Rod Smith takes gavel to lead Florida Democrats, vows comeback for party

[Freddie Stubbs]

January 08, 2011|By Scott Powers, Orlando Sentinel

Florida Democratic Party leaders on Saturday surveyed the wreckage from November's election, declared their ship still seaworthy and concluded that things can only get better for them.

"Today is the end of our period of mourning," said former state Sen. Rod Smith, elected new chairman of the state party at a Democratic State Executive Committee meeting at Gaylord Palms Resort in Osceola County.

"We have an enormous opportunity here in Florida today to start a turnaround that puts back in place a Democratic majority that we have enjoyed in the past here in Florida, will enjoy again," said Smith, who ran for lieutenant governor in November on the ticket with failed gubernatorial hopeful Alex Sink.
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It has been at least 12 years since the Democrats controlled the Governor's Mansion or either house in the Florida Legislature, but after the most recent election, they have almost no power in Tallahassee.

more: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-01-08/news/os-democrats-seek-new-start-20110108_1_democratic-county-chairs-karen-thurman-party-leaders

[William769]

1. Damn I hope so!

I long for the days Bob Graham