Tuesday E-News Briefs, 9/19/07, New Leaders Grow the Party

In This Issue

• Democratic Black Caucus of Florida Elects New Leadership
• Connect with Democratic CFO Alex Sink
• Message from Vice Chair Garcia: Florida Dems Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
• Party Mourns the Passing of Rev. Dr. Robert Ingram
• Convention Update
• Congressman Boyd Honored For Fiscal Leadership
• Clubs and Local Events Coming Up

Democratic Black Caucus of Florida Elects New Leadership

The Party is proud to announce that our Democratic Black Caucus of Florida (DBCF) elected Lizzie Jenkins, founder of the Alachua County DBCF chapter, as its statewide President last weekend in Orlando. In addition to being a retired educator who spent 33 years teaching in Alachua County public schools, Jenkins is a noted author who has written extensively about the 1923 massacre at Rosewood, FL. Jenkins said one of her first priorities as president will be establishing Black Caucuses in all of Florida's 67 counties and broadening the organization's membership: "It may say 'Black' Caucus, but it is inclusive. If you are a Democrat, you are welcome to join." Also elected were 1st Vice Chair Dr. Bruce Miles (Hillsborough); 2nd Vice Chair Bess McElroy (Miami-Dade); Secretary Susie Copeland (Manatee); and Treasurer Diane Hart (Hillsborough). Congratulations and good luck to all the new officers!

Connect with Democratic CFO Alex Sink

As Florida's Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink is the first Democratic woman elected to statewide office in 16 years. In just nine months on the job, Sink - the former president of Florida's largest bank - has been widely recognized as a force for change, reform and accountability in Republican-dominated Tallahassee. As CFO, Sink is delivering on her pledge to safeguard Floridians' tax dollars, crack down on wasteful state spending, and serve as an aggressive watchdog on behalf of Florida consumers. During the 2006 campaign, nearly every newspaper in Florida enthusiastically endorsed Alex Sink for CFO - praising not only her unparalleled business experience, but also her work as vice-chair of Florida TaxWatch and a member of Gov. Lawton Chiles' Commission on Government Accountability to the People. Learn more about Democratic rising star Alex Sink by visiting her official website today, and signing up for her "Consumer eViews" weekly newsletter at http://myfloridacfo.com/PressOffice/Newsletter/.

Message from Vice Chair Garcia: Florida Dems Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Read a message from Party Vice Chairman Luis Garcia at:

http://www.fladems.com/heritagemonth

The Party is planning to unveil a fully revamped Spanish-language version of http://www.fladems.com later this month in an effort to increase our outreach to Hispanic voters.

 

 

Party Mourns the Passing of Rev. Dr. Robert Ingram

Sad news: Miami-Dade School Board Member Rev. Dr. Robert B. Ingram was laid to rest this Saturday in Miami Gardens. More than 3,000 mourners from across the nation showed up to pay tribute to a true fighter for the people. Born in Overtown, FL in 1936, Dr. Ingram was an inspiration to generations of Floridians, as a community leader, a religious leader, an educator, a law enforcement officer and so much more. After serving in the U.S. Army with honor, he joined the Miami Police Department where he integrated the force, the downtown office and the prestigious motorcycle squad as the first African-American officer. Among other accomplishments, he served as Police Chief and Mayor of Opa-Locka, and Professor at Florida Memorial University. An ordained minister of the Mt. Zion AME Church, Dr. Ingram was the recipient of over 500 awards acknowledging his lifetime of service. In 1995, Ebony magazine declared him one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in America. He is survived by his wife Delores, his muse from the day they met, three children, seven grandchildren, nine siblings and many other extended family members and friends. He will be missed by all Florida Democrats.

Convention Update

The Florida Democratic Party's 2007 State Convention is coming up Friday, October 26, through Sunday, October 28, at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center in Lake Buena Vista, FL. This is the biggest, most exciting event the Party does every four years! The deadline for delegate applications has passed; however, the Party may have a limited number of guest passes for sale. Watch your email for more information. We'll be launching a website dedicated to the State Convention very soon. Stay tuned for updates! Reminder: If you would like to stay at Disney World during the Convention, please book your rooms as soon as possible. Visit http://www.fladems.com/convention for more info.

Congressman Boyd Honored For Fiscal Leadership

Congressman Allen Boyd (FL-2) was recently honored by Congress' Democratic Blue Dog Coalition for his leadership in restoring fiscal accountability to government and enhancing the national security of the United States. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Boyd has introduced H.Res.97, "Providing for Operation Iraqi Freedom Cost Accountability," a measure which is aimed at restoring fiscal accountability to the funding of the war in Iraq. "Representative Boyd has played a major role in securing our national defense and putting our country back on track to economic stability after years of reckless fiscal practices by President Bush and the Republican majority in Congress," Congressman Mike Ross (D-Ark.) said. "Representative Boyd will undoubtedly continue to make great strides in restoring the fiscal health of the United States."

Clubs and Local Events Coming Up

The Democratic Women's Club Annual Convention will be held in the Tampa Bay area beginning this Thursday, Sept. 27, at 6:00 PM. If you are interested in attending any General Sessions, Dynamic Workshops, Luncheons or Dinners with special guest speakers such as Mayor Pam Iorio, Party Chair Karen Thurman, or former Attorney General Janet Reno, please contact Carrie Wadlinger at 727-772-0764 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Join the Orange County Young Democrats this Thursday, Sept. 20, 6:00-8:00 PM at Tim's Wine Market in 1223 N Orange Ave in Orlando, for a night of fun, networking and raising a glass with special guest, David Hardt, President of Young Democrats of America. Hardt is the first openly gay president of YDA. Admission is $25 for members and $50 for non-members. Purchase tickets online here.

Students from across the state will gather Oct. 6-7 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando for the Florida College Democrats' 1^st Annual State Convention. The College Dems will be hosting two full days of events designed to help prepare students for the 2008 election cycle. Students can register for FREE by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Non-students will receive a special discount for registering by September 21 at http://www.floridacollegedemocrats.org/contribute.html.