Florida Dem senator whines to the BBC....threatens DNC.."mutually assured destruction."

[madfloridian]

Here is the Florida Senate leader again speaking out in a way that is so embarrassing. He just keeps on making it worse every time he opens his mouth.



Steve Geller said Florida Democrats were in a state of "utter confusion"

Florida Quandary

Florida's Democrats argue that it was not their fault. They say that the law bringing the primary date forward was passed by a Republican-majority legislature.

Even if they had wanted to protest, they did not have enough votes. (FALSE ARGUMENT: they did not have to win, they just had to try.)

"Florida is one of the two biggest swing states in the country," an angry Steve Geller told me, in his law firm's offices in Fort Lauderdale.

"I have polling data which suggests that at least a quarter of Democrats will stay at home in the general election - or vote for the republican candidate - if their votes are not counted in the nominating process.

"We are being given the death penalty by the Democratic National Committee, which - I have to say - will mean mutually assured destruction."

Hey, Bill Nelson tried that, too. He said if Florida did not get their way they may not vote.

Steve Geller must not realize just how much the rules committee had his number or he would sit down and hush...and let things take their course.

The DNC members had handouts that included quotes by House Minority leader Dan Gelber brushing off Howard Dean, and the following transcript of Steve Geller making the motion to move the primary to Feb. 5:

Geller: "...So the Democratic leader and the Democratic leader pro tem are jointly making this motion, which we will duly show them later, that we tried not to have the election on, um, before (Feb. 5).
President: "And so Sen. Geller are you urging a negative vote or would you like us to pass this vote?"
Geller: "Oh no sir. We really, really want this. Don't we senator? (sarcasm and audible laughter in chamber).

He is the same Democratic who threatened a lawsuit against IA, NH, NV, and SC...calling them terrorist rogue states.

Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller, who on Wednesday labeled Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina “terrorist, rogue states” for coercing Democratic presidential candidates not to campaign in Florida in advance of its Jan. 29 primary, on Thursday announced he will not be attending a Tallahassee fundraiser held by the head terrorist himself, Democratic chairman Howard Dean.

“He’s welcome in certain, small enclaves of the state,” Geller told the Q. “If you don’t have something nice to say about someone, you shouldn’t say anything at all. Therefore I will not go.”

Here is Steve wearing his "Size DOES Matter" button at the convention of Florida Democrats.



Florida Democrats need to stop whining, and they need to start letting us heal. I know of at least two county chairs who are having trouble finding help and volunteers.

I am willing to stop posting about this situation, if they will stop theatening and acting childish.

[bluerum]

1. Throw the POS out of the party. Just throw him out on the street.

[roguevalley]

31. you know, I've tried not to be pissed at Florida, chalking it up to their

dipshit state leadership. But this is beginning to burn my butt.

[calicat]

32. You really want to write off Florida??

Dammit, this is crucial. I do understand many Obama supporters feel it would be an unfair advantage if Florida is seated.

Can't we find a solution, like seating half the delgates? We all rail on about rule breakers but there are two sides to this.

Winning the White House is more important than grinding an axe.

[DaLittle Kitty]

41. Please... Define... WINNING!

[calicat]

59. Well, like, winning the election?

Shouldn't that be our goal?

[madfloridian]

53. Yes, I really do. We should not be permitted to vote until we learn how

to follow rules and stop lying to each other.

[calicat]

58. Should Democrats be allowed to vote in the GE?

I mean, you've deemed anything resembling a Florida Democrat to be an unsavory reptile too stupid or crooked to be allowed near a voting booth.

[DJ13]

2. If this guy doesnt look like a shyster selling condos.........

[DaLittle Kitty]

29. Steve, Karen, Bill, Wasserman-Schlitz... The Whole Rotten Bunch MUST BE EXCOMMUNICATED post haste!

Geller is a Fat, Stupid, Lazy, Ly'n PIECE OF SHIT... Karen Bill and wassChlitz all get same treatment!!!!!!!!!

