FLORIDA DIGEST - August 27, 2008

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

From Mark LaFontaine
Thank you, whether you're in Broward County , somewhere else in Florida , orspread out across the nation! Thanks to you, we made history in thiscampaign. More than 1,000 donors from around Florida - and around thecountry - stepped up to support my campaign. You sent a message - you saidyou want someone to fix our property tax and insurance mess. You wantsomeone to ensure health care for our children, our elderly, and ourveterans. You want someone to help get our economy moving. And you want avoice to ensure equality for ALL of Florida 's citizens. Thank you for yoursupport, words of encouragement, and inspiring stories. Thank you forputting your trust and your faith in me. We may not have been successfulin this campaign, but our fight continues. Please help other openly-gaycandidates have the same impact on the process, just as you helped me.Contribute to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Equality Florida andtogether we'll ensure we have a voice at all levels of government.
Mark LaFontaine


-From Adriane Reesey
To everyone: I want to say thank you so very much to everyone for thesupport that our campaign received over the past several months. It has beena tremendous experience, and one that I will not forget; it has been one ofhearing, seeing, and feeling. I have learned on the campaign trail to be"brief," as my long diatribes can even bore me. To all of those whobelieved in me and supported me financially, I say thank you, as I know howthought the economy has been. For all who worked tirelessly as unpaidvolunteers, you have my utmost thanks and respect. You hung there, gave ofyourselves and your time, and believed in me to the end, thank you! I cantruly be proud of a volunteer base that was as diverse as this melting potthat we call Broward County! Thank you all and we will continue to "fightthe good fight." I will leave you with two of my favorite quotes that sumup my feeling. "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect ofintelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbationof honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciatebeauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave theworld a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemedsocial condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung withexultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you havelived - this is to have succeeded." RALPH WALDO EMERSON - "Do not run acampaign that would embarrass your mother." ROBERT C. BYRD
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN,
Sincerely,
Adriane Reesey


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Poll shows Mccain has lead over Obama in Florida
Denver looks like it couldn't come fast enough for Florida Democrats.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-florida-democrats-082608,0,7174729.story


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Results From Tuesday's Florida Primary Elections

Supervisor of Elections - Broward County
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/FL/Broward/8043/8652/en/summary.html

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Supervisor of Elections - Palm Beach County
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/FL/Palm_Beach/8388/8666/en/summary.html

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Supervisor of Elections - Miami-Dade County
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/FL/Dade/7231/8657/en/summary.html


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Paper ballots make generally smooth debut in Broward County
Elections officials can exhale and uncross their fingers -- for now.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-0827flbvotingday0827,0,6176792.story

-Too close to call Broward sheriff contender
Scott Israel and Richard Lemack were in a neck-and-neck battle Tuesday nightto be the Democratic candidate for Broward sheriff, with Israel holding aslight lead with more than 85 percent of the votes tallied.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbsheriff0827sbaug27,0,6725282.story

-Eggelletion has overwhelming lead; Rodstrom narrowly ahead
One Broward County commissioner easily overcame his challengers in Tuesday's Democratic primary, while another led in his hotly contested race.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbcounty0827sbaug27,0,7854363.story

-Gallagher, Bartleman lead Broward County School Board races
Voters in southwest Broward County appeared to stick with a familiar face to
represent them on the School Board, with incumbent board member Beverly
Gallagher leading challenger Henry Rose in early results Tuesday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbskl0827sbaug27,0,1246668.story

-Three fight it out for Florida Senate District 31; Jenne, Clarke-Reed,
Rogers hold leads in bids for House seats. Former state House members KenGottlieb and Eleanor Sobel were locked in a dogfight for the Senate District31 seat late Tuesday, while a third contender, Tim Ryan, wasn't far behind.

