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The Huffington Post December 25, 2009

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DNC Florida Superdelegates

Posted February 28, 2008 | 03:26 PM (EST)

HuffPost's OffTheBus members produced these superdelegate profiles as part of its Superdelegate Investigation. You can find all profiles here.

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Jon Ausman
Florida

Basic Bio
* Transit program manager for the Florida Department of Transportation
* National Transit Institute (NTI) Fellow - 2002/04
* Awarded cyclist in senior category

Political interests and issues
* Urban mass transit

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* DNC Leader in Florida

Pledged Status
* Uncommitted to any candidate.Won't pledge until Florida gains status at national convention.
* Formerly attempted to court Hillary Clinton, did not receive callback.

Involvement in the 2008 Election
* Filed lawsuit against Florida State Legislature to move Feb. 5 primary date back to March.
* Wrote an open-letter about primary.

Family's Invovlement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* Wife is Donna Ausman, delegate for Florida in 2004 elections.

This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please send an email to campaigntrail@huffingtonpost.com with "superdelegate profile" in the subject line. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project.

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Terrie Brady
Florida

Political interests and issues
* President (since 1999) of Duval Teachers United of Duval County, FL http://www.dtujax.com/

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Florida Democratic Party Chairman (1993-1998). http://www.fladems.com/content/w/face_off_the_women_behind_florida_politics http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2007/08/ulterior-democr.html

Pledged Status
* Appears to be undecided in her support. http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/politics/news-article.aspx?storyid=103901

Involvement in the 2008 Election
* "Why would we have the presidential candidates' names on a ballot, have people go to the polls and vote and then find out that we're not counting their votes?" asked former state chair Terrie Brady. "We don't want to confuse Florida voters more than they're already confused." http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071217/moser

Contributions
* In 2002, Terrie donated $1,375 to the Democratic Executive Committee of Florida. http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/terrie-brady.asp?cycle=02 http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/committees/democratic-executive-committee-of-florida.asp?cycle=02
* In 2000, donated $980 and $1,520 to the Democratic Executive Committee of Florida.
* Also in 2000 she donated $500 to the Friends of Corrine Brown http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/terrie-brady.asp?cycle=00 http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/committees/democratic-executive-committee-of-florida.asp?cycle=02 http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/committees/friends-of-corrine-brown.asp?cycle=00
* Corrine Brown won re-election in 2000. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrine_Brown

This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please join the Superdelegate Transparency Project and update the profile there.

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Mitchell Ceasar
Broward County Democratic Party Chair
Plantation, Florida

Basic Bio
* From Plantation, Fla., Broward County. Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Florida, 2000, 2004; member of Democratic National Committee from Florida, 2004. http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/cavarly-chaka.html#0HW01IK20
* Hired by the town of Davie, Fla. For legislative and governmental consulting services in 2002 http://www.davie-fl.gov/Gen/DavieFL_CouncilAgn/archives/PDFs/2002/1106meeting/0831.pdf

Political interests and issues
* Causes: Resolution on the Need for Action in Sudan http://www.democrats.org/a/2007/02/on_the_need_for.php

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Embroiled in the 2000 Presidential Election: http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2000/11/10/2000-11-10_something_stinks_in_fla_.html Quote: "Those ballots did not register in the computer," said Mitchell Ceasar, the Democratic Party chairman for Broward, which includes Fort Lauderdale.

Involvement in the 2008 Election
* Uncommitted

Contributions to Candidates
* HASTINGS, ALCEE L, $250, 03/26/07
* DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE, $250, 05/04/06
* SELF/ATTORNEY HASTINGS, ALCEE L, $250 05/01/06
* BAYH, EVAN, Senate - IN, $1,100, 09/30/05
* BAYH, EVAN, $1,000, 04/04/05
* KERRY, JOHN F, $2,000, 04/15/04
* BAYH, EVAN, $500, 12/18/03
* DAVIS, JAMES OSCAR III, House (FL 11), $250 04/15/02
* LEADERSHIP '02 (FKA FRIENDS OF ALBERT GORE JR INC) $250, 03/11/02
* TORRICELLI, ROBERT G, Senate - NJ, $250, 02/26/02
* REUNITING OUR COUNTRY PAC, $250, 01/23/02
* BERGER, SINGERMAN, $250, 11/04/01
* BAYH, EVAN, Senate - IN, $500, 03/05/01
* DNC-NONFEDERAL-CORPORATE $250, 11/23/92
* LEADERSHIP '02 (FKA FRIENDS OF ALBERT GORE JR INC), $250, 06/21/89
* DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, $500, 10/17/88
* ASTRAU RISKIN & MARCUS GUNTER, WILLIAM D JR, Senate - FL, $500, 06/29/88
* BIDEN, JOSEPH R JR, $200, 04/23/87 http://www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_detail.php?zip=33324&last=Ceasar&first=Mitchell

Click here to read Mitchell Ceasar's 'Confessions Of A Superdelegate', published on HuffPost's OffTheBus.

