Subject: Alex Sink

• Looking Forward to 2010

  November 5, 2008

• Sink To Announce 2010 Plans Soon

  A group of devoted fans have already started a Draft Alex Sink website, but they were hoping Florida's CFO would run for Governor. Turns out she may have her eye on Washington instead. The Hill is reporting that Sink will make an announcement very soon as to the future of her political career, but thinks she has her eyes on Mel Martinez's Senate seat and not Charlie Crist's Governor's mansion. In very early, speculative polling Sink is ahead of Martinez already in the 2010 race. Charlie's high a

  November 26, 2008

• Mel Martinez Decides One Term is Enough, 2010 Senate Race Wide Open

  It's been our fear that something huge politic-wise would happen while we were away looking at pretty, little art things, and what do you know it happens on the first day. Sonofa. Senator Mel Martinez has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2010. His Senate seat was generally seen as one of, if no the most, vulnerable ones up in two years, and his low approval ratings didn't paint a rosy picture for re-election anyway. His announcement ends a brief, but high profile political

  December 2, 2008

• Fantasy 2010 Dem Lineup

  The folks at Fla Politics, the site that proudly boasts it's the only Florida blog on the Daily Kos blogroll, have come up with their dream Democratic candidates they'd like to see comically lose run for statewide office in 2010. We think if the state Democrats pull it together, they could make a decent showing, especially if they repeatedly hit the Republicans over the head with the hammer of Florida's worse-than-average economic woes. They've come up with a list of names that includes Joe Ga

  December 16, 2008

• Senate 2010: Kendrick Gets in Quick, Sink Still Has to Think

  Miami boy Kendrick Meek became the first official announced candidate for the 2010 Senate race, sure to be one of the most dramatic in the nation. As expected, he announced it this morning, and used much of the same "This is about Florida" rhetoric we commented about earlier. He's not taking things lightly, either -- he's already enlisted Barack Obama's deputy national campaign manager, Steve Hildebrand, to run his campaign. Meanwhile, CFO Alex Sink is still mulling over a possible run. As th

  January 13, 2009

• Crist-for-Senate Rumors Just Made 2010 a Lot More Confusing

  Up until yesterday, it seemed the full picture for the Senate election in 2010 would come into focus soon, when rumored candidates including Republicans Bill McCullom and Marco Rubio as well as Democrat Alex Sink made their intentions clear. Well, now with The Hill reporting that National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn is trying to woo Gov. Charlie Crist to make a run, both the Senate race and governor's race have become something a blur. And according to Sen. Bill Nelson,

  January 15, 2009

• Crist Is as Popular as Obama, No One Knows Any of These Senate Wannabes

  Charlie Crist is still enjoying a quite enviable approval rating, according to the latest Quinnipiac University poll, with 65 percent of Floridians approving of his job performance. That's about the percentage President Obama is getting in nationwide polls. Meanwhile, of all the names being thrown around for the 2010 Senate election, only Bill McCullom has major statewide name recognition. Fifty-four percent of Floridians were able to form an opinion about the attorney general. Compare that to

  January 21, 2009

• So, Who's Going to Lose to Charlie?

  Absent amongst all this hullabaloo over who might seek the senate seat in 2010 is any murmur, any indication, any rumor of who the Dems might put up for Governor. Yeah, there's this wild card chance that Charlie Crist might run for senate, and if that happens expect CFO Alex Sink to declare her candidacy in a heart beat, but I, and probably most others, are giving that less than a 25% of happening. Charlie has "Obama like" approval ratings, and it is the prevailing thought that he'll crush whate

  January 29, 2009

• Oh, Look, We Already Have Front Runners for 2014

  They don't share political idealogies, but they do share a hair stylist. It's a sign of just how much dominance Charlie Crist has in Florida politics that both races he could conceivably run in 2010 - Governor or, less likely, Senator - are having a hard time attracting big name candidate, but the next open race in Florida - for Governor all the way in 2014, barring Bill Nelson's retirement - already have front runners on both sides. After Democratic CFO Alex Sink decided not to seek the senate

