U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings & Fla. AFL-CIO President Cindy Hall Named Co-Chairs of 2007 State Convention

For Immediate Release: October 23, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Democratic Party is pleased to announce that U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23) and Florida AFL-CIO President Cindy Hall will serve as co-chairs of the 2007 State Convention: Delivering a New Direction.
 
"Alcee and Cindy have fought for the needs of Florida's working families for decades, and that's what Democrats are about," Party Chairwoman Karen L. Thurman said. "They are strong, respected voices who have demonstrated time and again that they can deliver effective leadership for Floridians. I am honored to have them lead the kickoff to the 2008 campaign. Together, Florida Democrats are delivering a new direction."
 
A native Floridian, Hastings has represented his home state in Congress since 1992, where he now serves as Senior Democratic Whip. He's championed efforts to safeguard civil liberties, civil rights and to make America safer. Hastings has broken through racial barriers throughout his career, from becoming the first African-American Federal judge in Florida when appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, to recently being named the Chairman of the Helsinki Commission.
 
Cindy Hall is a former classroom teacher and a long-time activist in Florida's labor community. A member of the United Teachers of Dade since 1981, Cindy was re-elected to the office of President of the Florida AFL-CIO in 2005. She has been a tireless advocate for Florida's labor community at the local, state and national levels. Hall was appointed by AFL-CIO national President John Sweeney to the Advisory Committee on State Federations and Central Councils in 2006.
 
The Florida Democratic Party's 2007 State Convention: Delivering a New Direction, sponsored by the Walt Disney World Company, will take place at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort in Lake Buena Vista, October 26-28. Confirmed speakers include U.S. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) and U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ).
 
This year's theme, Delivering a New Direction, and corresponding logo invoke Florida's tourism tradition and the message of our new Democratic Majority in Congress. The Convention will highlight the progress Democrats are making and the positive changes that Democratic Leadership can deliver to the American people. Our logo emulates the U.S. Postal Service's "Greetings from America" stamp series in the style of an old fashioned, exposition-design postcard. The "27" is, of course, a reference to the 27 electoral votes that Florida Democrats will deliver to our nominee for President in 2008. Click here for a high resolution version.

For more information, please visit www.fladems.com/convention 

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