It's Over For Nan Rich

Okay Nan Rich supporters. Explain to me how Nan Rich won a good campaign. The Tampa Bay Times is reporting Charlie Crist won 74 percent of the vote. Would you compare Rich's campaign to LBJ's defeat of Barry Goldwater or Ronald Reagan's defeat of Walter Mondale? Would you use Nan Rich's campaign as a blueprint for how future Democrats should run statewide races in Florida?

Nan Rich never set-up an ActBlue page. Her netroots outreach was nonexistent. She was a horrible fundraiser and would often not inform the media of her campaign appearances. Not a brilliant strategy for a candidate lacking media coverage. The worst part is Rich will convince the Florida Democratic establishment that progressives can't win statewide races. Rich's candidacy did no favors for progressives.

Why I Doubt Nan Rich Is Trying to Win

Nicole Sandler recently interviewed gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich. The strategy from Rich is to repeatedly ask Crist for a debate. It will not happen as long as Rich's poll numbers are in the tank. According to Public Policy Polling, Rich has a favorability rating of 10 percent. A June Miami Herald article reports that Rich has only raised $379,000.00. Rumor is the Rich campaign is broke. Essentially, it is over before it started.

I have wondered why Rich has pointed out Crist's relationships with Jim Greer, Scott Rothstein and Peter Schorsch. The one thing these men have in common is that their mugshots are all over the internet.

Jim Greer Mugshot

Scott Rothstein Arrest

Peter Schorsch Mugshot

Rich has not attacked Crist's connection to his rather interesting friends. Greer was Crist's handpicked chairman for the Republican Party of Florida. Under sworn testimony, Rothstein claimed he donated money to Crist's campaign in exchange for an appointment.

Crist had tapped Rothstein to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Fourth District Court of Appeal and the Broward Circuit Court.

“He knew how that game was played. I expected him to do certain things in exchange for large contributions,” Rothstein told a defense attorney Thursday in a federal courtroom in West Palm Beach.

Rothstein has since been disbarred. Rothstein his currently serving 50 years for a Ponzi scheme.

Peter Schorsch is someone familiar with readers of this blog. Michael Pinson filed a complaint with the Florida Bar against Schorsch. The complaint cites Schorsch's run-ins with the law.

The only reason I can think that Rich isn't bringing up Crist's colorful friends is she is secretly resigned to Crist becoming the Democratic nominee and doesn't want to upset the Florida Democratic establishment. If Rich was really trying to win she would be pointing out Crist's connection to Greer, Rothstein and Schorsch 24/7. Candidates that are behind go negative. Candidates that are just running for self-promotion is more worried about media exposure than winning. This explains Rich's obsession with a television debate.

Why Equality Florida Endorsed Charlie Crist

Florida Squeeze columnist Kartik Krishnaiyer is disappointed by Equality Florida endorsing Charlie Crist over Nan Rich.

Let me make it clear that I believe firmly that the rush to back Crist among many on the left will undermine their credibility when it comes to advocacy on policy in the next legislative session and quite possibly in the 2016 election and beyond. Sure Crist is likely going to win the primary with ease, but credibility long term for some of these activists should trump short term gain.

There is a double standard there. Equality Florida doesn't want to be on the outside if Crist does become governor. Crist is also going out of his way to make Equality Florida happy.

Crist developed a relationship with Equality Florida when he ran for the U.S. Senate as an independent in 2010. Crist worked with Equality Florida to develop a policy paper on LGBT rights. Part of Nan Rich's problem is Crist continues to outflank her. Rich is more progressive. Crist is better at developing relations with political groups.

Governor Charlie Crist LGBT Position Paper by Equality Florida

Jim DeFede Interview of Nan Rich

Jim Defede interview Nan Rich about her Democratic gubernatorial candidacy. Rich discusses her stance on the issues. DeFede also questions Rich's lack of fundraising.

Nan Rich Interview

The online radio show Women On the Move interviewed Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich. You can listen to the interview here.

Charlie Crist and Nan Rich Fundraising Numbers

I would rather see Nan Rich as governor. However, her fundraising numbers are lagging. Rich raised $14,423 in January. The Florida Democratic Party gave $50,000 in in-kind contributions to help pay for Rich's staff.

Rival Democratic candidate Charlie Crist raised $374,767 in January.. Crist's PAC "Charlie Crist For Florida" raised $637,300 last month. Crist is killing Rich in fundraising.