  January 30, 2009

• The Crystal Ball Says Rubio for Governor or AG, but Not Senate

  The 2010 election in Florida is shaping up to be insane -- actually it's already insane -- and only two people of any consequence have announced their candidacy for either governor or senator. Former Speaker of the House Marco Rubio has this nice campaign website all set up and ready to go. Problem is, he's not sure what he's running for. He wanted to run for Senate, but the Republican field is frozen right now. If Charlie Crist gets in, Rubio is out. If Martinez steps down and Crist appoints so

  February 5, 2009

• Live From The Barack Obama Stimulus Tour

  Riptide is live today from Ft. Myers, Florida for Barack Obama's first visit to Florida as President of the United States of America. He'll be continuing the themes from his stop in Elkhart, Indiana and his first press conference last night, talking up the need for a stimulus package. The event will be a town hall style meeting, with the President taking questions from residents, and is scheduled to start around noon.We are blogging live now, right after jump. Refresh often.

  February 10, 2009

• "Hot Bachelor" Dave Aronberg Officially Enters Attorney General Race

  With no one coming forward to challenge Alex Sink in the Governor's primary, and Kendrick Meek holding a sizable advantage on the fundraising front and Dan Gelber dropping out in the Senate race, it seems that the Democratic primary action may boil up in the Attorney General's race. State Senator Dave Aronberg of Green Acres (the Palm Beach County city, unfortunately not the beloved sitcom) officially kicked off his campaign today. Of course, it was via Facebook status message: "Friends: Af

  June 4, 2009

• This Week in 2010 Speculation: Sink for Gov, Crist Still Mum on Senate

  It seemed like a foregone conclusion just a few months back that Gov. Charlie Crist would run for a relatively easy re-election. Then in November, the Republicans in Washington got their asses handed to them, and whenever Minnesota decides to get its shit together, the Democrats in the Senate will have a strong 59 seat majority. So even as the Republicans are telling their base they're going to move more to the right out of one side of their mouth, they're not so secretly wooing RINO of the year

  March 25, 2009

• Dear Politicians, Please Exploit Your Family Dogs

  The liberal, elitist media would like you to think that Barack Obama is the first ever dog-owning politician in history. Charles Beauregard "Bo" Hussein Kennedy-Obama (yes, we've made that joke today but we will continue to call him that until the Obama administration produces his birth certificate. Why are you hiding the birth certificate, Obama, why?) is cute and all, but surely there must be other cute, political dogs.

  April 15, 2009

• Charlie Crist Expected To Announce Senate Bid Tomorrow

  In the past month the idea that Charlie Crist would run for Senate has gone from hot political rumor to almost foregone conclusion, and news broke this weekend that it is indeed fact. Republican Party of Florida chairman Jim Greer told the Pensacola News Journal last night that Crist will announce his candidacy on Tuesday in a low-key event in Tallahassee. The announcement will come with an immediate, and enviable batch of endorsements from state and national Republican officials. 

  May 11, 2009

• With Crist's Announcement Imminent, the Dominos Begin to Fall

  With the end of the legislative session in Tallahassee last week, and Charlie Crist widely expected to announce his Senate intention tomorrow the dominoes should quickly fall as down ticket politicos all over the state start positioning themselves for 2010. So far, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who has been mentioned as a possible democratic candidate for Governor or Senate, has decided to serve out her term. St. Pete's Republican Mayor, Rick Baker, won't be running for anything either. When Alex Sink,

  May 11, 2009

• Gov Race: Sink Expected to Announce This Week, McCullom Next

  Those who have been following Florida politics aren't in for any major surprise, but it is still exciting to see it play out nonetheless. Naked Politics reports that a source tells them CFO Alex Sink, a Democrat, is expected to announce her entrance into the now open Governor's race before a fundraiser scheduled in Broward on Thursday night. So that will be about 60 hours, give or take, after Crist announced he will not seek re-election as Governor. The "Draft Alex" site hasn't been updated sinc