[DaLittle Kitty]

30. Don't Forget Gelber Whpo Gave $5,000 Grand To The Fka. Repub Party Last Year! How Pathetic IS That?

Dump these REPUBLICRATS NOW!!!!!!!!

[madfloridian]

54. Dan Gelber gave 5000 to the Republicans? You are kidding.

Please tell me you are kidding.

[Dr.Phool]

34. I guess size does matter to this lardo.

Spoken through my beer belly and overweight ass.

[Cha]

3. Key phrase..."even if they wanted to protest"

they rolled over like little dinos and took their beatings and now they're whinging with attack dog undertones to bring down The People's Wing of the Democratic Party, the DNC..Chaired by the Honorble Guv Dean.

Wonder what Dean's saying to himself when he sees geller out there catapulting the dinoloser'sclub propoganda?

[madfloridian]

5. Rolled over 115 to 1.

[Cha]

11. Remind who that one person was, mad?

[madfloridian]

14. I think his name was Jack Sieler. He was the one no vote.

He voted his conscience.

[Cha]

23. Thanks, Jack Seiler..

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/SEctions/Representatives/...

I just read he's not running next year.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/theslant/b...

[madfloridian]

24. I found his words when he voted no.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/...

"But some, like state Rep. Jack Seiler, a Wilton Manors Democrat who was the only House member to vote against the bill, believe Florida's earlier primary will hurt underdog candidates who don't have enough money to compete in large media markets at an early stage. He's been impressed with former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, but hasn't yet endorsed anyone.

"You're essentially going to make this into a straight money race," Seiler said, benefiting "whomever comes out of 2007 with the most money to prepare for these large states."

Not a single person voted with him.

[Cha]

25. Wow! I just saved those words of Jack Seiler's

for posterity..thanks, mad.

Imagine what he's thinking now. I guess he doesn't want to be in politics anymore but if he did it would be nice to have a US Senator like him from Florida.

[Dr.Phool]

35. He's probably getting particular about who he associates with now.

[Cha]

38. No doubt!

[DaLittle Kitty]

42. Why Did They Not Follow Cause Unlike The Rest of The Lemmings From Both Sides Ol Jack Thinks For...

Himself! A unique concept... Resisting the "push" by the crooks... from both sides... Unique.

[DaLittle Kitty]

43. Oh... and Jack Liked John Edwards... Hmmmm Disagree w/ Richardson But Edwards... That's showing

some brains.

[nxylas]

15. To me, he looks like a fat Basil Fawlty

At least in the top photo in the OP.

[pampango]

4. Reminds me of "Don't mess with Texas". Hey we're a big state in Florida,

so we can get away with things that a small state wouldn't dare try.

Kind of like the really big companies that expect government bailouts when they fail "for the good of the economy", while the small companies are allowed to fail. I guess Democrats can play the "too big to allow to fail" game as well as the Republicans do.

[bunnies]

6. heh. I live in a terrorist rogue state? Sweet! nt

[derby378]

7. "We let the REPUBLICANS push us around on the primary date..."

Excuse the hell out of me while I start playing the world's tiniest violin...

[MissWaverly]

8. I think this whole primary parade is a farce

I would like to see a national primary. I do think that the Florida GOP thought this
up to throw a monkey wrench into the election. If we can't have a national primary,
Florida should go first, becuz it has become a stumbling block in the presidential
electoral process.

[anonymous171]

9. Can we please kick Florida out of the Union?

j/k But they never cease to mess up.

[Lochloosa]

10. As a Native Floridian

You can bet your last dollar I'll be voting. And it sure as hell won't be for a fucking repug.

He's lying. The Dems started this fiasco now we get to live with it. No revote and no seating of the Delegates. Move on.

