You Tube Candidate: Bill Ramos

I did a quick search on You Tube to see if I could find any candidates for state office and I found one for the Florida House who recently posted some campaign videos: Bill Ramos.

Bill Ramos is running for District 81 which consists of parts of Martin and St. Lucie Counties. In the 2000 general election, according to the district's statistics, it voted George Bush 48.8%, Al Gore 48.9% and Ralph Nader 1.2%. At the time the district had 41,766 registered Republicans, 29,650 registered Democrats, and 18,031 registered Independent/Other parties.

The seat is currently occupied by Republican Gayle B. Harrell who is term limited.

Bill Ramos ran against her in 2006:

Gayle Harrell: 54.3%
Bill Ramos:     45.7%

There are currently 4 other people vying for the seat: Republicans Robert E. Bailey, Michael DiTerlizzi, Jeff Gorman and Democrat Adam Fetterman.

The Florida Department of State, Division of Elections Fundraising report:

Michael DiTerlizzi   11,588.00  Filed 09/20/2007
Adam Fetterman       46,454.01  Filed 04/10/2007
Jeff Gorman           2,172.51  Filed 09/13/2007
Bill Ramos            3,517.35  Filed 03/27/2007
Robert E. Bailey           N/A  Filed 10/17/2007

Here's the campaign video:



View: Ramos campaign videos

For more information, visit the Bill Ramos for State Representative website.

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Welcome to Florida Netroots

If you're coming to this site for the first time, then there's a good chance you heard about it at the state convention of the Florida Democratic Party at the Netroots Conference. I viewed my job at the convention as providing newcomers to the blogosphere with some introductory tips on how to do research online and some basic steps to help others find the posts you've written. It was a jam-packed session with lots of presenters, so I really didn't have the time to delve into the specifics of what this Florida Netroots blog and the associated mailing list is all about. So, let me introduce you to my little corner of the Internet:

Florida Netroots was founded, initially as a mailing list, in January 2007 with the intention of getting a bunch of Florida bloggers and activists together to educate ourselves and others about what is going on within the state of Florida at the state and local levels.

My thought then and now is that there are plenty of blogs and discussion lists that focus on National politics. Heck, I'm a member of a local democratic mailing list and only about 10% of the discussions have anything to do with local politics. National politics is sexier, it gets more coverage in the mainstream media and therefore more people have an opinion about it one way or the other. Fewer people know much about the people who represent them in the state legislature or pay much attention to local officials until something happens that impacts them directly. It is my goal to get informed activists from all over the state together to fill that gap.

It's also about building up the party. It is all fine and good to talk about Congressional races or the Presidency, but the strength of any political party is in its bench -- those people currently holding elected positions at the state and local level. They are the future Governors, U.S. Representatives, U.S. Senators and yes maybe even future Presidents. We need to nurture and grow that bench.

These local and state offices don't get much media attention. It's one area where I feel bloggers and activists can really make a substantial difference.

So I invite anyone who really wants to focus on state and local politics in Florida from Governor all the way down to local dogcatcher to join the Florida Netroots Mailing List to share your knowledge and help us Blog Florida Blue.

Also, Ken Quinnell of the Florida Progressive Coalition set up a few Watch Blogs - these are sites that keep a eye on specific elected officials. I am particularly excited about Florida Cabinet Watch, Florida House Watch, and Florida Senate Watch. Those three sites need people to contribute to them, so if you're interested, please contact Ken at quinnelk@hotmail.com.

Now, if this sort of thing doesn't float your boat and you would prefer to focus on Federal offices and National issues - Florida Netroots isn't the place for you.

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Q&A with Sean Shaw

On Wednesday September 12th, Florida Netroots hosted a live chat with Sean Shaw candidate for Florida House of Representatives District 8.

The seat is currently occupied by Democratic Representative Curtis B. Richardson who is term limited. Other candidates running for this seat include: Hubert R. Brown (D), Rodney S. Moore (D), Anthony "Dr. V" Viegbesie (D), and Alan Williams (D).

