JUST FOR SOME CLARIFICATION...

A couple of days ago I mentioned the possible race brewing for the chairmanship of Florida's Democratic Party when the newly elected State Executive Committee meets this weekend in Lake Buena Vista.

Scott Maddox, the current chairman and former Mayor of Tallahassee, is believed to be almost certain to offer himself for reelection, but there are grumblings that he may also be considering a run for statewide office --- possibly even governor --- in 2006. If Maddox runs for chairman again, he will be challenged by Flagler County Democratic state committeeman and former town clerk in Palm Coast and Beverly Beach Doug Courtney.

After re-reading my post, I realized that some who may review what I wrote would believe that the post was somewhat anti-Maddox. Please be advised that it was not meant to be that way. To use an old country phrase, "I ain't got no dog in this fight." Although I have never met either gentlemen personally, I have heard much good of both. And Mr. Maddox's accomplishments during his two years as chairman in the areas of fundraising and bringing the party out of debt are well documented.

What I meant by my statements are that either gentleman would serve the Florida Democratic Party well over a four year term of office. But it is a FOUR YEAR TERM. Anyone who considers offering themselves for the office of party chairman should be fully prepared to put their mind, heart, and soul into the job of CHAIRMAN for the full term. If a person if SERIOUSLY considering a run for public office, especially if they do not enjoy high public visibility, then they need to strongly consider making a decision very soon and beginning to make themselves known to the electorate throughout the state RIGHT NOW, so that you can begin getting your message out.

The FDP needs consistancy in it's leadership especially now, not a person who will bail out after a year or a year and a half to pursue the dream of political office. Will he stay and help build the party's foundation further, or will he take the reins only to let go to chase the golden ring? It's a hard decision to make, but it is a decision that Scott Maddox will have to make within the next 48 hours.

Now while we're talking about who may be running for the state's highest office in 2006, here is at least a partial list of Democrats whose names have come up, along with their respective bio or other related links (if available). Please note that I am not commenting on their prospects (or long shot chances) here. To use the Faux News saying TRUTHFULLY, "We Report; You Decide".

Betty Castor: Former U.S. Senate Candidate, 2004; Former President, University of South Florida, 1994-99; Florida Education Commissioner, 1987-93; Florida State Senator, 1976-78, 1982-86; Hillsborough County Commissioner, 1972-76. Teacher by profession. St. Petersburg Times political columnist Adam C. Smith reported today that Ms. Castor is forming a new PAC known as the Campaign For Florida's Future --- usually a baby step for potential statewide candidates; Jeb! formed a similarly named PAC prior to his first campaign --- which would raise funds and allow her name to remain in the statewide political spectrum. And as part of this new group she has brought on some of her campaign staff and will have around $1.4 million available to transfer from her Senate campaign account to the new PAC in January.

Jim Davis: U.S. Representative, Florida 11th District, 1996-Present; Florida House of Representatives, 1988-1996; Attorney by profession; Partner in law firm of Bush, Ross, Gardner, Warren, and Rudy since 1988. Moderate Democrat who is national co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition Here is a link to Project Vote Smart's page on Congressman Davis. You can also click to check on his various interest group ratings, voting record, and other information that you may be interested in.

Daryl Jones: Former candidate, Governor, 2002; Former Florida State Senator, 1992-2002; Nominee of former President Bill Clinton as Secretary of the Air Force; Attorney/Investvent Banker by trade. Colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserve. Organization, Focus on Florida, formed almost immediately after his primary loss to Bill McBride, the intent of which was to keep his name recognition high statewide. It has never really gotten off the ground.

Scott Charles Maddox: Current Chairman, Florida Democratic Party. Tallahassee Mayor, 1995-2000. Tallahassee City Commissioner, 1993-1996 (Until 1997 the mayor was elected from among the members of the City Commission)

Rod Smith: Florida State Senator, 2000-Present. Democratic Caucus Policy Committee Co-Chair, 2002-04; State Attorney, Eighth Judicial Circuit, 1992-2000. Attorney by trade. Here is a link to Project Vote Smart's page on Senator Smith. You can also click to check on his various interest group ratings, voting record, or other information you may be interested in knowing. BTW: Thanks for the person that made note of my leaving Senator Smith's name off here originally; that's what happens when you are working off of memory, and there's a corrupted file in your head (lol).