  May 12, 2009

• Alex Sink Announces Governor Bid

  Well, that didn't take long at all. Just over 24 hours after Charlie Crist announced he will not seek re-election, and instead concentrate on his Senate bid, Florida's CFO Alex Sink has officially announced her intentions to run for Governor. Sink, one of only two democrats to hold state-wide elected office, was originally mentioned as a possible senate candidate, but then announced she'd only seek re-election as CFO. Most suspected that she really had her eye on the Governor's seat, and it

  May 13, 2009

• Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp Most Likely Running For Attorney General

  To most of Florida Lt. Gov Jeff Kottkamp is known for precisely two things: his string of travel scandals and his mustache. Now he'd like to be known as our Attorney General as well. The Republican from SW Florida was picked as Crist's running mate to bring a conservative balance to Crist's more moderate reputation. Lt. Govs are often considered natural choices when the Governor's job becomes open, but Kottkamp told the Naples Daily News that while he considered it, he'd like to see pa

  May 15, 2009

• Let's Play Identity Politics For a Moment

  So after the NRSC endorsed Charlie Crist over Marco Rubio in the Republican Senate primary, a lot of people implied it was a snub to Hispanics. We thought this was silly. Crist has won three statewide campaigns in a row, is an extremely popular governor, and has a national profile. He's going to win the primary unless there's some shocking surprise. But, it does raise an important point. Both parties in Florida need to embrace the Hispanic population, and the future of Florida's government

  May 15, 2009

• Report: Jeff Atwater To Announce CFO Bid Tuesday

  So the game of political musical chairs continues. The Orlando Sentinel says current senate President Jeff Atwater is going to throw his hat into the CFO ring on Tuesday. Atwater, a Republican from North Palm Beach, served in the state house from 2001-2003 and has been in the senate since then. Before seeking a seat in the legislature he served as  chairman, president and CEO of the Barnett Bank of Broward County and the Treasure Coast. He also served as Market President of Rivers

  May 15, 2009

• The Week That Was: A Sense of Belonging

  This was a week where people were just trying to figure out where they belong. It was an awkward thing to watch, like tweens on their first day of middle school figuring out which lunch table to sit at. Jason Taylor knew deep, deep down that his heart belonged to Miami, and he was willing to come back at whatever (super reduced) price. Charlie Crist decided that he belonged far, far away from Florida in the US Senate. He will probably get there, sorry Marco Rubio. So the only question

  May 15, 2009

• Crist Cruising Competition, McCollum Favored Over Sink

  via azwaldo's flickrPolls are very, very meaningful and exciting. The picture of the 2010 races aren't even in perfect focus yet, but that doesn't mean it's too early for a poll. Mason-Dixon unleashed their first poll post-Crist-for-Senate announcement, and things don't look too good for the Democrats. In the Senate race Charlie Crist (with a 49% favorable rating) crushes his primary competition Marco Rubio 53%-18% amongst likely primary voters. Kendrick Meek leads

  May 20, 2009

• Is Bill McCollum Too Boring to be Governor?

  Not exactly Mr. Charisma. If politics really does come down to which candidate you'd rather have a beer with, then Bill McCollum's candidacy might as well be dead on arrival. The guy has never really screamed excitement or personality, but that hasn't stopped him from seeking stat-wide elected office in Florida now for four time (loosing two, winning one, running in the fourth). Daniel Ruth of the St. Pete Times ponders in his column today if McCollum is, well, just

  May 22, 2009

• Man on Gas Pumps Will Not Run For Gov

  via Joakim Lind's flickrFlorida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson will not run for Governor. Not that any one is that surprised, since the state party and major fundraisers were already congealing around Attorney General Bill McCollum. Bronson had earlier claimed that since his name was displayed on every gas pump in the state it would help with his name recognition. So sad we will never get to use the nick name "Governor Gas Pumps." Bronson will instead serve out the rema