District 8 is made up of most of Gadsden and parts of Leon County in the big bend region of Florida.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Sean Shaw, candidate for Florida House District 8 covering parts of Gadsden and Leon Counties in the big bend region of Florida, and here is the transcript from our conversation:

[Jennifer] So, to get started ... what do you think the voters in District 8 should know about you?

[SeanShaw] That I am qualified and well-prepared to fight for the interests of those that often get pushed to the bottom

[SeanShaw] I want to live in a state where we place education, health care, state workers and law enforcement as TOP priorities

[SeanShaw] Florida is a prosperous state - and it is for this reason that we should be appaled at...

[SeanShaw] Education Spending

[SeanShaw] Teacher Pay

[SeanShaw] Law Enforcement and Firefighter pay

[SeanShaw] State Worker benefits

[SeanShaw] Health care for the uninsured and various other kinds of social programs

[SeanShaw] Florida consistently ranks in the bottom (nationally) in almost all of these categories

[SeanShaw] It's a matter of commitment and changing priorities...that is what this campaign revolves around

[SeanShaw] :-)

[Jennifer] Are there some unique concerns in any of those areas that are specific to Gadsden/Leon Counties?

[SeanShaw] Definitely Health care... the infant mortality rate in both Leon and Gadsden counties for black babies is at a third world level

[SeanShaw] And infant mortality is something that can be treated with proper health care, it is not complicated

[SeanShaw] There is a large population of state workers in the district as well that certainly deserve more than a $650 (after taxes) raise...

[Jennifer] absolutely ... I was shocked when I learned about that ... I'm not sure enough people realize that infant mortality is a problem anywhere in the U.S. - let alone right here.

[SeanShaw] Exactly. Terrible statistics in such a "progressive" state...

[SeanShaw] Florida needs to make a commitment to these sort of areas...economic incentives to big businesses will do nothing if we don't have healthy people to take advantage

[SeanShaw] and if we don't have an educated work force

[SeanShaw] The question is "What does our state value?"

[SeanShaw] Do we value our k-12 students? Teachers? Firefighters? Police? Uninsured?

[SeanShaw] Apparently not, when you look at our spending in these categories vs. the national data.

[Jennifer] exactly

[SeanShaw] I want to live in a state that values these basic needs

[SeanShaw] That is my vision.

[Jennifer] Is that why you decided to run for the Florida Legislature?

[SeanShaw] These are the first budgets to get cut, and the last to get a bump

[SeanShaw] It is, this is a district that needs a strong voice. And it must come from someone who believes in these inequities, and is not just spouting a slogan. But that is what campaigning is about, to convince the voters that you mean what you say are are ready and willing to fight.

[SeanShaw] I have always been very involved in the community and my involvement brought me face to face with a lot of these problems. I wanted to do something about it.

[SeanShaw] In addition, I always wanted to give back to my community in this way-through public service.

[Jennifer] Describe the kind of community work you've done.

[SeanShaw] I am on the Board of Directors for the Bond Community Health Clinic, NAACP, Capital Area Community Action Agency, Communities in Schools of Leon County, Tallahassee YMCA Minority Achievement Program, Leon High School Alumni Assoc., Tallahassee Bar Assoc, Young Lawyers Section...

[Jennifer] impressive list

[SeanShaw] I have been a mentor in various capacities as well, most recently through the Leon County Schools

[SeanShaw] thanks...

[SeanShaw] I don't have a wife or kids yet, so I have some time

[Jennifer] What sets you apart from the other candidates? I think there are 4 other Dems running for this seat.

[SeanShaw] I believe my community involvement for one - I have been working in the trenches with respect to these issues. In addition, it always helps to have a lawyer making the laws right? ;-) But to be serious, I can back to Tallahassee after College and Law School because specifically because I wanted to fight for those segments of the community that are too often ignored. I have shown that commitment for the long hall, and I have an understanding of the issues involved.

[Jennifer] It's one of the few safe Democratic seats in the Legislature. One of my main concerns is redistricting ... the gerrymandering in this state is ridiculous ... what needs to be done for the Democratic Party to gain more seats in the Legislature to ensure we have a say in drawing the maps next time around?