The one piece of bright news is a Public Policy Polling shows that Rich could beat Gov. Rick Scott. The numbers have more to do with Scott's high unapproval rating than with Rich. Most Floridians still don't know Rich.

Nan Rich Goes on the Offensive Against Crist

Democratic candidate for governor, Nan Rich, is fundraising off of Charlie Crist's professed love of Jeb Bush The Rich campaign sent sent out this email from Buddy MacKay.

Did you hear or read what Charlie Crist recently said about Jeb Bush? Itâs hard to believe â but, sadly, itâs true.

When a radio host asked Charlie Crist if Jeb Bush would be a good president Crist said âYeah, I think he probably would. He made a great governorâ¦â (Click here to read the story.)

I canât understand how Crist, or any real Democrat, could think that Bushâs policies -- policies that hurt our public schools, the environment, and especially the middle class â made him a âgreatâ governor.

Frankly, it was frustrating for me to watch Jeb Bush undo so much of the good that Lawton Chiles and I worked to achieve as the last Democratic Governors of Florida.

I want a real Democrat in Tallahassee because I believe that staying true to Democratic principles is the right path for Florida. That is why I'm standing with Nan Rich, and I hope you will too.

It is time for Rich to go on the attack against Crist. It is the only chance Rich has to win the primary. Rich has to make Crist undesirable to Democratic voters.

Mitch Perry Interviews Nan Rich

Creative Loafing political reporter Mitch Perry interviewed gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich at the Hillsborough County GLBTA Democratic Caucus. Rich reminded Perry and LGBT activists of her differences with Charlie Crist.

Gun Control

Rich brags about her F rating on gun control with the the NRA. Rich notes that Crist had an A rating by the NRA.

Gay Rights

Rich points out that she has been a long-time supporter of gay rights. Crist supported the gaya adoption ban in 2009.

I'm sure he's changed his opinion now, but you have to stand on some foundation. You can't just change 180 degrees."

Rich pointed to this gem from 2008. Crist told CNN that Sarah Palin is more qualified than Barack Obama.

“I think she’d do a great job,” Crist said. “Realize that she really is the only executive that’s running, the only one that has been the head of a government in Alaska, she’s held an exeutive position as a mayor, an executive position as a governor, made those kinds of decisions.”

“Hey I think she’s ready,” Crist concluded.

Ouch.

Nan Rich's Fundraising Woes

Adam Smith of The Buzz reports on Nan Rich's fundraising numbers and the news is not good.

For all practical purposes, though, respected former state Sen. Rich barely passes the threshold of viability. To date, she has raised $224,000 for her statewide campaign, less than Rick Kriseman did for his campaign for mayor of St. Petersburg. In October, Rich raised nearly $8,300 and spent nearly $8,800. She has about $62,000 on hand, and tends to draw most attention when Florida GOP Chairman Lenny Curry is touting her candidacy.

Smith throws out the possibility that the Florida Republican establishment would fund Rich in the primary to get a weaker general election opponent to run against Gov. Rick Scott. I haven't heard anything about this. In Smith's defense, he is probably just thinking out loud. However, Rich has her work cut out for her on the fundraising front.

How Nan Rich Needs to Make Abortion a Campaign Issue

Progressive activist Susan Smith should be happy about this. USF political science professor Susan MacManus believes Nan Rich has a legitimate shot of beating Charlie Crist in the Democratic primary.

"I don't think it's going to be a slam dunk [for Crist]," said University of South Florida Professor of Political Science Dr. Susan MacManus. "She,[Rich] appeals to women voters and there are still a number of Democrats who are a little bit nervous about someone they see as a carpetbagger."

I have expressed my skepticism for MacManus' political analysis before. However, Rich's past votes on abortion issues in the Florida Senate could help her with women voters. Rich twice voted against pre-abortion ultrasound legislation. Rich states her position on abortion on her campaign website.

I remain fully committed to preserving women’s rights to decide issues regarding their reproductive health and privacy. During the 2011 and 2012 Legislative Sessions, the attack on women’s rights continued with 28 anti-choice bills introduced. In 2012, the most dangerous of these would have kept Planned Parenthood from opening any new clinics by requiring all clinics where abortions are provided to be owned by physicians. The bill placed other onerous restrictions on women and their ability to control their own bodies and own lives. Fortunately, a bi-partisan coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans were able to stop that bad legislation from becoming law. You can be sure that as Governor, I would veto any such similar legislation.