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Ken Curtis
Formerly Maine super-delegate; now lives in Florida

Basic Bio
* Kenneth M. Curtis was born on Feb 8th, 1931 in Leeds, ME.
* He has a number of degrees: his B.S. is from the Maine Maritime Academy, in 1952; his J.D. is from Portland University in 1959, and he has an LL.D. from Bates College in 1981.
* Before getting his J.D. he spent time in the U.S. Navy, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
* He's currently semi-retired, though works as the Senior Counsel to Curtis, Thaxter Stevens Broder & Micoleu. (He is a member of the Maine Bar.)
* He owns a residence in Sarasota, Florida. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_M._Curtis, http://www.curtisthaxter.com/attorney_detail.php?a=48

Involvement in Democratic Party
* Secretary of State in Maine from 1965-1966.
* Maine's Governor from 1967-1974.
* US Ambassador to Canada (1979-1981),
* DNC National Chairman from 1977-1978.
* Thanks to his role as former DNC chair, he is not just a superdelegate, but a "Distinguished Party Leader," a distinction reserved for former DNC chairs, past Democratic presidents and vice-presidents, former Democratic Speakers of the House, etc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_M._Curtis,
http://www.curtisthaxter.com/attorney_detail.php?a=48, http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/so-what-is-distinguished-party-leader.html

Personal political interests and issues
* In the 1970's, Curtis served on the National Governors' Conference as the Chairman of the Environmental Task Force.
* According to his firm's website, he's represented clients in "energy matters," among others. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_M._Curtis, http://www.curtisthaxter.com/attorney_detail.php?a=48

Involvement in 2008 election - campaign appearances, statements
* Mr. Curtis endorsed Hillary Clinton on October 3rd, 2007. He has not appeared in a prominent role in her campaign. http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=3545
* Mr. Strong has currently been stripped of his super-delegate status, because he is no longer a registered voter in Maine, and currently resides in Florida, which has currently been stripped of its delegates
* "Yesterday Tom Walsh of the Ellsworth American reported that Maine was going to lose two of their superdelegates because they were no longer registered to vote in Maine.... Curtis has pledged his support for Hillary Clinton. Even as a Distinguished Party Leader, if a superdelegate is from Florida or Michigan they do not get a vote. DNC Rule 9A (5) confirm [sic] that as a Florida resident Curtis has lost his superdelegate vote." http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/02/superdelegate-from-maine-moves-to-fl.html
* "Kenneth Curtis, a former two-term Maine governor, has found himself on the short end of the delegate math. Curtis is a Democratic super delegate by virtue of his position as a former DNC chairman. Two years ago, he left Maine and moved to Sarasota, Fla., "for the weather." Now, Curtis is out in the cold because the DNC has stripped Florida -- along with Michigan -- of all its delegates..... Curtis, a Clinton supporter, said he finds the DNC's sanctions "troubling" and will skip the national convention in Denver if the Florida primary isn't resolved. "Unless my vote counts, I don't think I can go through all the hoopla of a national convention again," said Curtis, 77." http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-03-12-superdelegates_N.htm
* "Superdelegate with Maine ties ineligible." http://www.bangordailynews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=161108&zoneid=500

Contributions to Candidates
* According to the FEC's campaign donation site, Curtis donated $500 on September 30th, 200y7 to Tom Allen's Senate race (Maine '08 Race). http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/norindsea.shtml
* Also according to the site, Curtis made a 1999 Donation to "Bill Bradley for President" in the amount of $250. http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/norindsea.shtml

Family's Involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* According to Curtis, "the whole family" was active.

Previous Campaign Work
* Curtis says, "I worked on the Kerry campaign.
* Probably the one I worked the most on was for Jimmy Carter. He and I had served together as governors and we're close friends."
* He also campaigned for Bobby Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, and Walter Mondale.

Connections to Politicians, Leaders On State Level
* Curtis was a prominent state individual himself, serving as Maine's governor from 1967-1974. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Curtis, http://www.curtisthaxter.com/attorney_detail.php?a=48

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Joyce Cusack
Democratic state representative, House of Representatives, 27th District
Florida

Basic Bio
* Cusack (nee Cummings) was raised by a mother who worked two jobs to provide a better life for her daughters. During her youth, was active in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, helping to organize sit-ins. At the same time, Cusack went to school, became a nurse and continued her education while working, eventually earning a B.A. in psychology. Has maintained an interest in public health and women's rights. http://www.nieworld.com/special/hotcold/qtoz/women1.htmhttp://www.cfnews13.com/Features/BlackHistory/2008/2/16/joyce_cusack.htmlhttp://www.myfloridahouse.gov/SEctions/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4236&SessionId=54
* Cusack has always been active in her community, serving as a community nurse and school nurse in Volusia County. http://www.nieworld.com/special/hotcold/qtoz/women1.htm
* Has been married to Charles Cusack for over 40 years; he is a deacon in the Greater Union First Baptist Church in Deland (FL) and a staff member of the Frank Mack Funeral Home, also in Deland, a family business. http://www.jecss.com/staff.aspx
* The Cusacks have two grown daughters and three grandchildren. http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/SEctions/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4236&SessionId=54