-They're re-elected without having to face the voters
They're returning to office, but these elected officials whose districts areentirely or partially in Broward didn't have to face the voters on Tuesdayand won't be on the ballot in November.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbreelected0827sbaug27,0,3840548.story

-Candidate questions need for Snipes to have name all over polling sites, material
Voters who went to the polls Tuesday in Broward County saw Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes' name - everywhere.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbsnipes0827sbaug27,0,5171972.story

-Palm Beach County primary election results

-Not much fuss - or turnout - at Palm Beach County polls
Even amid tight countywide and legislative races, Palm Beach Countyresidents overwhelmingly skipped Tuesday's largely problem-free election.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpvotingday0827pnaug27,0,6206402.story

-Palm Beach County elections supervisor Arthur Anderson defeated
Four years after he narrowly won the supervisor of elections seat, Arthur
Anderson was defeated in Tuesday's election.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpsupervisor0827pnaug27,0,7019346.story

-Gary Nikolits holds lead in Palm Beach County property appraiser race
Overcoming public angst about property values and taxes, Palm Beach CountyProperty Appraiser Gary Nikolits appeared Tuesday night to hold off a stiffchallenge from state Rep. Richard Machek and return for a fifth term.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpappraiser0827pnaug27,0,1234854.story

-Two School Board seats decided; District 5 race heads to runoff
The race for Palm Beach County School Board District 5 appears headed for arunoff election on Nov. 4, while contests for two other board seats likelywere decided Tuesday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpskl0827pnaug27,0,6533875.story

-Kevin Rader leading House District 78 race in Palm Beach County
The race for House District 78 remained close late Tuesday evening.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpdist87pnaug27,0,4121732.story

-It's Wednesday morning, and final results from Broward elections are nowhere in sight
The political world is edgy this morning because it's theoretically possible, though unlikely, that some of the candidates with narrow leads from Tuesday's primaries and non-partisan elections could end up losing. The reason for the uncertainty: a lot of votes still aren't counted. The Broward Supervisor of Elections Office last updated its totals at 11:53 p.m. Tuesday night.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2008/08/its_wednesday_morning_and_fina.html


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-FLORIDA SENATE | SOUTHEAST BROWARD
Recount looms for Southeast Broward Senate race
In South Florida's most bare knuckle state primary, a razor-thin electoralmargin kept three former state representatives in suspense throughout thenight as they waited to see out who would claim the southeast Broward Senateseat.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/campaign-2008/story/660026.html

-Rooney will face Mahoney in former Foley seat
Former Army officer Tom Rooney edged out a victory in Tuesday's Republicanprimary and will face freshman Democratic U.S. Rep Tim Mahoney, who capturedhis seat after Rep. Mark Foley resigned amid an Internet teen sex scandal.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660190.html

-Upset: Incumbent Greer loses Miami-Dade School Board seat
In an election night shocker that could spell the end of embattledSuperintendent Rudy Crew's tenure in Miami, incumbent School Board memberEvelyn Greer lost her seat to a retired principal whose recent offer to stayon the job for a $1 salary was rebuffed by the district.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660002.html

-MIAMI-DADE COURTS
Challengers put pressure on courthouse incumbents
All nine of Miami-Dade's judicial races were too close to call from resultsavailable late Tuesday night. With 10 percent of the vote counted, threesitting judges had comfortable leads over their challengers and one judgewas behind. One race for an open seat was headed for a runoff. Threecandidates in races for open seats were clearly ahead. And the fifth racefor an open seat was neck-and-neck.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660096.html

-STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Steinberg comfortably takes District 106
In a race that pitted two political veterans with family ties to the state Legislature against each other, Miami Beach Commissioner Richard Steinbergdeclared victory in state House District 106.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660067.html

-MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL BOARD
Miami-Dade School Board shocker may spell end for Rudy Crew
In an election night shocker that could spell the end of embattledSuperintendent Rudy Crew's tenure in Miami, incumbent School Board memberEvelyn Greer lost her seat to a retired principal whose recent offer to stayon the job for a $1 salary was rebuffed by the district.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660088.html

-MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COURTS CLERK
Miami-Dade Courts Clerk Harvey Ruvin easily wins primary
Miami-Dade's longtime clerk of courts easily defeated his lone Democraticchallenger Tuesday night. The primary is the first time Harvey Ruvin, 71,has faced opposition since he was elected to the post in 1992.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/660105.html


