Category Florida Democrats
Dwight Bullard should take his seat back with full party support
Before State Sen. Frank Artiles resigned, there seems to be evidence that party insiders were already positioning to put the kibosh on a potential progressive running for the seat in 2018—specifically Dwight Bullard. Despite the fact that Artiles was weakened amidst a cloud of boozed-up bigotry wherein he referred to African-American colleagues using the n-word, a “f—ing a–hole,” and “b—-.” the […]
Inside the Florida Democrats Q1 fundraising and expenditures (UPDATED)
Under the direction of newly-elected Chair Stephen Bittel who came to office touting his fundraising ability, Florida Democrats recorded the worst post-election Q1 since 2005. The low fundraising number came as a shock to many when the anti-Trump energy which has seen a remarkable amount of money raised by both progressive groups and Democratic candidates […]
Despite anti-Trump energy, Florida Dems struggle out of the gate with 2017 fundraising
The Florida Democratic Party raised just $853,384 in the first quarter of 2017 according to the Division of Elections website, the lowest post-election quarter one total since 2005. This failure has come in spite of the current energy and enthusiasm that has seen progressive groups across the country find success in fundraising and organizing during […]
Audio: TFS writers discuss the Florida Democratic Party
Florida Democrats continue to fascinate – a discussion of the latest internal party developments below: Some background here from our Brook Hines. Also a reminder that this is a party that has lost 17 of the last 18 elections for Governor and Cabinet and we are entering a state election cycle, so broadening the tent […]
AN OPEN LETTER to FL Dem Party Chair Stephen Bittel from SCM Sanjay Patel
The Florida Democratic Party’s state committee appointments came out this weekend, raising eyebrows, and in some cases, raising questions. I had a few myself. Most notably, given the controversy over the means by which Bret Berlin helped Stephen Bittel ascend to chairmanship, it’s remarkable Berlin was appointed a State Vice Chair and a member of the Rules Committee. The SVC role might be overlooked as typical—but Rules […]
Democrats and the State Senate – the 2016 failure and 2018 hopes
Following a redistricting process in 2015 created by a legal victory, the State Senate suddenly appeared in serious play. The chamber which last had a Democratic majority in 1992 and which the party last held 40% of the body’s seat in 1998 became the focus of the Florida Democratic Party (FDP ) in 2016 – […]
Where are Florida Democrats headed? The unknown represents hope for a largely irrelevant party
Longtime Florida Democratic Party (FDP) Executive Director Scott Arceneaux is poised to leave his job in the very near future. The Executive Director will depart after four election cycles where the party’s fortunes continued to decline though much of it was probably due to national trends and the incredible power of incumbency the GOP has […]
Democratic Progressive Caucus elections just boiled over
The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida holds their election and conference tomorrow, and if the debate leading into it is any indication, it will be bellwether for how clubs and caucuses operate under the FDP’s new leader, Stephen Bittel. Since Bittel took the helm of the party there’s been speculation about how much autonomy an organization like […]
Sources: Florida Democrats may move HQ – If it is to Miami, it is a BAD idea. (UPDATED)
3:00 pm ET UPDATE: Sources at the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) indicate to us that the party has no plans to move its HQ. However, the FDP er these sources will be adding layers to existing field offices and potentially opening new ones in other regions. According to multiple sources who have spoken to us […]
Is the DNC taking pages out of the Florida Democratic playbook?
Florida Democrats have patented how to lose elections, spin narratives internally to maintain some degree of control and make ideology all about the opposition to the other side rather than anything values based. Given the runaway success Florida Democrats have had in maintaining control of a weakened party and pushing business to consultants and campaign […]
The Florida Squeeze 