The “Florida situation”
Normally a state Green Party chapter would be happy to have an extra $10,000 in the bank. The good folks in the Green Party of Florida are a bit concerned because that extra $10,000 came in the form of filing fees from five people unknown to the Florida Greens. Now, because of recent changes in state law put forward by the Republicans from that state, apparently anyone can run as a Green, even if the Green Party does not know them from Adam’s house cat. Is that a problem? Maybe. Maybe not. To learn a bit more about this situation and what’s involved, hit the “Read more—>” link below…
First of all, who are we talking about? Well, the candidates are Horacio Lemus IV, Sarah Roman, Aniana Robas, Kristina Wright and Anthony Joseph Mauro. I have left a message at what I think is Sarah Roman’s home, and what I think is her cell phone number, and sent her a message through what seems to be her page at the social networking site My Yearbook, but so far have gotten no reply.
While there is some concern that these folks may not be on the up-and-up, there is considerable sentiment that the Florida Greens will take things slow, and not jump to conclusions. Comments at Tampa Bay.com seem pretty firm in the conviction that there are Republican boogie men behind the whole thing, but we Greens would do well to remember that we have been accused of being Republican tools since the founding of the party.
Folks at the Hernando County Greens have attempted to reach Roman in person, but so far have not been able to connect. Again, not what you might like, for we all would like to see all our candidates available and willing to meet, but the law does not require it, so who knows? The first notice I could find of Roman’s interest in the race was also at Tampa Bay.com and was published on June 20th. Since then both Tampa Bay.com and their local rival, Hernando Today have been trying to get more details, as have I. Interestingly enough, Ms. Roman seems to have been the recipient of a scholarship offered by the St. Petersburg Times She also has served as a “student ambasador” at Pasco-Hernando Community College. Details at the Florida Dept of State lists Roman’s address, but not her phone number.
Here are some related links.
Horacio Lemus at imeem, a music social network site
This has got to be one of the more bizarre political situations I have ever seen. Five people have an epiphany to join the Green Party and run for office, nearly simultaneously. Not for local or federal office, all seeking seats on the FL state house or senate.
The five people who are running get almost no hits on internet searches, and except for the current situation, have no political hits at all. (If they are “plants”, which at least one of them denies, this would explain the oldest one being 28, and the others around 21…the younger you are the less you have done.)
I am curious if they are going to campaign, put up signs, go door to door, and if so what will their message be? If they don’t, then will the mere presence of their names on the ballot be worth the effort/money so far expended?
As to the law that has allowed this to happen, it could come back to bite the authors. What is to stop a party or individual from using the LP or CP to take votes away from repubs ?
BTW…if any republicans are reading this, feel free to visit my website and click on the contribution button. Don’t forget the disclosure information, and thank you in advance for your generous donation!