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Palm Beach Post
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Primary Elections Results - Updated every 4 minutes
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/news/politics/2008_election/interactives/aug26_fullresults.html


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Broward County Commission Votes to Say No 2
Filed by: Anthony Niedwiecki
Broward County Commissioners unanimously voted to oppose Amendment 2,Florida's dangerous and deceptive "Marriage Protection" Amendment today. Theamendment is on the ballot in November and would not only define marriage as"between a man and woman" in the state constitution, but would also stripaway domestic partnership registries and benefits around the state.
http://florida.bilerico.com/2008/08/broward_county_commission_votes_to_say_n.php


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Transgender Pool Party - Ft. Lauderdale
Saturday, September 6 - 4-8pm
Preregister - No tickets at the door
For details, contact TERI@glccsf.org


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Ft. Lauderdale - Dolphin President Justin Flippen on CNN
Dolphin President Justin Flippen, a Florida Delegate to the DemocraticNational Convention, talks about the issues on CNN. Justin has once againdone an amazing job representing our club, our state, and our community!Check out the video and be sure to pass it along!
http://www.cnn.com/video/?JSONLINK=/video/politics/2008/08/25/dcl.long.flippen.delegates.cnn


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Congregation Etz Chaim, Wilton Manor's only Synagogue, will hold a Holiday
Open House for prospective members on Saturday, September 20. There will bea Wine and Cheese Reception from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a DairyPotluck Dinner and a Selichot Service conducted by Rabbi Harold F. Caminkerand Cantorial Soloist Michael Greenspan. The Holiday Open House will be agreat opportunity for prospective members to get acquainted withCongregation Etz Chaim and its many religious, social and educationalprograms. Congregation Etz Chaim is located at 1881 N.E. 26 Street inWilton Manors. For further information or an invitation to the Open House,phone (954) 288-8174 or e-mail Julesxxftl@bellsouth.net.


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From Mark LaFontaine

Friends and Supporters,
Thank you, whether you're in Broward County , somewhere else in Florida , orspread out across the nation! Thanks to you, we made history in thiscampaign. More than 1,000 donors from around Florida - and around thecountry - stepped up to support my campaign. You sent a message - you saidyou want someone to fix our property tax and insurance mess. You wantsomeone to ensure health care for our children, our elderly, and ourveterans. You want someone to help get our economy moving. And you want avoice to ensure equality for ALL of Florida 's citizens. Thank you for yoursupport, words of encouragement, and inspiring stories. Thank you forputting your trust and your faith in me. We may not have been successfulin this campaign, but our fight continues. Please help other openly-gaycandidates have the same impact on the process, just as you helped me. Contribute to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Equality Florida andtogether we'll ensure we have a voice at all levels of government.
Mark LaFontaine


-From Adriane Reesey
To everyone: I want to say thank you so very much to everyone for thesupport that our campaign received over the past several months. It has beena tremendous experience, and one that I will not forget; it has been one ofhearing, seeing, and feeling. I have learned on the campaign trail to be"brief," as my long diatribes can even bore me. To all of those whobelieved in me and supported me financially, I say thank you, as I know howthought the economy has been. For all who worked tirelessly as unpaidvolunteers, you have my utmost thanks and respect. You hung there, gave ofyourselves and your time, and believed in me to the end, thank you! I cantruly be proud of a volunteer base that was as diverse as this melting potthat we call Broward County! Thank you all and we will continue to "fightthe good fight." I will leave you with two of my favorite quotes that sumup my feeling. "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect ofintelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbationof honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciatebeauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave theworld a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemedsocial condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung withexultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you havelived - this is to have succeeded." RALPH WALDO EMERSON - "Do not run acampaign that would embarrass your mother." ROBERT C. BYRD
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN,
Sincerely,
Adriane Reesey


=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Poll shows Mccain has lead over Obama in Florida
Denver looks like it couldn't come fast enough for Florida Democrats.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-florida-democrats-082608,0,7174729.story

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