With Sen. Mel Martinez bowing out, ex-Gov. Jeb Bush passing the buck, and no strong GOP stepping up, Florida Democrats stand to gain a Senate Seat in the Sunshine State. State Senator Dan Gelber is set to announce his candidacy. As we celebrate an historic inauguration, it is fitting to reflect on Dan Gelber's Super-Delegate for Obama.
In early May, as passions were running fierce, Dan wrote:
Since the beginning of this primary slog I have been conflicted. I like both Obama and Clinton and believe either would be markedly better than the alternative. But only one can be the Democratic nominee and we have to end this sooner than later. As a superdelegate from the rogue state of Florida (currently under penalty from the DNC) my vote doesn't count. But if it did, I would say it's time to move on and choose Senator Barack Obama.
Later that month, Dan wrote:
I met up with the O-Train in Tampa on Wednesday where with little advance planning Senator Obama filled up the Forum in Tampa – easily 15,000 strong. The crowd seemed to be a cross section of everyday people. Young and old, every nationality and occupation. If anyone is wondering whether Obama has broad based appeal, just look to see who is showing up at his rallies. Having worked on previous statewide campaigns (including Presidential and Gubernatorial) when it is sometimes a struggle to get hundreds of people to show up – it is obvious that his message of change is both wide and deep.
Dan even called BS on some of the anti-Obama nonsense circulating on the web:
My first impulse was to simply dismiss without dignifying with response the viral emails circulating about Senator Obama. I couldn’t believe that people might actually embrace whatever trash comes in their inbox as if it were the truth. Then again, I guess there is a reason that Nigerian businessman keeps sending me email requests to send him my personal bank account information so that he can send me millions of dollars.
Since I endorsed Obama on this website ("I choose Obama" 5/7/08) I have received a few emails, and communications from Jewish constituents expressing displeasure with my choice. The reasons range from the bizarre ("I think he is with Hamas") to the absurd ("he is a Muslim AND a member of a Christian church"). Most of their information comes from emails.
My personal favorite was posted on Tuesday June 3rd:
I have listened to many public officials who thrive on fear and division, and others who succeed by studiously avoiding conflict or controversy. Senator Obama does neither, but simply inspires by appealing to our better angels and daring us to hope. What follows are his remarks this evening.
He had me at "Tonight."
Anyone who really wants to delve into the depths to which Dan Gelber analyzes an issue should check out "Senator Obama talks about loose nukes - hopefully people will listen." It's too long to post here (almost as long as a teacherken diary (Peace to Mr. Bernstein, one of my favorites on dKos).
On Saturday October 26th Dan was down on Miami Beach for the Obama Rally:
This election is about a lot of things... this is about tomorrow. This is about the next generation and what kind of country we're going to have and what kind of country we're going to give our children. That's what this election is about!
And as the Presidential Campaign comes full circle, Dan shares his deep understanding of what the election of President Obama means to others:
For me, I see President-Elect Obama as a generational figure – we are both in our late 40’s, two daughters of exactly the same age, a working spouse – so I see Obama, in many respects, as the best example of my generation stepping forward to serve.
But it is through the eyes of my little brother Travis that I see this event most clearly. Travis is not my real little brother, but my "little brother" from the Big Brothers program. I have been with him for 20 years, first meeting him when he was 6, an African American kid living with his aunt in a neighborhood that was long on pride but short on successes... I spent this morning with Travis at the Martin Luther King breakfast sponsored by my friend State Senator Frederica Wilson. I could see a palpable difference in him. Travis’ own expectations of himself are higher than ever.
Bottom line: Dan Gelber gets it.
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As FL Dems prepare to challenge a GOP Senate Seat, we have every reason to feel both confident and excited. The only other candidate is Rep. Kendrick Meek, an outstanding guy in his own right. Please check out Tally's Diaries for an impassioned perspective on Congressman Meek. Either way, we're going to get a great candidate.
But Dan Gelber rises above the fray and leads. He has a long track record of experience, a deep understanding of the issues, and a heartfelt commitment to responsible public service. He has vision and the ability to communicate how he sees the lay of the land. He knows what government must do in order to work for us.
FL-Sen 2010 promises to shape up and be one of the most important races of the next cycle.