POLITICAL GATHERINGS IN POLK

Enjoyed the Polk County Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner last evening at the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club (no yachts there; it's on Lake Hollingsworth). It is the local party's primary fundraising event of the year, and over 300 supporters packed the venue to hear keynote speaker U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis of Tampa, and Florida Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox (who will likely announce his candidacy for governor within two months).

Due to Senate rules prohibiting members and their family members from participating in fundraising events --- even to support their political party --- while the Legislature is in session, State Senator Rod Smith of Alachua, another gubernatorial candidate, was unable to attend. He had previously confirmed that he would be at the dinner, but the rules were clarified earlier in the week barring his ability to attend. Former State Representative Dean Saunders of Auburndale spoke briefly on Smith's behalf.

Congressman Davis was introduced by Polk County Tax Collector Joe Tedder, while former state party secretary Juanita Geathers of Winter Haven gave the introduction for Chairman Maddox.

The event should rank among the most successful in recent memory, and shows that the Democratic Party in Polk County is beginning a resurgance that will hopefully result in gains in support, both financially and at the ballot box. The 2006 election will be important both on the county and state level, and the time to prepare is now!