see that representative government is all but gone. Now we must fight fire , NOT with someone that has no freaking chance. My God you really have no understanding of what has happened. Just look around. But then again I am arguing with a supporter of a candidate that can’t win. Have a good night
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Maybe they are bought & paid for like crist & Scott by Mega money! Its out there in print, news . I am sick of this. Crist & Scott are both corrupt whores bought & paid for by the 1%. The End. Nan Rich is a very smart, honest hard working woman & if she cannot win it is a shame & ,means there is no hope for Florida. It has gone past having a Democratically elected Candidate chosen by voters instead of hand picked by Bush Cronies in the FDP chair on down.
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Nan shouldn’t win. She won’t anyway. Who cares?
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As the Chair if DFA Browad, the largest progressive Super PAC in the Nation. I can tell you that Florida voters are wanting a progressive democrat like Senator Rich as their next Governor.
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Somebody should be listening, and it should be the party.
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Im sure the gun owners will be voting In large numbers and it will not be for Rich. So do not think “Florida voters” are voting for her. Besides most voters have no clue who she is. Some of you in south Fl really have no clue what the rest of the state is doing. How do you think we have gotten to this Republican majority? From all you “progressive voters” you speak of?
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If the Democratic party was exactly like the Republican party then we could win elections too and then Democrats could run thing just like the Republicans and we could wear different colored jerseys so you could tell us apart and everyone would agree on everything all the time and music would play and…………
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many at 1 of Fl larger Trauma units & USF Drs & nurses down to environmental people there are extremely interested in Senator Nan Rich Xray tech & Nurses on Trauma center are going to share with all they can here Nurses, Doctors, all staff & LPD are stressed & short of help w/ the underfunding & lack of psych beds and gun shots among other things & even RNs still have to work 12 hr shifts just to make ends meet at LRMC. Clark & Daughtery very interested too large clinic of Drs who care about pts along w/ other staff members in Polk Co…turning Blue Got ATTY John Morgan to stop sponsoring local news in Tampa bay & Sarasota News affiliates Guess he still sponsors Crist Now seeing more of Senator Nan Rich on news
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Some Gun owners are responsible & Want smart Gun laws. I have 38 but am not so afraid 2 use it unless someone enters my home. I Stand with Nan! Most the crazies who want rocket launchers & need to put vinegar in their shoes are Republicans it has been proven the ultra conservative, racially prejudice & intolerant are mentally ill or have lower IQ’s are Republicans. Google it, psychiatrists have studied phenomenom
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I agree. People are tired of the chaos, being mistreated and want a better fl 4 all.. They don’t like Scott or Crist & ones in my area have no clue who his running mate is, including me. Most don’t care about 2nd in command. Some were totally uninterested in my area until they started hearing about someone with Senator Richs record & 1rst woman FL SEN minority leader, Plus her awards & accolades. Scott & Crist cannot compare. Women will get her elected with Good men who care about Floridians. There is no way Crist can beat Nan Rich came out today he was going to raise wages for “state contractors.” wow, what about everyone else? If it sounds like a Republican it is & NAN Rich can beat Scott, the most hated Gov in the USA.
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Wooooot!
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Nan Rich is the BEST candidate to be the next Governor of Florida and if ALL Democrats would be TRUE to their core Democratic values, they WOULD vote for her in the Primary & she WOULD be our Democratic Nominee and ALL Democrats would vote for her in November over Scott. For the first time in a long time, we would have a TRUE BLUE Democratic Governor with the PEOPLE of Florida’s best interests at heart, NOT her next political ambition, such as using the Governor’s office as a stepping stone to try to get to Washington, D.C. again as I believe Crist is doing….and that didn’t work so well against Rubio, did it…..it’s going to backfire on him again. If you are REALLY a Democrat and not a DINO, you will VOTE for Nan Rich in the FL Primary.
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Woooot! Wooot!
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What are you talking about? Nan is a sweetheart!
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I am so disgusted and disgruntled over the HORRENDOUS way Charlie Crist and his faux Dem supporters have treated Nan Rich. I will say this, with 100% conviction, if Crist wins this nomination, I will vote for Dick Scott in protest and actively campaign my family and friends to do the same!!!!!!
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does your t-shirt say “pathetic hypocrite”? it should.
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You are not a Democrat. Saying that you will vote for Scott and encourage others to vote for Scott shows that you are not really a supporter of Nan Rich either. Nan Rich has said that if Charlie Crist wins the Primary, she will support him in the general election. Charlie Crist has also said that he will support Nan Rich if she wins the Primary. Anyone who really is a Democrat will do the same as the candidate that they support and vote for the winner of the Democratic Primary. Anyone who votes for Rick Scott, for any reason, is NOT a Democrat!
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Then you too contribute to the corruption of the Rs.
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CC supporters are so rude & arrogant! You cannot win this election without Nan Rich supporters. If you are smart, you’ll all shut your big mouths because I can tell u this, we are royally pissed over everything that has gone down, and the fact that Crist will never debate Nan really is pushing many of us to back Adrian Wyllie is CC wins the nom..
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just checking in folks. to the 39% (vote padded I suspect) who voted that she would win the primary, don’t quite your day jobs. if you have any.
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