Political interests and issues
* Cusack has strong community ties in Volusia County and her district (which goes beyond county lines). As a registered nurse, she has been an advocate of parental rights and public health. http://www.nieworld.com/special/hotcold/qtoz/women1.htm
* Member of the Orange City Chamber of Commerce, Democratic Club NW Volusia, the DeLand Chamber of Commerce, and the Athens Business & Professional Women, Inc. Also served on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association and the Florida Hospital DeLand Board of Directors. http://209.85.207.104/search?q=cache:jr1Em29hUwEJ:www.myfloridahouse.com/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx%3FMemberId%3D4236+joyce+cusack+fl+legislature&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a
* In local government, before her election to the state legislature, Cusack served on the DeLand Economic Development Board (1992-1996); was also a member of the charter review committee, airport task force, and a community task force that helped secure block grants. http://www.nieworld.com/special/hotcold/qtoz/women1.htm
* Has long been a proponent of the ERA in Florida, still actively advocating for its passage. http://www.eraflorida.org/era/florida.cfm?sect=supp

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Cusack is a current member of the DNC. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/campaign08/primaries/2008_superdelegates.html
* Was elected to the National Democratic Committee in early 2001.
* Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, unseating the incumbent Republican, Pat Patterson, in her first foray into electoral politics. This is her last two-year term, as mandated by term limits in Florida http://www.nieworld.com/special/hotcold/qtoz/women1.htm
* Became the state's Democratic leader pro tempore in 2006 and is serving a two-year term in this position. http://www.myfloridahouse.com/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4236
* Cusack served on the Florida Democratic Party, State Executive Committee, from 1988-1999. http://209.85.207.104/search?q=cache:jr1Em29hUwEJ:www.myfloridahouse.com/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx%3FMemberId%3D4236+joyce+cusack+fl+legislature&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a
* Was named Florida School Health Legislator of the Year in 2001. http://209.85.207.104/search?q=cache:jr1Em29hUwEJ:www.myfloridahouse.com/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx%3FMemberId%3D4236+joyce+cusack+fl+legislature&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a
* Reelection in 2006 was supported in an editorial in the Daytona Beach News Journal (10-12-06), so her name is known and she has been a popular official. http://www.news-journalonline.com/pol/2006/joycecusack.htm
* Was quoted on BBC re: Howard Dean's election to Chair of DNC. She supported Dean because he represented a move back toward the roots of the Democratic Party: Cusack, a Florida delegate, said: "We are trying so hard to be like Republicans and we're not. "I think Howard Dean says clearly that we are different. We are the party of ordinary citizens and not the elite; we are everyday working folk." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4259291.stm
* One of the HuffPost bloggers quoted her about the Florida election delegate mess: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/29/clinton-camp-ignores-crit_n_83857.html
* Has criticized Florida Govenor Crist's refusal to fund a re-vote for the FL primary: "Without some answers to some very serious questions, I do have a problem with the statement," she said. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-flafldelegates0306sbmar06,0,6653959.story
* Is a client of Goodwin Simon Victoria Research, a public opinion/polling/political research company with a long and mostly liberal roster of other clients. http://www.gsvresearch.com/clients.html
* Seems well-known locally - there may well be other archived articles about her or some in local press that are not on-line since she's been so active within her community.

Involvement in the 2008 Election
* Cusack delared for Obama 2-12-08: http://www.politico.com/superdelegates/latestupdates.html

Family's Involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* As far as I can tell, her family has been nonpolitical, although she started her activism, in both civil rights and women's rights, as a young woman. (see above for references)

Previous Campaign Work and Experience
* Cusack worked served as Volusia County Campaign Chair for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith, who lost to the current Governor Crist in 2006. Also on Smith's steering committee. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2006/08/smith_supporter.html
* Was an unpledged DNC delegate to the 2004 Democratic Convention. http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P04/FL-D.phtml

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Diane Glasser
First Chair State Democratic committee
Florida

Basic Bio
* Glasser grew up in the Mill Basin section of Brooklyn NY.
* In 1973 moved to Tamarac Florida with her husband, a 100 percent disabled veteran of WWII.
* Worked in the construction industry for twelve years.
* Glasser's husband, who was unable to work, actively promoted veterans' causes in Florida and met many politicians through his advocacy. Diane often went to events with him.
* When Glasser stopped working, she didn't want to sit around the pool, and began volunteering for the democratic party locally.
* Has moved up step by step and now is First Vice Chairwoman of the State party.
* Son Craig is Deputy Sheriff Palm Beach County and her daughter in law Lori is also an active democrat (was before she married in to the family)
* Has another son who knows everything about politics via C Span. Her one granddaughter is studying law at Harvard. (phone conversation 3/18)

Political interests and issues
* Died in the wool democrat. Active for 34 years. No sign of slowing down.
* Will do what has to be done to support the party. Reflected in her "undecided" this year and in every year in which she's been involved in the past. (phone conversation 3/18)

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* "I've always been a Democrat. I will die as a Democrat," (Hubert Humphrey dinner)
* In 2000, Broward gave Al Gore his biggest margin among Florida counties. He won 67% of the vote there, while losing the state to George W Bush by 537 votes.
* Received Hubert Humphrey award from state party October 2007

* At 79, Glasser doesn't have any interest in slowing down. Served a single term on the Tamarac city commission in the 1990s, and is now campaigning for a commission seat in the November 2008 election.