  May 21, 2009

• Alex Sink Wants to Give You Balls for Her Birthday

  Happy Birthday to CFO and gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink. She is 61 years young today. What kind of birthday present do you get a politician? Why a campaign donation of course, but Alex's party has gift bags. Anyone who donated $20.10 (get it?) by he end of the weekend gets this colorful Alex Sink for Governor beach ball. But wait! There's more!If you donate $65 today Sink will personally autograph the ball for you. But as an extra bonus the Sink campaign is offering one heart warming ch

  June 5, 2009

• GOP's Twitter Attacks Alex Sink's Working Mom Credentials

  The News Service of Florida's article about Alex Sink's appearance at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner this weekend on Miami Beach contains some praise from an unlike source: former Republican Party of Florida chairmen David Johnson.   "The farming background could help in North Florida and the working mom thing could be very appealing to women in similar situations," said Johnson amongst other light praise for her political strategies and prospects. Including this passage: "Her situa

  June 5, 2009

• News Roundup

  LocalAll 11 universities in the state are seeking to raise tuition by the highest allowable amount. [CBS4]Someone wrote some fan fiction about a manatee gang bang. Oh, wait, that actually happened? [Herald]Actual political joke Bob Smith is running for Senate. He used to represent New Hampshire in the Senate. [SunSent]A plan to turn South Dade's Busway into express commuter lanes goes to vote today. [Herald]It's election day in South Miami as voters choose a new councilman. [CBS4]Yesterday, G

  June 9, 2009

• Hot Poll Action: Sink Leads McCollum

  Quinnipiac released a new poll! You know what that means? It's time for us to pluck out interesting bits and pieces. Until now, every poll we've seen on the Florida governor's race gives Republican Bill McCollum the advantage, but according to Q Democrat, Alex Sink has 38 percent and McCollum 34. Down here in South Florida, Sink is trouncing McCollum and already has reached the magic 50 percent. There are still, of course, months and months to change that, and 25 percent of the voters remain

  June 9, 2009

• EMILY's List Endorses Alex Sink

   EMILY's list is an organization who's soul purpose is to get progressive, pro-choice female candidates elected. Alex Sink is a progressive, pro-choice female candidate seeking Florida's Governors chair. So surprise, surprise, EMILY's list has endorsed Alex Sink! EMILY's list (an acronym for 'early money is like yeast') should bring in a sizable chunk of cash to Sink's campaign. 

  June 26, 2009

• McCollum Has Eight-Point Advantage Over Sink; Crist Still on Top

  Last time we checked in on the polling digits, Quinnipiac claimed Democratic CFO Alex Sink had a four-point lead over Republican AG Bill McCollum, but the latest poll from Rasmussen shows quite a different race. Its numbers show McCollum leading Sink 42-34 percent, with 18 percent still undecided. McCollum is beloved by men, polling 51 to Sink's 36 percent. While women are evenly divided. McCollum also leads independent voters 38 to 22 percent. Over in the Senate ra

  June 25, 2009

• Hey, Here's Another Poll: McCollum Still Leading

  Ron Sachs Communication commissioned Mason-Dixon to do another one of those polls y'all love. Nothing all that exciting, so let's deal it out down and dirty: Gov: Bill McCollum is still leading Alex Sink 41%-35%. At this point, the advantage might be owed to the fact that McCollum, thanks to his three previous statewide campaigns, has 87% name recognition compared to Sink's 61%. 24% remain undecided. McCollum also makes quick work of his possible primary rival, state Sen. Paula Dockery. In a

  June 30, 2009

• Attorney General McCollum Works About 22 Hours a Week

  The Palm Beach Post decided to check the time sheets of Governor candidates and current cabinet members Republican Bill McCollum and Democrat Alex Sink. Turns out, in the past two months neither has been working that hard. McCollum averages about 22 hours of work a week as attorney general -- a job he's paid $131,000 a year for. CFO Sink gets in about 33 hours of work a week. Not exactly a workaholic in the traditional sense, but still a bit more dedicated it seems than McCol

  June 30, 2009

• Anti-Alex Sink Ad Fails to Mention McCollum's Similar Indiscretions

  A new anti-Alex Sink political group -- cleverly named Don't Bank on Sink -- has hired the worst Robin Leach impersonator for a new YouTube ad that hits the state's CFO and Democratic candidate for governor for her questionable private plane use. The only thing funny about the ad: It fails to mention that similar private plane accusations have ensnared her Republican competitor, Attorney General Bill McCollum, as well as Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp. It also uses some video shot by the Times/He

  July 6, 2009

• President Alex Sink?

