Florida’s top Democrat: We’re ‘alive and well’

By Thyrie Bland, Pensacola News-Journal

May 14, 2008

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman was in Pensacola on Tuesday for a $100-per-person fundraiser at Seville Quarter.

For the past six months the former U.S. representative and state senator has attended similar events in areas of the state considered Republican strongholds. Among the cities Thurman, the party's chairwoman since May 2005, has visited are Fort Myers, New Port Richey and Gainesville.

"When you ignore an area, you are not going to get a whole lot of help," Thurman said. "We think it's time that people knew that the Democratic Party is alive and well in the state of Florida."

Thurman spoke with the News Journal before Tuesday's fundraiser.

Q: Should Democrat Hillary Clinton continue in the race?

A: I think we have about five or six contests left, and from my perspective of being the party leader here in Florida, I hope that every state gets an opportunity to have a primary.

Q: Do you think the long, drawn-out, contested primary ultimately will hurt the party's chances in the general election?

A: I don't. If you are one of those states that has already been through it you may think, "Oh, my gosh, will this ever get over? I'm tired of seeing it." But if you are the next state, you're excited.

Q: Which Democratic candidate - Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton - is more electable against Republican candidate John McCain?

A: I don't ... have to make that choice. My job as the party chair is to make sure the state is ready for which ever candidate comes out.

I think the issue here is that both of them have shown their electability because of the races they have won all across the country.

Q: Do you think voters are more energized about this year's election than past elections?

A: You are watching record numbers of men and women show up to vote in this. So, yes, I think people are very energized because of the reasons I spoke of earlier. What's going on in the country. What's happening to the economy. What's happening in their home state. What happening to the security of their families.

Q: What is latest on trying to get Florida's delegates seated at the national convention in August?

A: May 31, we have a hearing before the Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws. We have an opportunity or one of our members will have an opportunity to present their appeal.