The other night I went to hear State Senator Dan Gelber, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General here in Florida. I'd heard his stump speech before, so the content was a bit boring, but I liked the way he presented himself.
He acted like a front runner and had a coherent, viable approach to marketing himself over the next year. After thinking about it, I've decided to back Sen. Gelber in the primary.
CROSS POSTED FROM FLAPOLITICS.COM
Sen. Gelber is packaging himself as a hard-hitting populist fighter for The People against Special Interests. In my book, that's a winner.
As I've discussed before, he has the personality and personal history to back it up. Dan spoke passionately about New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's work and how it was a model for how he would approach the job.
Here's an excerpt from Cuomo's website to give you an idea of the things he's involved in.
Dan mentioned suing the state over adequate funding for education. He's already staged one media event pormoting the idea. While I applaud the chutzpah, I'm not positive this is the absolute best focus of his energy.
The New York Times had an article in its business section about a very explosive issue, especially here in Florida, that I think would be much more attractive in terms of electoral politics. Let me quote:
Newly empowered by the Supreme Court, the attorneys general of several states hit hard by the housing collapse are exploring consumer fraud suits against major mortgage lenders.
Frustrated by the banks’ inability or unwillingness to stop an avalanche of foreclosures, the states are considering lawsuits over the creation and marketing of millions of bad loans as well as the dismal pace of mortgage modifications.
Dan needs to remind people of the battle against the tobacco companies and how that won a windfall for the state. A suit against disreputable mortgage companies would not be as profitable, but it would certainly be popular.
The best part of this approach is its deep root in progressive politics. Dan made an interesting comment during his talk. He said, "You don't have to run as a Republican to win in Florida."
I appreciate the boldness of the statement even if it hasn't exactly been proven yet.
Certainly President Obama and Senator Bill Nelson won statewide recently, but both are pretty much one of a kind and it is not clear if others can repeat their approach.
And Alex Sink won her Chief Financial Officer seat by essentially running as a Republican if you remember her commercials emphasizing her fiscal conservatism.
I would love to see Dan run and win with a truly progressive campaign. That would be exhilarating.
So what about Dave Aronberg, Dan's primary opponent?
People familiar with my work know that in the past I've praised Sen. Aronberg and dissed Sen. Gelber. But there was always a context for either of those actions. I have always been drawn to the idea of people finding the political position that best matched their natural gifts.
I think by running for Attorney General Dan Gelber is doing just that. Not so for Dave.
I recently had a friend tell me that he was considering voting for Dave in the primary because of how personable he has been in his dealings with my friend. That's a great trait to have. It's served Gov. Charlie Crist exceptionally well.
Much of Dave's campaign for the AG has been centered around sexual predator issues, which is where the present Republican AG, Bill McCollum has also focused his campaigning activities.
Doesn't sound very progressive.
But, I think there is a great statewide opening that would be perfect for Dave Aronberg - Lieutenant Governor.
Men are often chosen for Number 2 positions like that for their boyish good looks. Dave definitely delivers on that one.
And think of the synergy when you pair him with Alex Sink.
In my previous piece on Gelber and marketing I made a jokey reference comparing Aronberg's persona with Ashton Kutcher. But let's remember who Kutcher's married to -- Demi Moore! Look at these two photos.
What with all the TV references to cougars . . .
This would be a KILLER 1-2 combo for the Dems.
If Senator Gelber beats Senator Aronberg in the next quarter fundraising again, then the Party needs to step in and talk to Dave about stepping out of the race.
Maybe CFO Sink could be persuaded to sweeten the negotiations by guaranteeing that Dave would be on her short list for Lt. Gov. picks.
This would free Dan up to run full steam ahead while the Republicans beat the heck out of each other. That primary is going to be as nasty as the Rubio-Crist one.
You know, I'm really liking how all of this is beginning to shape up. Election year 2010 is looking better and better.