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See you all down there in a couple of hours!

Here’s what I just sent out to my email lists:

VIDEO
It’s the rule. Every Democrat politician, before losing the next election, has to show up at John Morgan’s house. Remember one year ago? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFYDMkGYjR8&feature=fvsr

Here’s your invitation to the Obama fundraiser at John Morgan’s house
October, 11 2011
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2011/10/heres-your-invitation-to-the-obama-fundraiser-at-john-morgans-house.html

There’s a literally all-star host committee NBA star Grant Hill and wife Tamia; ex-NBA great and Orlando Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing and Magic GM Otis Smith; Boston Celtics (and ex-Magic) Coach Doc Rivers and wife Kristin; former MLB All-Star Ken Griffey Jr. and wife Melissa – along with former Democratic Party chair Bob Poe; Morgan & Morgan attorney Greg Francis and wife Keisha; and the uber-host/fundraiser/lawyer/entrepreneur John Morgan, whose Lake Mary home is the scene of the gathering.

But if you go, bring a checkbook. Minimum ticket is $1,500. For $10,000 per couple, you can go to a “photo reception”, meaning you get your photo taken with Obama. And big donors max is 38,500 get up close and personal with the prez.

Picture of John Morgan: http://www.clickorlando.com/2009/1230/22088170_640X360.jpg

October 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. — Attorney John Morgan said he is hosting a fund raiser for President Barack Obama at his Central Florida home.
http://www.clickorlando.com/politics/29319690/detail.html

Obama will be in attendance at the event on Oct. 11 at Morgan’s home in Heathrow. Morgan said the event is being co-hosted by Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers. Magic Assistant Coach Patrick Ewing, Magic General Manager Otis Smith and Grant and Tamia Hill are also expected to attend.

Attorney John Morgan Named One of Central Florida’s Most Powerful People
http://www.emailwire.com/release/31801-Attorney-John-Morgan-Named-One-of-Central-Floridas-Most-Powerful-People.html

“....Mr. Morgan also has significant political connections and has entertained many influential politicians, including President Barack Obama and Florida [RINO] Governor Charlie Crist, at his home. ...”

October 11, 2011
http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/news/story/obama-to-raise-at-john-morgans-place/

“....No response yet on whether former Gov. Charlie Crist who now works at Morgan will attend. ....”

January 7, 2011 ORLANDO Former Gov. Charlie Crist is joining the high-profile Morgan & Morgan law firm.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/jan/07/crist-joins-morgan-morgan-law-firm/

October 11, 2011 Crist’s Wife [Beard] Becomes a Democrat
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/category/buzz-tags/charlie-crist-0

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist’s wife is now a registered Democrat, the AP reports.
Crist called his wife “independent minded and very bright” and said she feels more comfortable in the Democratic Party but said he intends to remain without a party. He left the Republicans last year during his unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 Is Carole Crist wondering whether Charlie should run for governor as a Democrat?

While watching the Florida Gators game on Saturday from university President Bernie Machen’s box, the state’s former First Lady Carole Crist leaned over to state House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders and asked, “Do you think Charlie should run as a Democrat for governor?” .....

9/6/2000 For the people? By Jeffrey C. Billman
http://www2.orlandoweekly.com/features/story.asp?id=1911

“You’re in the business of people,” the man says. “People think — you happen to practice law, but you’re in the business of people.”

Morgan smiles. “Sometimes,” he replies.

....Morgan spends $6 million a year on advertising, certainly more than any firm in Florida and possibly, he says, more than any firm in the country. Perhaps that’s why last year Morgan was voted among the top five “people we love to hate” in an Orlando Sentinelsurvey

..His advertising has worked so well, Morgan’s taken his show on the road. He now travels throughout the country, conducting a seminar called “Creating a Multi-Million Dollar Law Firm.” “Once I’ve got these people connected to my network,” he says, “I can control mass torts in America.” ......

In the last 18 months, Morgan personally has contributed more than $20,000 to various national campaigns, mostly Democratic. ... Over the years he’s made friends in high places, including [DemcRATS] House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt. In 1996, Morgan sat on Bill Clinton’s campaign-finance committee. ................

“Somebody once asked me,” he says, “‘Why don’t you run for office?’ He said, ‘Why, do you have skeletons in your closet?’ I said, ‘Shit, I don’t have skeletons, I have live bodies in my closet.’ I would never want to have the scrutiny that you have to undergo to run for office.”

Besides, he adds, the money isn’t right.

“To me,” he says, “public service is commendable. Most of the time, it’s really kind of the guys who are the last choice — but they’re willing to do it.”

On politics, Morgan can be blunt. He dismisses Rep. Bill McCollum, for instance, as a “public disgrace.” He financially supports Democrats because the “[Republican] leadership,” he says, “Tom DeLay and Dick Armey, are just two mean sons of bitches — all they care about is making the rich richer.” [Hypocrisy on parade ~ Jance]

Flashback:
12/18/1997
Attorney’s arrest has battery included

Until his arrest last week in Casselberry for battery on a police officer, 1997 had been a very good year for Orlando attorney John B. Morgan. His personal-injury firm, Morgan, Colling and Gilbert, was riding high after a record-breaking $850,000 medical malpractice award in 1996 .....

But at about 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, Morgan and his red Cadillac were pulled over on S.R. 436 after pulling out of a Denny’s parking lot. Police say he swerved across lanes without signaling and stopped abruptly in the intersection with S.R. 17/92, after having traveled five feet past the white line marking a safe-stopping location. After the light changed, Morgan drove on, nearly clipping the curb, before using all three lanes to negotiate a curve, according to reports by Casselberry police.

He was pulled over at Brewer Street and, after reportedly failing field sobriety tests, cited for driving under the influence. Still, Morgan might have avoided serious trouble. He had done so before after being arrested for DUI.

But, according to the arresting officer, Morgan became enraged upon arriving at the Seminole County Jail, called the officer a “fat fucker” and “baldy,” twice headbutted him, and hit him in the face with his left hand.

So, in addition to charges of DUI, failure to provide insurance and two other minor traffic offenses, Morgan was charged with battery on a police officer, a third-degree felony calling for up to five years in prison. He was released after posting a $2,000 bond. On Dec. 30, Morgan is scheduled to appear at the Seminole County Courthouse on the traffic charges. On Jan.13, Morgan’s attorney, Stuart Hyman, will try to convince a hearing officer not to suspend Morgan’s driver’s license. And on Jan. 29, Morgan is scheduled for arraignment in Circuit Court in Sanford on the felony charge. Hyman, who did not respond to a request for an interview, has filed a not-guilty plea in the felony case.

In 1993, Hyman filed more than 10 motions contesting Morgan’s arrest for DUI after a minor two-car accident in Altamonte Springs. Morgan said he was “distracted by his car phone,” according to the report. But after failing field tests, he registered 0.134 on the Breathalyzer. Twice, Hyman was granted continuances to prepare for trial. Then on Sept. 10, 1993, Morgan accepted a plea bargain reducing his charge to reckless driving. He paid a f $500 fine and agreed to serve 100 hours of community service or pay another $1,000.

Perhaps more importantly, Morgan that time had escaped the public embarrassment of being convicted of DUI. After all, he is the firm’s media presence, beckoning clients with personal injuries — including those inflicted by drunk drivers — to trust his firm. This time, such a clean escape may be more difficult.

bttt