  One day, when we are all living under the Sink administration --no, no, not just in Florida, but in the entire nation-- we can look back at this Washington Post blog post as the first public utterance of a possible Alex Sink presidential run. Chris Cillizza isn't saying Sink will be President, or that she'll even run, or that anyone is even really seriously thinking about setting her up for prime time politics (she does have to win the Governor's race first). He's just kind of (sa

  July 30, 2009

• Norman: Crist's Alleged Former Boy Toy Booked for Stealing Pastor's Daughter's Wedding Ring

  ​Remember Jason Wetherington? New Times Broward-Palm Beach columnist Bob Norman penned a story about the lad, who apparently went around blabbing he had a hotel-room tryst with Gov. Charlie Crist in 2006. Wetherington also worked for Katherine Harris's hilariously failed 2006 Senate campaign. Anyway, per Norman, he's been charged with stealing three rings from the home of a family friend while he was housesitting. The friend: daughter of Wetherington's pastor. According to police rep

  August 10, 2009

• News Roundup

  The woman who set herself on fire died from her injuries. [AP]Pitbull is getting the key to the City of Miami. [Herald]Alex Sink is trailing Bill McCollum by four points in the latest Q poll. [Herald]Hurricane Bill is a Category 4; thankfully it'll probably just wander around in the ocean before fizzling out somewhere near Canada. [CBS4]Charlie Crist was in Miami yesterday and had a wonderful chat with a possible Senate placeholder, attorney Bobby Martinez. [Herald]

  August 19, 2009

• News Roundup

  The Miami-Dade government promised it would cut pay to several workers to balance the budget, but sure is taking its time doing so, which is costing millions every week. [Herald]Alex Sink, Democratic candidate for Governor, will headline the state's biggest gay rights group's annual gala in Ft. Lauderdale. [NakedPolitics]Miami CIty commissioners will have their second reading and voting on Miami 21 today. [CBS4]There will be a few Global Warming rallies going on in town this Saturday. [Herald]Th

  October 22, 2009

• News Roundup

  The President of the United States was in town last night, here's what he did:Was greeted by both protesters and supporters... [SoFlTimes]...Including Kendrick Meek, Dan Gelber, Alex Sink and Manny Diaz. [NakedPolitics]Rallied the democratic base at a fundraiser. [Herald]And raised nearly $1.5 million. [FoxNews]The Delano hotel will not give you much of a discount, because they are training you, the hotel consumer, not to expect to pay less even when the economy is good. [Herald]Everyone hates M

  October 27, 2009

• Random Kennedy Clan Member Reportedly Eyeing Governor Race

  via Best Buddies​A Kennedy cousin is apparently mulling the idea of entering the family business by making a bid for Florida's Governor's mansion and challenging Florida CFO Alex Sink in the Democratic primary, according to Naked Politics. Anthony Shriver -- son of VP candidate Sergeant Shriver, brother of California first lady Maria Shriver and Santa Monica City Councilman Bobby Shriver, grandson of Ambassador Joe Kennedy, nephew of President JFK, Attorney General Bobby, Senator Teddy, a

  November 3, 2009

• Miami-Dade Democratic Chairman Booted by State Party

  ​Just days after sending out a fiery letter calling for the resignation of Florida Democratic Party chair Karen Thurman -- a letter that made liberal use of his word processor's bold and underline features -- Miami-Dade Democratic chairman BJ Chiszar has been given the boot. Chiszar's letter is five pages of "inside baseball," but here are a few highlights to give you an idea of the generally unprofessional tone: He calls the University of Miami Democrats "rich little snobs."&nb

  November 12, 2009