The GOP leaders in Tallahassee have targeted Keith, and the race for State House in District 69 is going to be competitive.
Jeremy Wallace analyzed the race in District 69 on his blog here and in an extensive article here.
Please help Keith today -- contribute, volunteer, or get a yard sign by clicking here
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I am pleased to see Alex Sink's choice of Rod Smith for running mate. This is a strong team for Florida's future.
Together, I know they will bring the kind of leadership to Tallahassee our state desperately needs. While the other side escalates the political noise, I will look forward to working with
them on the issues that matter to all Floridians.
On Saturday, August 14, at 9:00 AM, Keith will debate the issues with Ray Pilon, his general election opponent, on WTMY 1240 AM.
Tune in tomorrow at 9:00!
On Tuesday, the State Legislature put politics above the will of the people and refused to even allow debate on putting a drilling ban amendment on the ballot in November.
Read Keith's reaction to the actions of the Florida Legislature here.
In a disappointing move, the leadership of the State House on Tuesday put politics above the will of the people and refused to even allow debate on putting a drilling ban amendment on the ballot in November. Read more:
House's hard line may well lead to hard lessons (Sarasota Herald Tribune)
House Spikes Charlie Crist's Special Session (Sunshine State News)
Florida House says sorry, Charlie: no drilling ban (Sun-Sentinel)
Legislature gavels, goes, rejects Crist’s bid for drilling referendum (The Florida Independent)
The Herald-Tribune urges the legislature to put a drilling ban on the ballot. Read the editorial here.
Keith called for a special session to constitutionally ban oil drilling in Florida earlier this year. Governor Crist has now called a special session for July 20-23 to address this important issue. Read more here.
Keith, and his colleagues Rep. Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg) and Sen. Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) today sent a letter to Governor Charlie Crist urging him to convene the legislature in a summer special session to address the complex challenges from the BP oil spill. In their letter, the trio present five areas on which legislative leaders should focus their attention during the special session.
“Inaction by the legislature is not an option Floridians can tolerate,” said Keith. “We must accept the fact that families and businesses throughout Florida are having their livelihoods and their primary source of income washed away from this horrific incident. And it’s time that the pro-oil supporters put their interests aside and allow the legislature to get to work on
In their letter, the three lawmakers offer five items that should be included in the special session:
- Revise Statutes to Maximize Recovery for Victims
- Give Attorney General environmental crimes authority
- Create Compensation Commissioner to facilitate recovery
- Small Business Relief
- Near-shore drilling ban
Several news sources throughout the state covered this important story.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Local politicians aim to look tough on oil spill
Creative Loafing: Florida Democrats again call on Charlie Crist to hold a special session on banning offshore drilling from Florida waters
St. Petersburg Times: Dems to Crist: Bring legislators back into session for oil response
Sunshine News: Dems in Legislature Urge Crist to Call Special Session on Oil Spill
10 Connects: State Democrats urging Crist for oil spill special session
Keith and Representative Rick Kriseman have called for a constitutional amendment to ban drilling off Florida's shores. Learn more:
Fitzgerald looks to ban future oil drilling
Florida legislators suggest a state ban on offshore drilling
Read the First Coast News story on Keith's proposed legislation here:
Proposed Bill Targets Adults who Throw Parties, Offer Alcohol to Minors
Today, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay named Keith the "Best Politician Who Keeps It Real" for 2009.
From Lakeland to Tallahassee, Jacksonville to Orlando, Broward to Lake Wales, Miami to Sarasota, the amendment to Florida’s Constitution proposed by Keith and Senator Dan Gelber has found a broad base of support.
Click here to read the editorial in the Tallahassee Democrat.
Click here to read the article in the Lakeland Ledger.
Click here to read the editorial in the Orlando Sentinel.
Click here to read the editorial in the Lake Wales News.
Click here to read the story in the Jacksonville Observer.
Click here to read the story in the Miami Herald.
Click here to read the editorial in the TCPalm.
Click here to read the story in the Broward Sun-Sentinel.
Click here to read the story in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune has published Keith’s guest column regarding his proposal to open up the legislative process in Tallahassee.