Pledged Status
* Glasser said she goes back and forth between Clinton and Obama. If one candidate ends the primary season with a big lead in delegates, but not enough to clinch, Glasser said, "that won't affect me. I really want to see how they portray themselves in the next one or two debates."
* When reached late last week, superdelegate Glasser of Florida offered a seemingly surprising answer when asked what she had heard from the campaigns. "I have heard from a lot of reporters all over this country, but I haven't heard from either one of those camps," she said. "That's the truth. They may be taking me for granted. I'm a white, older woman. They may be assuming I'm obviously going one way. I've got neighbors, friends, family trying to convince me, but nobody from the campaigns." South Florida Sun sentinel

Involvement in the 2008 Election
* Because of the lack of a Florida campaign, Broward County Democratic activist and uncommitted superdelegate Diane Glasser said the Jan. 29 results don't carry much weight with her.
* Here is Glasser's story of the seating of the Florida delegation.
o The Republican legislature moved the date from February 5 to January 29. Democrats tried to do something about it and couldn't. The punitive measures taken by the DNC are the result of the election for DNC chair in 2004. Florida sat with the southern caucus. There were 8 candidates for chair, among them Don Fowler. Diane was at this meeting. Florida strongly supported Howard Dean, and they voted first. There was then a roll of votes for Dean, who won. Fowler blamed Florida for his loss. (he endorsed Clinton on Dec. 17, 2007) As head of the rules committee, he stripped the state of all its delegates. (The republicans just cut the Republican delegates in half). Diane says that Fowler is probably responsible for the dilemma now. As a superdelegate, she's heard the position on whether or not supers will be seated if the elected delegates are not "both ways." phone conversation 3/18)

Family's involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* Children are now involved.(phone conversation 3/18)

Previous Campaign Work and Experience
* 34 years see above

Connections to Politicians, Leaders on State Level
* Glasser is Ms. Florida Democrat

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George C. "Chuck" Hohlke, Junior
Chair of the Florida Congressional District 25 (CD-25) Democratic Party Caucus Florida

Basic Bio
* President and Market Research Director of Fraser & Mohlke Associates, a research and public relations firm in Naples established in 1984, providing a range of market research, marketing, and public relations services to Collier County's business community and its local governments.
* Chuck has served as the Chair of Collier County's Democratic Executive Committee since 1988 and as Collier's State Committeeman since 1998. H
* Is a member of the Florida Democratic Party's Central Committee and its Affirmative Action, Judicial and Rules Committees. Mohlke also serves as Chair of the Florida Congressional District 25 (CD-25) Democratic Party Caucus. He was elected to the Democratic National Committee in 2000 and reelected in 2004.

Political interests and issues
* This month we asked the leaders of the local Republican (Carla Dean) and Democratic (Chuck Mohlke) parties to share with us their views on healthcare reform. With a new formal proposal for universal health care once again before the Congress - and from your perspective as local party chair - do you think it could pass?
o Chuck Mohlke: Yes, I do. A public-private partnership that provides for health choices, ensuring that all Americans have affordable health insurance, is certain to be the next major development in improving healthcare by lowering costs and improving quality for the 47 million Americans without insurance coverage and the additional millions that are burdened with costly, inadequate coverage.
* What role should the local party organizations play in decision-making on the local and state levels?
o Chuck Mohlke: In respect to healthcare reform, local parties should continue to advocate removing hidden healthcare costs that lead to increased insurance premiums, and stress prevention and focus on efficiency to improve the quality of healthcare. They can and should argue that health plans must ensure that job loss or family illnesses will never lead to a loss of coverage and that no American should be denied coverage, refused renewal, be unfairly priced out of the market or forced to pay excessive insurance company premiums. By strongly advocating these sensible policies, local party organizations can influence the actions of their elected officials in the making of new public policy on health care.
o "It is an honor to choose the members of the Affirmative Action Committee, and I'm elated that these twelve fantastic, diverse people have accepted this important duty," Thurman said. "The Democratic Party is committed to representing all Floridians -- African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian/Pacific American, Caucasian, disabled, GLBT, men and women alike."
* The Affirmative Action Committee is charged with reviewing the proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans, as well as the Party's inclusion programs and making recommendations to the Chair. This select group also plays a key role on the overall implementation of the Delegate Selection Plan, ensuring adherence to the requirements of the Affirmative Action Plan and inclusion programs, and guaranteeing an open and fair process.

