Posted: June 18, 2009

I was recently named chairman of the Florida Mainstream Democrats. It is an honor. I have long been involved with the Democratic Leadership Council, an organization that once advocated for centrist political messaging, but that now prides itself as a place where ideas happen, a place for policy. Like the DLC, the Florida Mainstream Democrats began when a group of Tallahassee Legislators grew frustrated with polarizing politics. Just as the DLC recently changed their mission, so now has Mainstream.

As you’ll see in our mission statement below, this isn’t about Liberalism vs. Centrism, it’s about how we approach the issues. It’s about being thoughtful. I really believe that the Democratic Party is the only Party that represents the values of everyday, mainstream Floridians, and I want this organization to help carry that banner. I want us to complement the work of our state party by identifying, recruiting, and electing good Democrats. As we approach a very busy 2010, I will need your help.

“The Florida Mainstream Democrats exists to connect community leaders statewide, to promote the exchange of ideas, and to identify and assist Democratic candidates for public office who exhibit the values of mainstream Florida by recognizing the need for Responsibility from all, Opportunity for all, and a Common Sense approach to solving Florida’s problems.”