FLORIDA DIGEST - September 26, 2008

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Cindi Hutchinson announced Monday that she is suspending her campaign for mayor of Fort Lauderdale to pursue "job opportunities outside of public office." Hutchinson, who had received great support from the gay community, said she decided to drop out of the race because she could not afford to live on the $35,000 mayoral salary. "The main reason is economics," Hutchinson said Tuesday. "The salary is only five thousand dollars more than what I make as a commissioner. Public office in the city [of Fort Lauderdale] doesn't pay enough." [...] Hutchinson's campaign raised concerns within the GLBT community that the gay vote would be split between Hutchinson, a dependable backer of gay issues, and twoopenly gay candidates: former city commissioner Dean Trantalis, and Earl Rynerson, owner of a tile store in Fort Lauderdale.
http://www.floridablade.com/


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From Dolphin Democrats
http://dolphindems.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Tonight!
Come Watch Barack Debate His Way To The White House (Debate Watch Party) Join us for the first of many wonderful Pot Lucks To The Presidency! Bring something scrumptious, register to vote, chat with other BO supporters, pledge to early vote, sign up for Volunteer shifts and learn our plan to win Barack the White House from right here in Broward County! It is the 2 story building in the back left, enter through the door on the north side. GLBT GOTV Center (Wilton Manors, FL) - 2040 N. Dixie Hwy - Wilton Manors -
Friday, September 26 at 8:15 PM.


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

-When we deny rights, we give up rights
By forbidding gay and lesbian residents from either marrying or adopting children, Florida law bans them from forming families - at least legally recognized ones. Think about that, and tell me it's not the most outrageous civil rights violation inflicted on any group of citizens in our state.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article827456.ece

-Geoff Oldfather: Foley should pay penance
Mark Foley wants absolution. When a two-year investigation into his sexually charged text messages to House pages was closed last week, he "prayed for forgiveness."
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/sep/25/geoff-oldfather-foley-should-pay-penance/


~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

Delray Beach
Join us this coming Friday evening and watch Barack Obama go up against John McCain in the first debate of this Presidential election.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs7z5m
Sure, you could watch it on CNN at home, but, when you are in a large comfortable, air conditioned room with your fellow Democrats with the debate being projected on a large movie screen and as many of your friends as you can bring along with you... the comments, cheers and gasps from the audience will help to make this the most exciting political event you've been to in a long time. As always the freshly popped pop corn is free and there are plenty of snacks and beverages available... Every month, the Palm Beach Democratic Party shows excellent documentaries that inform while they entertain and inspire activism. There is room for 200 of us, so, get pumped-up and bring plenty of your friends to watch the debate with us. Then in future months, please come back for our critically acclaimed Movie Night series. Doors will open at 7pm and the event will start at 7:30pm. Those who show up at the beginning will help to decide f we will watch the debate "warm up" on CNN or see a short, powerful documentary before the debate starts at 9pm. The debate will end at 10:30pm and for those who want to see the pundits commentary following the debate, we will show that too. There will be free popcorn and plenty of other snacks and beverages but feel free to bring your own if you so choose. Thanks in advance for your support! I look forward to seeing you.
LET'S TURN AMERICA BLUE!!!
Rick Neuhoff
www.RickNeuhoff2008.com


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Last chance to register to vote!
In less than two weeks, an important deadline in Florida will pass -- the last chance to register to vote.
Supporters across the state have helped build this campaign for change with hard work. Every day, groups of volunteers have walked neighborhoods, university campuses, and community festivals -- all to bring more people into our political process by registering new voters. Registering voters has been one of our top priorities -- it is crucial to winning Florida for Barack and Democrats up and down the ticket. But Monday, October 6th, is the final day to register new voters, and we need to make sure all of our friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family are registered. Our team recorded a special video showing how easy it is to get involved and register new voters. Watch the video and learn how you can make a difference in Florida this weekend: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/RegisterVoters/


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

-State Senators demand transparency in Alligator Alley lease talks
Florida Sens. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres and Burt Saunders, R-Naples, will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss enforcing transparency in the Florida Department of Transportation's plans to lease Alligator Alley.
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/NEWS01/80925088/1002

-Group pressures Crist to stop 'dirty tricks'
Progress Florida today has begun a statewide petition drive urging Gov. Charlie Crist to prevent efforts to "confuse and disenfranchise voters this election." At issue is a mailer, first reported by the St. Petersburg Times, that Republicans sent asking voters to double-check their "unconfirmed" party affiliations while asking for money. A letter signed by John McCain tells the Democrats: "We have you registered as a Republican."
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2008/09/groups-pressure.html

-New voter registration overloads state elections office
Fueled by a historic presidential campaign, a wave of new voter registrations has swamped the Florida elections office - and prompted state officials to turn to counties for a lifeline.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/legislature/sfl-flvote0926sbsep26,0,2141179.story

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