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Florida Democratic Party's Central Committee and its Affirmative Action, Judicial and Rules Committees. Mohlke also serves as Chair of the Florida Congressional District 25 (CD-25) Democratic Party Caucus.
* Was elected to the Democratic National Committee in 2000 and reelected in 2004.

Pledged Status
* Clinton

Involvement in the 2008 Election
* Mohlke, Collier County Democratic Party chairman, said some have suggested an alternate form of delegate selection, most likely caucuses. That process, however, could face stiff opposition from state party leaders who say their votes already have been cast. "Some people (in the party) are becoming very nervous," Mohlke said. "The idea of having a protracted contest is of concern to some. Having a presumptive nominee has a way of cleaning up the process quickly. That is looking more and more like a dim prospect." (NaplesNews.com)

Connections to Politicians, Leaders on State Level
* Bill Nelsen, Florida

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Allan Katz

Florida

Basic Bio
* Currently an attorney in private practice, Katz's professional affiliation with the Democratic Party dates back to the early seventies when he served as Legislative Assistant to Congressman Bill Gunter (1972-1974).
* American University Washington College of Law, J.D., 1974
* University of Missouri - Kansas City, B.A., 1969
* Shareholder, Akerman Senterfitt. Katz's City Commission bio (source) states that he is the Managing Partner of Akerman Senterfitt, which is a slight misstatement. Katz was, in fact, the Managing Partner of Katz, Kutter, Alderman & Bryant, P.A. from 1987-2004, after which the firm joined Akerman Senterfitt. (source)
* His industry experience includes Banking, Health Care and Insurance.
* Missouri Bar, 1974
* Florida Bar, 1979
* Member, American Bar Assoc.
* Florida Municipal Electric Association, Board Member . Katz does not appear on the FMEA's Board of Directors webpage(source)
* The Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend, Board Member .
* Sponsors of the BGCBB include Bank of America, Microsoft and the Taco Bell foundation; no connection to Mr. Katz was found, a listing of Board Members on the BGCBB's site does not include his name. (source)
* Democratic National Committee, Member
* Citizens Property Insurance, Board Member. There is no mention of Katz on the CPI website, nor does his name appear on their 2008 budget. (source)
* Ranked 'Senior Statesman' in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business . (source)
* The Best Lawyers in America 2006-2008 , Insurance Law (source)
* Unless otherwise noted, all information in this section comes from Mr. Katz's professional profile at Akerman Senterfitt. (source)

Political interests and issues
* Served as the first Chairman of the State of Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association, which the Tallahassee City Commission biography describes as "a unique Medical Malpractice No-Fault Compensation System." (source)
* In 1990, Katz served as a member of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, a constitutionally created entity charged with reviewing state tax and budget matters and proposing changes to the state constitution.
* In 2005, Katz was the only City Commissioner to vote against (4-1) participating in the permitting phase of a proposed Taylor County coal-burning electrical plant. The Pelican, Summer * According to Katz's own site, during his 2006 re-election campaign he received endorsements from groups and entities including: The Tallahassee Democrat; the NW Florida Federation of Labor, Big Bend branch; the Big Bend Sierra Club; the Tallahassee Professional Firefighters Assoc. and the Tallahassee Board of Realtors. (source)
* Professional recognitions given to the firm of Akerman Senterfitt include:
* Recipient of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association's 2006 Thomas L. Sager Award, which honors the law firm demonstrating and sustaining the highest commitment to improving the hiring, retention and promotion of minority and women attorneys.
* Ranked #1 law firm in the nation for Hispanic Americans by MultiCultural Law magazine in 2005 and 2006.
* AmLaw Top 200 Firm - Ranked #108.
* Featured as a "Go-To Law Firm® for Financial Services Companies" in Corporate Counsel, 2007. (source)

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* DNC member since 2004.
* Elected to Tallahassee City Commission in 2002.
* Currently serving as Mayor Pro-Tem of Tallahassee.
* State of Florida Insurance Department, Assistant Insurance Commissioner
* State of Florida Insurance Department, General Counsel
* U.S. House of Representatives Commission on Administrative Review , General Counsel, 1976 - 1978
* Worked for Congressman David Obey as Legislative Director, 1975 - 1976
* Worked for Congressman Bill Gunter as Legislative Assistant , 1972 - 1974 (source)

Pledged Status
* Has pledged support for Obama, but states that the role of the superdelegates should be to ratify the will of the popular vote and, should Clinton emerge with more primary votes and delegates than Obama, Katz has said that he: "...certainly would not participate in any activity to reverse that decision." --Palm Beach Post, 2/18/2008(source)