Rich needs to make reproductive rights an issue in the primary. It will take Crist out of his comfort zone and force him to explain his previous abortion positions.

Nan Rich's First Campaign Ad

This is Nan Rich's first ad for Governor of Florida. The ad doesn't mention Gov. Rick Scott or Charlie Crist. The ad features several women speaking to the camera and singing the praises of what a great governor Rich will be. It is early in the campaign and Rich needs to define herself to voters. It was wise not to have the first ad be negative.

A score the ad as a good start for the Rich campaign. Team Rich does need to work on their media outreach. Miami Herald political reporter Marc Caputo wasn't notified about the release of the ad.

This might be former Democratic state Sen. Nan Rich's first ad for governor, although for some reason her campaign didn't announce it to us and someone noted it on Twitter instead.

The Rich campaign is going to have a hard time getting media attention with Scott and Crist dominating the news cycle. They can't forget to notify the media. Team Rich also needs to work the state and national progressive blogosphere. Social media is also a huge factor. Team Rich needs to work all avenues of old and new media to stay competitive.

My Thoughts On Charlie Crist and Nan Rich

If you pay attention to social media, there are many progressive activists are against Charlie Crist running for governor of Florida as a Democrat. I have bashed Crist repeatedly on this blog for bad policies during his term as governor. I do take exception with a couple of unrealistic progressive criticisms in this Tampa Tribune article. Here is the first criticism.

“He could be governor today if he wanted to,” said Susan Smith of Tampa, president of the state party’s Progressive Caucus. “I blame him for Marco Rubio” — meaning that Crist’s move to run as an independent for senator in 2010 split the anti-Rubio votes.

I have a great deal of respect for Susan Smith. However, Kendrick Meek would lose under any scenario. Smith is basing her assessment on Meek lost votes to Crist in a three-way race. Meek would have lost in a two-way race if Marco Rubio or Crist was the Republican nominee. As I said here, here, here and here that Meek was a shockingly bad candidate. Meek's worst enemy was Kendrick Meek.

My second problem.

“If he wants to prove he’s a Democrat, he ought to work like hell to get a Democrat other than himself elected,” said Kathie Jaskolski of Vero Beach, a Rich backer. “Then we could work to get him elected. To waltz into our party and say, ‘Make me your king’ is kind of presumptuous.”

Crist was one of the biggest campaign fundraisers for Obama and went around the state stumping for the President. Crist has also raised money for Terry McAuliffe and has campaigned for Darden Rice. Crist has been involved in several other Democratic fundraisers. Crist is doing a lot more than Nan Rich to get Democrats elected.

I like Nan Rich. I understand why progressives are skeptical about Crist. I think the criticisms should be fair. Kendrick Meek only got into the Florida legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives by winning his mother's seat. If it wasn't for his last name he would have never been elected to office. Meek had no business running for Senate.

To say Crist hasn't been helping other Democrats get elected is just wrong. Crist was been a fundraising machine for the Democratic Party.

I say let Crist and Rich both run and we have a healthy debate on the issues in the Democratic primary. Democrats need to support the winner of the primary. People are worried about if Crist is progressive enough or can Rich raise as much money as Gov. Rick Scott. The answer to both questions is no. If you decide to sit this election out then Scott gets a second term. Think about that for a moment.

Nan Rich Endorses Amanda Murphy

Amanda Murphy, a Democratic candidate for Florida House District 36, has been endorsed by Nan Rich.

“Amanda Murphy is an articulate and energetic woman who will be an effective advocate for all of us in Tallahassee. A strong supporter of public education, she is committed to fighting against the special interests that would divert funds away from classrooms through voucher schemes or any other efforts that would undermine our public schools. And we can also count on Amanda to defend women’s reproductive rights -– rights that have been under assault by right-wing extremists in Tallahassee.

“For these reasons and more, I am proud to lend my name and support to Amanda Murphy for State Representative.”

“I am honored and humbled to receive Senator Nan Rich’s endorsement,” said Amanda Murphy. “She has been a great help and offered many kind words of advice to me so far in my campaign. Senator Rich has been a strong advocate for the people of Florida and her support for my campaign is a blessing.”