[SwampG8r]

33. floridians speak out please!

east coast here
and we agree no delegates from here
and no superdelegates from here especially
they played the game
let em suffer
ill vote if obamas in the ballot but other than that
maybe the snook will be biting

[UALRBSofL]

46. As a native Floridian I will be doing a Hillary write-in

If we don't have a re-vote. People seem to think the Legislature is equal dems/repugs, but, it's actually 2 to 1 ratio. If a bill is voted on and the dems vote no and the repugs vote yes, it passes. I don't put the blame on the FDP because the repugs were going to get the primary date changed whether the dems voted or not because they have majority representation. The only right thing to do for everyone's vote to count and not feel disenfranchised is to either keep the Jan 29th primary or a re-vote. Also, the polling the FDP did on the Floridians disenfranchisement if the primary didn't count or florida didn't have a re-vote being 25% is probably accurate. And I would assume the 25% is probably the Clinton supporters because by not counting the votes or delegates which could possibly change the outcome of the nomination and florida is not included, and Obama gets the nomination because Dean stripped all votes and delegates, Clinton supporters will not be happy.

[Lochloosa]

47. I disagree. The FL Dems started the process. And voted to pass it.

If they had voted no across the board we would not be here today.

[seafan]

12. Geller:'I fail to understand why the DNC is turning Florida bright red.'

The first two words out of Geller's mouth are the answer. He failed. He, along with his House and Senate Democratic colleagues in the State Legislature and the Florida Democratic Party Leadership blew off the rules of our National Party and proceeded to feed their own self-serving egos by jumping in front of the line in the nominating process.

Because of the failures of these so-called "leaders", the people of this state suffer the consequences.

Vote these blowhards OUT. Every last one of these sweaty prevaricators.

March 16, 2008

Geller on C-SPAN: DNC turning Fla. 'bright red'

Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller brightened up C-SPAN's droll proceedings with a Sunday morning appearance on Washington Journal, where he reviewed the prospects for a "do-over" primary and again blasted Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee for punishing Florida Democrats. Geller said the drop-dead deadline for instituting a party-run mail election is Monday.

"I hate the idea of a do-over," Geller said, but if it's the recourse left to get Florida's delegates seated at the party convention in Denver in August, it should be explored. He added: "I fail to understand why the Democratic National Committee and the credentials committee ... are doing their best to turn this purple state bright red." Like Joe Namath in Super Bowl III, Geller virtually guaranteed a Republican victory in Florida in November if the delegate mess isn't fixed in Florida's favor.

This is a calculated attack on Howard Dean and the DNC. We recognize it for what it is.



If there is no revote in Florida, then IMHO, there should be NO ghost delegates seated for anyone.


We will have our chance to vote in November. In the meantime, let's remember who TRULY created this debacle and take a hard look at challenging those in our own party who, because of their positions of leadership, **think they know better.**

Because of their arrogance, they failed us.

[madfloridian]

13. Thanks for finding that. He is an arrogant man who got his feelings hurt.

And he is acting like a child.

My heart is breaking for my state right now.

[seafan]

16. Same here, floridian. The sheer STUPIDITY of these people and their sandbox tantrums just beat all.

Oh, for some intelligent, logical and honest leaders to step forward for the people and environment of Florida. You know, people who actually give a damn about the lifeblood of Florida.



This cesspool of greed, hubris, and moral vacuum now squatting in our government is a travesty.

[madfloridian]

17. They are out to destroy the authority of the DNC....just as Hillary is doing.

It is deliberate. They are arrogant.

They refuse to tell the truth about what they did..

[seafan]

19. I surely hope Howard stands his ground in enforcing the DNC rules.

Yes, it stinks, but I am on board with seating NO DELEGATES from Florida in Denver if we do not have a revote.


There comes a time when bullies who are pressuring the DNC to break rules for the advantage of one candidate over the others are stopped in their tracks. This is one of those times.

[madfloridian]

26. I agree.

Trouble is that court case tomorrow is sticking in my mind. And they plan to take on to further appeal.

[formercia]

18. Steve Geller, a perfect GOP candidate.

Agent provocateur, GOP covert operative, sent to disrupt the Democratic party.

If it walks like a duck......