Involvement in the 2008 Election
* Katz calls the DNC draft plan for a new mail-in primary "delusional"; stating, "the likelihood of this being pulled off without lawsuits galore is, I think, very remote. They have no chance of doing this right; only the chance of another election fiasco in Florida." New York Times, 3/12/2008 (source)
* Katz is a member of Barack Obama's national finance committee. (source)

Contributions
* Mr. Katz donated $2,300 to Obama in 2007.
* $2000 to John Kerry, 2004
* $500 to Bob Graham, 2004
* $250 to Howard Dean, 2004 (source)
* $500 to Rep. David Loebsack (D -IA), 12/25/2007
* $500 to Code Blue, an Indiana-based PAC: "...its stated purpose: to elect [Fort Wayne County School] board members who will set achievement milestones needed to comply with federal law and to balance the needs of the district and taxpayers alike." Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, 11/17/2008(source)
* $500 to Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), 4/26/2006
* $2,000 to Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), 12/23/2005
* A complete list of Mr. Katz's political contributions dating back to 1990 can be found at Newsmeat.com (source), it shows contributed exclusively to Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Max Cleeland, and Harold Ford.

State Connections What prominent state individuals have they worked for?
* Fmr. Congressman David Obey
* Fmr. Congressman Bill Gunter

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Raul Martinez

Former Mayor

Florida

Basic Bio
* Born on March 6, 1949 to a working-class family in Santiago, Cuba.
* "Troubled by the rise of communism and political persecution, Raul's parents, Leonides and Aida, moved the family to South Florida in 1960. " http://www.raulmartinez.org
* Graduated from Miami Senior High School.
* Received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raul_L._Martinez

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* In 1977 he was elected to the Hialeah City Council.
* In 1981, Martinez was elected mayor and re-elected in 1983. In 1985 he became the first Hialeah mayor in 44 years to run unopposed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raul_L._Martinez
* Was re-elected, in 1987 and in 1989 he was elected to a four-year term. The 1993 re-election was his 6th mayoral victory. Martinez was again re-elected mayor in 1997 and 2001 where for the second time in his career ran unopposed. He has run and won 9 times as Mayor of Hialeah.
* In 20 years "he revitalized the economy of what was once a low income industrial city resulted in the creation of over 18,000 new jobs; a 13% drop in unemployment; and a series of balanced budgets, all while keeping taxes and municipal interest rates low."
* "Forged relationships with business leaders from around the world to design commerce expansion programs. Over 3,400 new managerial jobs were created and Hialeah is now the fifth largest city in Florida with a booming business sector and high quality neighborhoods."
* Worked closely with school principals and teachers to ensure that Hialeah's students were getting their fair share of quality educational services. Hialeah is recognized as having the finest public parks, recreational systems, and fire and police services in the state of Florida. Raul's award-winning elderly living and affordable housing programs were built using a combination of innovative funding sources and today is a national model of excellence.
* The Florida League of Cities honored Martinez with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
* In 2006, a unanimous vote, led by Mayor Julio Robaina and Hialeah's commission, renamed its city hall "Raul L. Martinez Government Center." last year, a bipartisan commission, led by Republican State Legislator, Eddy Gomez, named a portion of a city road "Raul L. Martinez Way." http://www.raulmartinez.org

Personal Political Interests and Issues
* 20 years ago - in 1989 Mayor Martinez was to have run against State Senator Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in Florida's 18th congressional district, left vacant after the death of Claude Pepper.
* State Senator Ros-Lehtinen's husband, Dexter Lehtinen, the acting US Attorney for South Florida initiated an investigation on alleged accusations of extortion and racketeering. In 1990, he presented his findings to a grand jury that indicted Martinez on eight charges of extortion and racketeering.
* The indictment led to Raul Martinez's suspension from office and trial. In July 1991, Martinez was convicted for six counts of conspiracy, extortion and racketeering and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Martinez appealed the decision and the appellate judges ordered a new trial in 1994, citing" flawed jury instructions and blatant jury misconduct". The mayor's second trial ended March 26, 1996 in a hung jury. And the third trial, which began April 22, 1996, resulted in a acquittal (Not Guilty) on one count of extortion and deadlocked on five remaining counts (by a vote of 11 to 1 in favor of an acquittal).
* The U.S. Attorney at that time, Kendall Coffey, (a Clinton appointee who was confirmed by a Republican U.S. Senate) ultimately dropped the remaining five charges. The Justice Department then opened a case against Mr. Lehtinen on charges of "misconduct" and potential conflicts of interest for investigating a "a potential political rival of his wife. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raul_L._Martinez
* On January 21, 2008, Mr. Martinez announced his intention to run in the November 2008 election for the Florida 21st congressional district seat presently held by eight-term Republican Lincoln Diaz-Balart. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raul_L._Martinez
* Martinez held a fundraiser for Hilary Clinton in the fall of 2007. http://www.noagenda.org/2007/09/hillarys_new_fundraiser.php

Invovlement in 2008 Election - Campaign Appearances, Statements
* Martinez is a member of the Clinton Campaign's Mayor's Council: Which is made up of more than 100 current and former mayors from across the country, the Mayors Council will advise the campaign on policy and outreach. The council represents a broad cross-section of America, including urban, rural and suburban cities and towns that reflect the nation's diversity. http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id

Family's Involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* Martinez's sister-in-law, Maria del Pilar "Lula" Rodriguez, was the personal assistant to Reno at the Justice Department in Washington. (Before) she had been in charge of the Miami office of Democratic Sen. Bob Graham. http://www.noagenda.org/2007/09/hillarys_new_fundraiser.php, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raul_L._Martinez
* Was the Parliamentarian to the 2004 Democratic Convention in Boston.