Paula Dockery on RPOF Nan Rich Campaign

Former state Sen. Paula Dockery appeared on Florida This Week. (The most boring political talk show in Florida.) Dockery wondered why the Republican Party of Florida was so focused on the fact that Rich wasn't allowed to speak at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

"It looks like they're scared of Charlie Crist," Dockery said on the weekly public affairs program Florida This Week on WEDU-Channel 3 in Tampa. "They want to pump up Nan Rich, who was not getting much traction on her own ... I think it just sends the message that they're worried about Charlie Crist and it was kind of a dumb thing."

Dockery added this comment.

Puzzled by a Republican effort in support of a little-known Democratic candidate, Dockery said she fired off an email to party headquarters in Tallahassee, asking: "Who's your audience on this?"

To my surprise, a post I wrote about how the Florida Democratic Party poorly handled the Rich controversy appeared on the Republican Party of Florida blog.

Is the Republican Party of Florida scared of Charlie Crist? They should be. Crist has superior skills on the stump. Scott's polling numbers are horrible. I am certainly not an expert on the RPoF's motivations. I doubt that they believe that Rich will be the Democratic nominee. It will be Crist or Bill Nelson. Assuming that Nelson enters the race.

Blowback From Nan Rich Not Speaking At Jefferson-Jackson Dinner

Miami Herald political reporter Marc Caputo is marveling how how big of a mess the Florida Democratic Party has made out of not allowing Nan Rich to speak at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

Way to go, Florida Democratic Party, you've allowed the Republican Party of Florida to mock you for appearing to mistreat one of your own, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich.

Marc, don't you know by know the Florida Democratic Party always manages to snatch defeat out of victory. The FDP is the Washington Generals of state political parties. We now see that RPOF chairman Lenny Curry sent out an email panning the FDP for allowing Rich to speak.

Because Senator Rich is an experienced spokesperson for Democratic ideology in Florida, it must be disappointing to see your Chairwoman, Allison Tant, put the interests of big-dollar donors ahead of a mere five minutes for Florida's leading champion of liberal causes.

It might be the fact that she is just out of touch with Democrat activists like many of you, and takes her orders from Washington. But it also may be that Tant is working with Charlie Crist to set up a possible gubernatorial candidacy announcement at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner. Who knows.

As I wrote before, this has less to do with the FDP and more to do with the DNC clearing the way for a Charlie Crist or Bill Nelson campaign. Many progressive activists are bothered by Rich not being given 5 minutes to speak. It wouldn't have killed the powers that be to at least pretend the nomination was still in play and give Rich a speaking slot. Realistically, she wouldn't have a chance against Nelson or Crist. It is not like speaking at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner would be a game changer.

Nan Rich Will Not Speak At Jefferson-Jackson Dinner

You know Nan Rich's gubernatorial candidacy is in trouble is when she will not be allowed to speak at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

"I think it's inappropriate, given the amount of attention the governor's race will draw," said Rich, a Weston resident. "I've been a candidate for a year, I've traveled the state and built a significant infrastructure and grassroots support. And I'm just asking for five minutes."

But it's five minutes too long in the eyes of the Democratic Party's chairwoman, Allison Tant, who decided along with party leaders to keep the June 15 fundraiser at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood limited to three speakers: Congresswoman and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and featured speaker Julian Castro, the mayor of San Antonio.

I'm surprised that someone of Allison Tant's progressive background is blocking Rich from speaking. Florida Democratic Party political director Christian Ulvert explained that the focus of this year's dinner will be Julian Castro, Bill Nelson and DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

I wonder if the DNC told the FDP to not have Rich speak. Charlie Crist stumped for Obama in Florida and was a campaign bundler.

Nan Rich to Speak At Barnacles

Via Stogie: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich will speak to the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club and the Hillsborough County Young Democrats.

WHEN: May, 14, 2013

6:30 to 8:30 p.m

WHERE: Barnacles

926 Providence Road, Brandon

Donations non-perishable food item or toiletries will be accepted. These items will be given to the ECHO (Emergency Care Health Organization) in Brandon.

Rick Scott: Job Killer

Florida Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich is keeping count of how many jobs Gov. Rick Scott has lost since assuming office.

“Start with the 13,000 state employees, add that to about 30,000 linked with the high speed rail projects, then thousands of teachers, police, fire and other government employees as the massive cuts trickle down.” Rich suggested there should be a new refrain for Scott’s 7-7-7 plan during his campaign, in which he promised to seven steps would create 700,000 new jobs in seven years. “We’re kind of estimating that in seven weeks in seven steps, the governor has managed to lose just under seven percent of the 700,000 jobs that he promised over the seven years.”

