FDP Announces Selection of Exec. Dir. Navarro as Biden ’08 Campaign Manager

Delaware's senior statesman taps seasoned captain of Florida's Democratic victory team to direct 2008 presidential effort

For Immediate Release, January 10, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Democratic Party is proud to announce that Executive Director and 2006 Coordinated Campaign Manager Luis Navarro has been chosen by U.S. Senator Joe Biden of Delaware to lead his presidential campaign.

"The Florida Democratic Party will miss Luis and his expertise very much. Senator Biden is fortunate to have him aboard. We wish them both the best of luck," Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman said.

Under Thurman, Navarro oversaw the team that designed the party's unprecedented coordinated effort in 2006, which resulted in Democrats reelecting U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, electing the first Democratic Cabinet officer since 1998, picking up two Republican-held U.S. Congressional seats, and seven State House seats.

Under Navarro's and Thurman's leadership, Florida Democrats won the Hispanic vote for the first time since 1976.

The Navarro-Thurman team also was the driving force behind the party's new, state-of-the-art voter file that allowed the party to better target campaign efforts than ever before.

Navarro previously held major positions with John Kerry for President, Service Employees International Union, and other political organizations.

The Florida Democratic Party plans to announce Navarro's replacement tomorrow.