Previous Campgain Work
* Has received numerous gubernatorial appointments amongst them the Florida State Commission on Hispanic Affairs from 1979 to 1982, where he was elected Chairman in 1981, and on the Governor's Commission on the Statewide Prosecutor's Function from 1984 to 1985.
* In 1985, he was appointed by then Governor and current U.S. Senator Bob Graham to the Democratic Policy Commission's Roundtable on Defense and Foreign Policy, as well as to the State Comprehensive Planning Committee.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raul_L._Martinez
* Martinez is a past-president of the Dade County League of Cities, the Florida League of Cities and served on the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities.
* Chairman of the South Florida Employment and Training Consortium and was the founding vice-chairman of the Beacon Council, a Miami-Dade County development agency composed of public and private sector leaders.
* The Mayor also served on the High Speed Rail Franchise and Environmental Review Committee.

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Janee Murphy
Secretary- FL Democratic Party
Florida

Florida Dems

Basic bio
* Works as a consultant in Hillsborough County Florida.

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Murphy served as Hillsborough DEC Chairwoman.
* Murphy was accused of fiscal mismanagement despite the controversy still enjoyed support on the DEC.
* Many prominent Hillsborough Democrats left the DEC shortly after her victory in 2003, alienated by what they describe as her abusive treatment of others on the Executive Committee.
* Murphy lists among her accomplishments, increasing and diversifying membership, and creating a "Farm Team" of future candidates and party activists.
--(all of the above from --Creative Loafing 7/20/05, Can this Donkey be Saved? By Mitch Perry)
* Murphy currently serves as Secretary of the Florida Democratic Party. She is a member of the Democratic National Committee and served as a Delegate to Democratic National Convention in 2004. Murphy is formerly the Chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Executive Committee

Involvement in 2008 election- campaign appearances, statements
* Murphy remains undecided, voted personally for Barack Obama but has said will use her superdelagate vote to do what's best for Florida.

Contributions to Candidates
* Murphy gave $2300 to Barack Obama
Huffington Post

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Bill Nelson

United States Senator

Florida

Basic Bio
* Florida's own Bill Nelson was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2000, after serving six years as a member of the Florida Cabinet.
* Currently serves on the Senate Commerce, Armed Services, Budget, Foreign Relations, Intelligence, and Aging committees and is recognized as the leading congressional expert on NASA.
* Nelson's public service career began in 1972, with his election to the Florida Legislature.
* During his three terms, helped enact the nation's first state law to protect consumers from computer fraud and advocated for responsible growth management laws.
* Elected to the U.S. Congress in 1978, he served six terms representing Orlando and the Space Coast and became an early advocate for a balanced federal budget.
* In January 1986, Nelson spent six days orbiting Earth as a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Columbia. That experience gave him a new perspective on the Earth's fragile environment and a greater appreciation of the importance of our nation's space exploration program.
* In 1994, Nelson was elected to the Florida Cabinet as state Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal. During his six years in the post, he earned his reputation as a common-sense problem solver and strong consumer advocate by fighting to keep insurance rates affordable for homeowners, cracking down on life and burial insurance sales abuses that targeted the elderly and minorities, and forcing European insurers to honor unpaid Holocaust-era claims.
* A fifth-generation Floridian, Nelson was born in Miami on Sept. 29, 1942, and educated in Melbourne's public schools.
* Has been married to his wife, Grace, since 1972 and has two grown children, Nan Ellen and Bill Jr. http://billnelson.senate.gov/about/biography.cfm

