| First, Florida will be in a unique situation in 2010 in that there will be five open statewide seats (US Senate, Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, and Commissioner of Agriculture).
This bonanza of political oppotunities has been causing a firestorm of activity. It seems like half the politicians in the state are trying for an upgrade into one of the many openings resulting from the domino effect.
But, while it is still early in the election cycle, interest in some of the statewide races seems to be muted.
No Republican has filed for the Attorney General race and no Democrat has filed for the Chief Financial Officer. Running a statewide campaign in Florida is a daunting, expensive task.
Recently, though, former Tallahassee Mayor and past head of the state Democratic Party, Scott Maddox, has expressed interst in running for Commissioner of Agriculture.
Since I have been supporting a personal acquaintance, long time environmentalist Eric Draper for that position, this announcement elicited a satirical shot from me entitled Attack of the Zombie Democrat. That piece highlighted Scott's abortive run for governor in 2005 when allegations surfaced regarding mismanagement of funds while he was head of the state party.
Since then I had a very interesting and informative conversation with 28 year old Wakulla County Commissioner and former head of the Florida Young Democrats Alan Brock.
Alan is a true rising star and one of the many young people I've met over the past few months who have inspired me with their willingness to engage in public service for the greater good. My recent Facebook photo album includes many of them.
Alan worked for Scott when Scott was head of the state party and when he started his race for governor. Alan told me that Scott was very instrumental in helping him get elected as County Commissioner. He also said that he thought Scott's heart was in the right place, even if things sometimes didn't come out like he wanted.
Since I really respect Alan's opinion I spent some time thinking about Scott and why he might be considering this run. What came up was an image of Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront whispering, "I coulda been a contender."
When I had asked Alan if Scott really thought he could beat Republican Congressman Adam Putnam, who has already raised substantial sums in his bid for the seat, Alan just shrugeed.
"I guess he feels some kind of down ballot effect might happen," he responded. But then he added, "Or maybe it doesn't matter."
I also asked why Scott wasn't running for CFO since there wasn't a Democratic candidate there. Alan just smiled and said, "Well, that position might be a problem, given what happened at the state party."
Recently we have seen politicians having public meltdowns where their personal psychodynamics come out of the cloest for all to see. But why can't we experience just the opposite of that also? Why can't it be possible for a candidate to publicly redeem himself by running an inspiring, principled campaign?
Why can't Scott Maddox announce for the Democratic nomination for Chief Financial Officer and boldly declare, "I am not defined by my past. We all have the capacity to learn from bad decisions and become better people and better politicians because of it."
Can he not then continue, "I will demonstrate that I understand fiscal controls and proper money management by running an effective, successful state-wide campaign. My message will be one of keeping state government focused on serving the people of Florida and not special interests."
I don't know about you, but I've been yearning for another candidate who can, by his very existence, embody Hope. Scott Maddox bravely stepping up to the CFO job could do that.
Scott, yes you can. Inspire us. |
