I'd like to tell you about my friend, Rick Ford. He's an attorney from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and a longtime progressive Democrat. He's running for the Florida State House in District 83. District 83 is a very split district. George W. Bush and Al Gore tied at 49% in 2000 and the district has been trending Democrat through the years. It encompasses Jupiter Farms, Jupiter Island, Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, Loxahatchee, and Palm Beach.
Rick reminds me a lot of Jon Tester. He's a Progressive Democrat and proud of it. He served as a co-director in Parma, Ohio for George McGovern's campaign in 1972. He's served as an officer on our local Democratic Executive Committee. He was Palm Beach County Volunteer Director for John Kerry in 2004.
He was an Air Force Captain in the Vietnam Era. He graduated from Howard University in 1976 (cum laude) and is now a solo practitioner and works mostly on public employee rights and workplace discrimination cases. This has won him wide support from labor unions. Now let's look at his opponent...
Rick's running against the richest man in the state legislature, incumbent Carl Domino valued at $37 million. He's also serves as a Majority Whip. His greatest accomplishments in the legislature have been supporting commemoration resolutions. Beyond that he serves only as a rubber stamp for Governor Bush's destructive policies.
He voted to lower teacher pay, he voted to deny legal foreign students in-state tuition, he voted to repeal the Intangibles Tax, he voted to delay the Everglades cleanup, the list goes on.
I know I'm preaching to the choir here but Rick needs help. This is one of the best opportunities for Florida Democrats to pick up a seat in the State House and work toward taking it back. Rick will be a strong progressive voice for change. His top priorities are:
Creating a World Class Education System in Florida, funding Stem Cell Research, and protecting Florida's fragile environment.
*As a side note, Carl Domino was ranked 109 of 120 in the State House by The League of Conservation Voters in 2004.
I hope no matter where in the country you are that you will give Rick a chance. You can check out his website for more info at http://www.rickford2006.com