Political interests and issues
* Offshore drilling: Senator Nelson, along with Senator Mel Martinez, has introduced legislation that will permanently protect Florida from the threat of offshore drilling. By providing a long-term guarantee to keep oil and gas rigs at least 260 miles off Tampa Bay, this bipartisan legislation safeguards Florida's unique environment, the state's tourism-dependent economy and the nation's essential military training ranges in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. This move by Senators Nelson and Martinez is receiving praise from key members of Florida's congressional delegation, as well as from consumer and environmental organizations. A staunch defender of Florida's coastline in the past, Senator Nelson has been at the forefront of previous efforts that successfully blocked attempts to open the eastern Gulf to drilling.
* Disaster Relief: In the wake of the 2004 hurricane season, Senator Nelson helped secure approximately $14 billion in federal aid for victims of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan. Following Hurricane Wilma, Nelson once again worked to ensure that Floridians got the assistance they needed. Continues to monitor the relief efforts of FEMA and has offered legislation to improve and streamline the agency's ability to serve victims of disasters
* Medicare: Additionally, Senator Nelson has filed legislation aimed at maintaining equal access to the Medicare program. The Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2005 would prevent doctors from charging "access fees" on top of Medicare payments in exchange for continued treatment. Allowing this growing practice to continue unfettered could contribute to the looming shortage of doctors available to serve low - and middle-income beneficiaries.
* The Iraq War: As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Bill Nelson traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan in January 2002 with Sens. John McCain and Joseph Lieberman during the first congressional visit to the war zone. Nelson returned to Afghanistan in March 2002 and met with American military leaders and soldiers fighting the war on terrorism. Many of them were sent from Florida, which is home to several military bases central to the war effort, including U.S. Central Command in Tampa. During his visit Nelson met also with the leaders of Pakistan and India, as the United States increases its efforts to ease tensions between the two nations.
* Social Justice: Before his election to the Senate in November of 2000, Nelson served as Florida's treasurer and insurance commissioner in a job that pitted him against international insurance companies due to his aggressive efforts to recover what is owed to survivors of Nazi brutality. As a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Nelson has strengthened the U.S. oversight of programs compensating Holocaust survivors. He helped get a tax exemption on Holocaust restitution payments, and successfully sought extra time for victims to file claims against insurers. http://billnelson.senate.gov/issues/

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* 2000 elected into U.S. Senate
* 1994 elected to the Florida Cabinet as state Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal
* 1978 elected to U.S. Congress
* 1972 elected to the Florida Legislature http://billnelson.senate.gov/about/biography.cfm.
* In January 1986, he became the second member of Congress to travel into space when he spent six days orbiting Earth as a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Columbia. That experience gave him a new perspective on the Earth's fragile environment and a greater appreciation of the importance of our nation's space exploration program.http://billnelson.senate.gov/about/biography.cfm.

Pledged Status
* January 29, 2008, Senator Bill Nelson does what political analysts have speculated for months and endorses Hillary Clinton for President. Senator Nelson is well respected in the state of Florida and his endorsement is huge for the Clinton camp. http://www.topix.com/city/miami-fl/2008/01/florida-democratic-senator-bill-nelson-endorses-hillary-clinton

Involvement in the 2008 Election
* Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) warned the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Thursday that it is facing the "biggest train wreck you've ever seen" if a standoff is not resolved over his state's pledged delegates to the party's presidential nominating convention. Nelson sent a letter to DNC Chairman Howard Dean Thursday asking the committee to either accept the Jan. 29 results of the primary election or pay for a redo of the elections, which he said could cost in the range of $20 million. Nelson said he sent the letter after Dean did not return his telephone call Wednesday. A DNC official said Dean returned the call, but failed to reach Nelson. "If they go to the Democratic Convention and stiff-arm the Florida delegations, how in the world do you think Floridians are going to support the Democratic nominee on Nov. 4?" Nelson told reporters Thursday. "It's in everybody's interest to find a solution to this problem." http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/sen.-bill-nelson-paints-florida-train-wreck-scenario-2008-03-06.html

Family's Involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* 1829: Bill Nelson's maternal grandfather immigrated to America from Denmark, settling near Chipley, Florida.
* 1915: Nelson's paternal grandfather, Charles Hart Nelson, moved to Florida from Chicago and homesteaded on a patch of sandy soil that is now on the Kennedy Space Center. Charles Nelson's youngest son, C.W. Nelson, was a high school principal in Melbourne before entering the first law class at the University of Miami, 1926- 1929. http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/
* Florida Consumer Action Network
* Florida Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police
* Florida Police Benevolent Association
* Florida Professional Firefighters Association
* International Union of Police Associations
* League of Conservation Voters
* Sierra Club
* American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
* Florida AFL-CIO
* National Association of Social Workers
* National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
* Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County
* Retired Employees Association of the Consolidated City of Jacksonville http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/newsroom/releases/?id=6

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Rudolph Parker
Florida

Basic bio * Rudy Parker worked in a paper mill for 36 yrs. * Rudy has been retired for 12 yrs now. * Rudy lives and works on a farm in Perry, FL. * Rudy serves as a County commissioner in Taylor County Florida.

Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Rudy currently serves as Treasurer of the FL Democratic Party.
* Rudy served as Chair of the county Democratic Executive Committee for several years.

Personal political interests and issues
* Mr. Rudy Parkerhas served as spokesman for not only Taylor County, but the entire group of counties that make up the FL Democratic Party Small County Coalition. The Coalition not only represents the needs of small counties to the State, but presents workshops and training seminars across the state for small county members.

Involvement in 2008 election - campaign appearances, statements
* Rudy supported John Edwards and has remained undecided between Obama and Clinton.

Family's Involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* Rudy has been interested in politics from a young age.

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