[flpoljunkie]

20. Federal Court of Appeals to hear arguments tomorrow on seating FL delegates based on 1/29 primary

"There's too much opposition, too much concern about a mail-in election," she said. "We can't have another fiasco in Florida. The risks are too great."

The redo flap could be superseded by a lawsuit before the federal Court of Appeals in Atlanta, which plans to hear arguments Monday on a lawsuit that would force the national party to seat the Florida delegation at the convention, based on the January results.

"If the court steps in and seats the delegation, whether Howard Dean likes it or not, Florida will benefit and the Democratic Party would be off the hook," said Victor DiMaio, a political consultant in Tampa who filed the suit.

A federal court in Tampa rejected the suit, but the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals took it seriously enough to schedule a full afternoon hearing.

"It's a difficult case, because the decision might affect who the next president is," said DiMaio's attorney, Michael Steinberg.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl...

[madfloridian]

21. Yeh, I worry about that. I have been posting about it.

Deliberately putting the party primary in the hands of the court, and then threatening to take it to the Supreme Court.

This is scary stuff.

[flpoljunkie]

22. Very scary.

[seafan]

27. With an appeals court butting into this, the revolution may begin a bit earlier. n/t

[madfloridian]

52. I have been watching for news of the case.

I think I can not bear the thought that Democrats are actually trying to get the courts to decide.

It makes me sick inside.

There will be no winners that way.

[madfloridian]

28. Here is a blogger who heard an interview by Geller...and believes every word.

Since the media is right on board with Florida, there is no way to get the truth out here. Even our Florida bloggers carefully avoid taking the side of the DNC.

http://kindlingman.wordpress.com/2008/03/16/steve-gelle... /

"I just finished watching Steve Geller, Minority Senate Leader in Florida, make his case to the American people on why the Florida primary ballot results should count and I am sold. But then I am a ReasonableCitizen and Steve Geller is a reasonable man.

Geller summarized how the Florida Democrat Primary was moved up to January 29th and how the Florida Democrats in the legislature voted against the bill but the Republican majority won out. I also listened to his arguments on why the results of the January 29th primary should stand and I agree with him on that also.

..."Geller claims that the DNC may be wanting to assert its authority more than making sure that Dems are elected in November. I would agree with that statement. It seems that when one is outvoted, one should not be disciplined for actions one is forced to take."

See how easily propaganda works? There is nothing to cover the other side of issue.

It is so easy how it is done.

[Oslo]

36. What a loser.

[riskpeace]

37. The Democratic legislators voted for the primary move

because it was attached to a verified voter bill. They could not get the paper trail without voting for the primary date move. I am thankful we have a paper trail and the touch screen machines are being replaced as a result of this bill.

I respect your opinion and your attention to this issue. I just find it odd that you are so eager to disenfranchise yourself, to the point of presenting yourself as an expert on this matter, while leaving out such crucial information as the connection to the verified voting and eliminating touch screens portions of the bill.

[madfloridian]

39. No, that is not an acceptable excuse. It is not true. It demeans us all.

It is getting very tiresome, quite frankly. Florida Democrats are bullies and cowards who refuse to own up to what they did. They are hurting our party.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/...

[eilen]

40. That outraged blowhard was on Washington Journal this am

And he continued to speak lies about the vote in Florida, that Dean refused to meet with them etc. People were calling in and only one man told him "I've got your number, you know what you did" and he told the man that his information was incorrect. The interviewer did not come back with the facts at all. I couldn't understand why no one called in from FL to tell the truth. He kept going on about "record turnout". One guy called and said that many people did not come out to vote because they didn't think it would count (esp. renters). GotBigEgo diminished him by saying "you will always have someone claiming this" and repeated his voter turnout number. He was very dismissive to any caller that disagreed with him and accused Dean of everything but baby eating.

I turned the channel.

[madfloridian]

45. I am so glad I did not see him.

I could not have stood watching him.

[riskpeace]

49. I was not making an excuse.

I was simply stating a fact that you have obscured for a number of weeks. Florida Democratic legislators voted for a bill that got rid of the touch screen machines and mandated a paper trail. The bill included the primary date move.

