Posted on 06/08/2004 3:09:45 AM PDT by kattracks
MIAMI (AP) — Florida's two Democratic senators defended U.S. Senate candidate Alex Penelas on Monday, a day after Al Gore's published comments calling Penelas "the single most treacherous and dishonest person I dealt with" during the 2000 election.Sen. Bill Nelson questioned Gore's decision to inject himself into the race, saying it hurts the party's ability to keep retiring Sen. Bob Graham's seat and threatens a key state for presidential candidate John Kerry. Graham called Penelas, the mayor of Miami-Dade County, "a good Democrat."
Both Graham and Nelson have said they will not endorse a candidate in the Democratic primary but that they felt compelled to come to Penelas' defense in light of Gore's remarks.
"This slash-and-burn politics has gotten us to the point that it is causing gridlock in America," Nelson said.
Several Democrats spoke on Penelas' behalf after Gore issued a statement to The Miami Herald published on Sunday praising one of Penelas' two main rivals, Rep. Peter Deutsch.
The statement added: "One of the other candidates in this race became in 2000 the single most treacherous and dishonest person I dealt with during the campaign anywhere in America." A Gore aide confirmed he was not referring to Betty Castor, who has led in recent polls.
A spokeswoman for Gore declined comment Monday on Graham and Nelson's reaction.
Some Democrats criticized Penelas for failing to actively support Gore during the final months of the 2000 election. George W. Bush won the White House after winning Florida by a mere 537 votes following a 36-day recount in some counties that was stopped by the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The truth is, Alex Penelas hurt us in the 2000 election," said Mitchell Berger, a Fort Lauderdale attorney and top fund-raiser for Gore.
Pelelas attacked Gore and Deutsch, accusing them of using "the politics of yesterday — slash and burn."
In response, Deutsch released a statement saying the dispute is not about politcs.
"Vice President Gore's words speak for themselves. And if those words help put Mr. Penelas into clearer focus for some voters, I would consider that an important development."
wow...this shows that Gore has indeed wandered off the reservation...this idiot is certifiably insane....
"the single most treacherous and dishonest person I dealt with"
Gore has dealt with Bubba, so coming from him this is high praise indeed.
Hillary has got to be miffed BIG time. Whats a girl gotta do to get noticed?
Penelas should switch parties..With friends like Gore, who needs enemies.....
Algore just can't help himself. He's like x42; it's always gotta be about HIM.
"a good Democrat."
sounds perfectly consistent to me.
And the funny thing is, the robbery is still in the planning stage!
Yes indeed.
Think they even begin to understand the playbook? ;)
Then again it's Al ("Who are those guys", referring to the founding Fathers busts) Gore.
Oh well, if it isn't gun control, or tax increases, they are lost.
keep talkin', algore.
Kerry's trying to figure out a way to keep him off the podium or at least duct tape his mouth.
"In response, Deutsch released a statement saying the dispute is not about politics." -- rofl!
Thanks for putting together that ping list.
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