At this rate, Rick Scott's 2014 campaign motto will be: "Let's get unemployed."

Democrats In Florida Legislature Know Bipartisanship is Phony

Apparently, Democrats on the Florida state level are finally figuring out Republicans aren't serious about partisanship.

"Everybody talks about bipartisanship," said Rep. Elaine Schwartz, D-Hollywood. "I think 'bipartisan' means 'do it my way or here's the door.' I don't think that I or the [minority] caucus will be effective, except to try to communicate, and let everyone know what's really happening here."

In a speech, Dean Cannon made it clear bipartisanship is not on the horizon.

During Monday evening's House Republican caucus meeting, new House Speaker Dean Cannon discouraged members from playing to the political middle, "whatever that is."

In past years, "Many Republicans … abandoned their principles," he said. "Some of them followed an appeasement strategy with liberals, forgetting that surrender is never a good strategy for winning any battle, especially the battle of ideas."

Previous House Speakers, such as Johnnie Byrd, Tom Feeney, Ray Sansom and Marco Rubio were big fans of putting pork in budgets. Is this the conservative value Cannon speaks of?

Nan Rich announced Democrats in the Florida Senate will have their own legal council. The Senate's general council would fall under President Mike Haridopolos. Shari Kerrigan will serve as legal council for Senate Democrats. It is refreshing that Democrats in the Florida legislature aren't making Obama-style statements on bipartisans that come off as delusional.

Newt Hearts Holly Benson

Florida Attorney General candidate Holly Benson has received the prestigious Newt Gingrich endorsement. If you want someone to shut down government or compare President Obama's governing style to that of Nazi Germany like Gingrich did then Benson is your candidate.

“The next Attorney General of Florida will have to take the lead on the lawsuit challenging Obamacare,” Gingrich, the former U.S. House speaker, said in a release. “In my opinion, there is no one more qualified to do this than Holly Benson. So today, I am proud to endorse Holly's candidacy for Florida Attorney General.

“I've worked with Holly, and I know she is a proven conservative that you can trust. Because Holly worked with Governor Jeb Bush to transform Florida's Medicaid program and served as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, she is uniquely qualified to understand the dire consequences of Obamacare for our health care system and our Constitution,” he said

“Beyond that crucial issue, Holly understands that we must reduce unnecessary regulation and fight frivolous lawsuits in order to restore our economy. She is pro-life, rated A+ by the NRA, and like her mentor Governor Jeb Bush, is a committed free-market capitalist. Holly Benson will make a great Attorney General for Florida, and I encourage you to consider voting for Holly on August 24."

Gingrich wants Benson to waste taxpayer dollars fighting against people having the right to health care. Benson shouldn't go anywhere near the issue of health care. She made this insensitive remark when she served as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care.

Just because you're poor doesn't mean you're unhealthy, it just means you have a lot more time to go running."

Below is the audio of the radio interview in which Benson made her infamous comment.



Benson was brought in by Jeb Bush to lower the cost of Medicaid. The problem is no audit could show that Benson actually did lower Florida's Medicaid expenses.

As Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary, Benson and Attorney General Bill McCollum spent $2 million fighting a lawsuit claiming children were not being provided properly medical and dental care. Benson hired AHCA to collect Medicaid over-payments. AHCA still did not collect $120 million in over-payments due back to the state. Benson already had left the Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary when Phil Williams of AHCA was called to testify before the Florida Senate.

Sen. Mike Haridopolos to Williams:

"We are going into this budget crisis, and here we are just not collecting overpayments?," said a ticked Sen. Mike Haridopolos, the Republican tapped to be the next Senate president. "If $100 million could have been collected, how could we go a whole year without collecting money that could go back to taxpayers? And then we just tell the company that got the contract, 'Oh it's OK, we'll wait.' In the real world, a company would have been fired for doing that."

Sen. Nan Rich:

"I just don't understand how, year to year, the same people do this to the taxpayers and it just goes on and on," said Rich, D-Sunrise. "And yet here we are looking at one of the most egregious budgets in terms of the services that might be cut for people."

Benson's policies in action aren't very fiscally conservative and have hindered the ability of poor parents to provide their children with good health care. No wonder Gingrich endorsed her.