[SeanShaw] Non-Partisan Committee to Re-draw the Maps

[SeanShaw] but since that won't happen...perhaps a committee with appointees from all branches of Gov.

[SeanShaw] But you are exactly correct, the gerrymandering that has taken place (on both sides admittedly) is unfortunate.

[SeanShaw] You know, the democratic message is simply a better message. We just need to build a bench of strong young candidates that can articulate it

[Jennifer] its definately not limited to Republicans ... but its certainly drawn in their favor at the moment.

[SeanShaw] The Rep. have young strong leaders who will be around for a while. We should find strong candidates as well.

[SeanShaw] Correct, they are certainly benefiting from the current configuration!

[Jennifer] Those of us in the Netroots (and grassroots) are certainly working to help get out the Democratic message, but is there anything we can do to help encourage more people like you to run for office?

[SeanShaw] You know, all candidates who are not heavily involved in the political "process" as opposed to politics are intimidated by $$

[SeanShaw] The connections and contacts to raise the requisite $ to finance a campaign can be daunting.

[SeanShaw] I believe that we need to get young Dem. involved in campaigns early so that they know what yo expect. When you don't know it can be daunting, however once you get a feel for it, it's doable.

[SeanShaw] When a candidate that appears to be a good one rises up, offer the grass roots support and other intangibles that can negate $$

[SeanShaw] That's my advice.

[Jennifer] Is there anything you wanted to let people know that I didn't ask you?

[SeanShaw] Well, my contact info. in on your site, but I would encourage them to go to www.seanshaw08.com to get a feel of my campaign. And to certainly contact me to learn more.

[SeanShaw] And yes, I attended the University of Florida in Gainesville for Law School. That got me killed in my most recent internet interview!

[Jennifer] I have two brothers who are Gators ... so I don't hold it against you.

[SeanShaw] But I certainly want the people to know that I know the issues, am prepared to fight, and will work tirelessly to advocate on behalf of District 8.

[SeanShaw] Go Gators!

Jennifer] It was a pleasure chatting with you and I wish you the best with your campaign.

[SeanShaw] Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity to be interviewed.

Mr. Shaw was also interviewed by our friends over at Florida Progressive Radio, you may want to listen to his interview there as well.

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Better Know...Florida Republicans

Inspired by GusWatch and The Putnam Report and my recent adventures at YearlyKos, we're now announcing the launch of a new network of WatchBlogs for the Republicans who are attempting to destroy Florida's future. GusWatch and The Putnam Report have agreed to be part of the network. We have created blogs for each of the other congressional Republicans from Florida, the cabinet, the Florida House and the Florida Senate. What we really need to make this work is volunteers. If you live in the district of one of these people, send me an e-mail at quinnelk@hotmail.com and I'll add you as a blogger to the relevant site. If you are outside a particular district, but are an interested party, you can also join up. Note that these sites are designed to watch the Republicans from a progressive viewpoint, so, if you aren't a progressive, then don't ask.



For now, each of these sites is a simple blogger site using blogger templates. If someone is interested in making them more than that (even just one of them), help is appreciated. Also, the names aren't set in stone at this point, they're open to be changed, as long as the change comes in the next week or so. Once the sites have been established for a while, then changes to the names would be counterproductive.

The purpose of these sites is to help get these people out of office and to replace them with more progressive candidates. These sites are all independent of any political campaigns and independent of any party. For now, they are all under the umbrella of FPC, but we wouldn't mind having them spin off to become independent blogs if the right people are involved. Okay, that's enough for now, here's the list:

US1 - The Jeff Miller Chronicle

US4 - Ander Alert

US5 - GinnyWire

US6 - The Case Against Cliff

US7 - MicaNotes

US8 - Kick Out Keller

US10 - The Bill Young Dispatch

US13 - The Buchanan Record

US14 - Mack Must Go

US15 - Watching Weldon

US18 - Eye on Ileana

US21 - The Lincoln Observer

US24 - Focus on Feeney

US25 - Say No to Mario

Senate - The Mel Martinez Bulletin

Florida Cabinet Watch

Florida House Watch

Florida Senate Watch

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