Political Beat [from Miami Herald: FL Dem Leaders celebrate Jeb Bush's victory]

The Miami Herald ^ | Monday, January 6, 2003 | Nicole White

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Political Beat - The Miami Herald

Posted on Mon, Jan. 06, 2003

Party loyalty in Beach comes under fire

Miami Beach Mayor David Dermer and Commissioner Matti Bower -- both Democrats -- are on their way to the black-tie inaugural ball tonight for Republican Gov. Jeb Bush.

Dermer, Bower and Commissioner Luis Garcia stumped for Bush during his campaign last year and took some heat for doing so.

Raymond Zeller, chairman of Miami-Dade County's Democratic Party, sent out a memo to members saying the party ``expresses sincere regrets to all three of them on their loss of integrity, loyalty and HONOR.''

Bower, who was recently chosen by Bush to serve on a statewide literacy committee, says the governor is a great supporter of the Beach. She's looking forward to the ball, saying, ``I'll be in black velvet. It should be a blast.''

Dermer, who was endorsed by Bush in the contentious mayoral race in 2001, says he'll continue to support the governor irrespective of their party affiliations. ''I look forward to continuing our very special relationship,'' he said.

-- NICOLE WHITE

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Kudos to Gov Bush for always reaching out, across the aisle, across party lines, to all people.

And, speaking as as independent FL voter and a former Dem, these are Dem leaders I would consider voting for, since they seem more interested in working together for a better FL, than wasting precious time bemoaning the fact we have a dedicated, hard-working GOP gov.

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FYI - Schedule of Inaugural Events (for Gov Bush and FL)

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FYI. :)

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FYI. :)

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Re my post #1 -- I meant: And, speaking as an....

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FYI. :)

[jrg]

Raymond Zeller, chairman of Miami-Dade County's Democratic Party, sent out a memo to members saying the party ``expresses sincere regrets to all three of them on their loss of integrity, loyalty and HONOR.''

I guess that it's only a "loss of integrity, loyalty, and honor" if you're a Dim supporting another party. If you're from another party and supporting the Dim, you're showing sincerity, etc.

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I think you have to look and see what's happening, and not just at the label of the person. During this Election 2002, Gov Bush had to file a lawsuit against a member of the GOP, to get him and his group to stop using Gov Bush's name without permission to solicit cash. That guy was dim, even though he wasn't a Dem. By the same token, there are many people in FL who know that Gov Bush is always trying to do the best for FL and want to help, and there are those who couldn't care less about the citizens of FL, and try only to obstruct whatever improvements can be made. And, in Miami, Gov Bush certainly has strong ties, so those running the city would be smart to try and work with him, rather than against him.

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BTW, I did get your point. :)