MADDOX STEPS DOWN AS STATE DEMOCRATIC CHAIR

No great surprise here: Scott Maddox resigned as chairman of the Florida Democratic Party today, in the face of growing anticipation that he will announce this spring that he would make a run for governor. The resignation will take effect at the end of the current legislative session.

Maddox only confirmed that he "...is considering running for a statewide office in 2006."

The list of candidates interested in replacing Maddox has changed somewhat.

Democratic National Committee member Jon Ausman has decided not to run. The former state vice chairman and Leon County chairman is instead favouring fundraiser and former Lawton Chiles aide Jeff Ryan, the brother of state Representative Tim Ryan (D - Dania).

Right now the front runner seems to be former congresswoman Karen Thurman of Dunnellon (bio is from her 2002 campaign Web site), who reportedly has the support of Senator Bill Nelson. Also seeking the job is First Vice Chair Dianne Glasser of Tamarac, and Miami attorney Jimmy L. Morales.

The State Executive Committee will vote to choose Maddox's successor after his resignation takes effect.

Scott Maddox has done much to improve the party's infastructure, raising record amounts of money to build a computer system and studio in the FDP's new headquarters building and saving the party from bankruptcy. He should be credited for that and his hard work to rebuild what was previously a broken, fractious organization.

The problem is that the Chairman's job is primarily today raising money. The constant effort to keep the organization's coffers full takes away from being the primary spokesperson and voice for the state party. What the FDP really needs to do is change it's bylaws to allow for the hiring of an Executive Director who would handle the day-to-day operations of the party (personnel, budgeting, and related functions), freeing the Chairperson to become more active in working directly with office holders, candidates, and local party officials as well as fundraising and being visible speaking out about issues that concern Floridians.