I do not understand how recognizing the votes of 1.7 million Democratic voters hurts our party. I know that alienating the party base in two crucial swing states will hurt our party.

[madfloridian]

51. No, I have never obscured that fact. I treat it for what it was....propaganda.

But it worked, didn't it. Florida Democrats have everyone angry now, don't they?

They by the admission of Bubriski and others worked hand in hand with the GOP here with Marco Rubio, Jeb's buddy, leading the way. They were on board as early as March 2006.

Read this, and then tell it they were not in on it.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/...

[riskpeace]

56. I never saw you mention the link to verified voting and paper ballots.

If you did, please provide a link.

I read your journal article at the link. I do not see how one quote from a Florida Democratic (I'm careful to call the party by that name) in March 2006 proves anything. Mr. Bubriski did not vote in the Florida legislature on the verified voting bill that included the primary move.

Wherever you place the responsibility, the issue is disenfranchising Democratic voters in two key swing states. It is a very strange strategy. The RNC took away half the delegates but did not disenfranchise their own voters. By over-reacting and taking away all the delegates, the DNC disenfranchised voters in Florida and Michigan, two states we need to win in November. The RPOF put the DNC in a trap yet again. That's the bottom line for me.

[madfloridian]

60. What you just did was truly amazing.

And all in one breath, too.

I don't mean to be snarky, but please stop spinning. Florida Democrats are ripping our party apart.

Do not accuse me of not telling the truth. I have been a lifelong Democrat....and I resent being told I am not being honest.

Yes, Mark Bubriski said that in 2006, in March, and yes, they were working with Rubio. Of course they were.

[UALRBSofL]

55. riskpeace, that was the crux of the problem

The paper ballot issue. I was glad that when I voted I got to use a paper ballot. Your gonna have people for and against the penalty issued by Dean and that's fine. Frankly, at this point, whether my vote counts or not in the primary is irrelevant but I do believe there is enough people in Florida that are disenfranchised with the outcome that if Florida doesn't play a major role in the popular vote and the delegate count reflective of the Jan 29th primary or have a re-vote that many people whom vote in the GE will skip the presidential vote, vote 3rd party, or, write-in Clinton. Just my opinion but I think there are other people in Florida that feel the same as I do.

[riskpeace]

57. I agree with you.

I think the DNC decision has been loaded with unintended consequences.

[madfloridian]

61. No, the decision of the FL Dems to head out on their own

and ignore the fact that there were 48 other states and a national party with rules....that was the bad decision.

[kwenu]

44. He looks like Rut Limpballs lost little brother.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

48. Thank you Madfloridian, this OP should have 100 recommends!

So many people were fooled. I have been passing your OPs along to list serves in my state
and people were shocked.

[olkaz]

50. link mah boi

It's what all true warriors strive for!

[madfloridian]

62. It's time to view this great Miami Herald cartoon again.

A cartoon by Jim Porin.

[madfloridian]

63. One fourth of FL Dems will vote for McCain if they don't get their way.

One in four FL Dems may not vote for Democrat

"Florida Democrats overwhelmingly say they should get to help pick the presidential nominee, with one in four voters warning in a new Miami Herald poll that they're less likely to support the party in November if the state is shut out.

Twenty-four percent of Florida Democrats said that if the state doesn't have a say, they would be less likely to support the Democratic nominee. That's the state's best argument for convincing the National Democratic Committee, led by Howard Dean, to show mercy.

In a state that decided the 2000 presidency by 537 votes, ''any percent is going to be significant there,'' pollster Tom Eldon said. ``There's little room for margin of error on either side in the state.''

Adding that it could spell a redux of the 2000 presidential recount, he quipped, ''If that happens, Howard Dean will be the new Ralph Nader,'' referring to the independent candidate blamed for Democrat Al Gore's loss."

Hey, that's not all. Senator Bill Nelson threatened the DNC the same way.

Bill Nelson threatens Dean that Floridians may not support the nominee.

[kid a]

64. Interesting.