By Jim Bleyer Alex Sink, the corporatist Democrat who set a modern record for political futility, was a key figure in marginalizing progressive Florida Senate candidate Bob Buesing, forcing him out of a very winnable race, Tampa Bay Beat has learned. The seat was considered a viable flip for …
The 1964 Civil Rights Act—the racists that lead the Florida Democratic Party might want to read it. By Jim Bleyer If the Florida Democratic Party doesn’t clean up its act—and soon—it might as well gird for a November calamity. The Blue Wave that pundits expect nationally could amount to …
By Jim Bleyer An already energized throng of more than 500 Hillsborough County Democrats, anticipating that the much hyped Blue Wave will wash over Florida in November, saved most of its enthusiasm and cheering Saturday night for gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. All four primary candidates spoke for only a …
By Jim Bleyer Former Democratic state party chairman Stephen Bittel made disparaging remarks about black legislators at a major party fundraiser last June 17. There were no repercussions. He apologized for his racially derogatory tirade and then it was business as usual for the Florida Democratic Party. Five months later …
By Jim Bleyer The relentless inaccuracies from the Tampa Bay Times regarding Andrew Gillum has gone so far over the top that local political observers are suggesting that former U.S. Senator Bob Graham’s is behind the paper’s defamatory, insulting, and racist reporting and headlines. All the signs …
By Jim Bleyer Just when we thought the Tampa Bay Times hit rock bottom, it has plumbed new depths. Its coverage of the Florida gubernatorial race deliberately paints Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum with less-than-subtle inaccurate inferences that appeal to bigots. Influence-peddling and slanted news coverage have been Tampa Bay Times trademarks. …
By Jim Bleyer Florida gubernatorial hopeful Gwen Graham, her operatives, and allies view Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum as her primary threat for the Democratic nomination and are attempting to marginalize him through a nasty whisper campaign. Sources in Tallahassee and Tampa Bay have told us her public stance that …
By Jim Bleyer Community leaders in 218 American cities woke up Friday wondering why the top executives at internet retailing giant Amazon failed to recognize their hometown’s unparalleled assets and bounty of virtues. Despite the announced winnowing of the field to 20 cities, the competition has always been about …
By Sharon Calvert (excerpts from Eye on Tampa Bay) Term limits are restrictions. They are imposed to restrict and limit the number of years or terms someone may serve in the same office. Term limits are imposed so that one person cannot hold an office for life and …
By Jim Bleyer Florida Democrats, not Republicans, will be the ones tested in 2018. When it comes to lessons learned, the GOP is the quicker study. The Democrats are strong in urban pockets and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson has been their only …
