Chairwoman Karen L. Thurman
“On January 29, 2008, there will be a fair and open election in Florida, which will provide for maximum voter participation. The Florida Democratic Party is fully committed to January 29th, and the people of Florida will make it count by going to the polls and casting their votes. The nation will be paying attention on January 29th, and Florida Democrats will have a major impact in determining who the next President of the United States of America will be.”
Rep. Joyce Cusack, House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore and DNC Member from Florida
“Florida has seen too many controversial elections and far too much disenfranchisement in the past. No more, I say. We're sticking with January 29th, and we’re going to make it count.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
“Democrats across the state are already working to build a strong turnout on January 29th because, in addition to the Primary, there are many important local elections. Democrats care about the future of our communities, and we're going to make this election count.”
Rep. Luis Garcia, Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party
“No matter what decisions are made in Washington, Florida Democrats are 100% committed to delivering Florida and electing a Democratic Presidency in 2008 – and we will succeed.” [“No importa que decisión se hace en Washington, los Demócratas de la Florida están dedicado el cien por ciento a eligir un Presidente Demócrata en 2008 - algo que vamos a lograr,” dijo Luis Garcia, Vice Presidente del Partido.]
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson
“As to our right to vote, and have that vote count, there can be no debate. On January 29th, there will be multiple elections and other important issues on the ballot in Florida, whether the DNC recognizes the vote or not.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink
“It is important that all of Florida’s Democrats go to the polls on January 29th and express to the country our state’s preference for the Democratic Presidential nominee. We are going to go vote in record numbers.”
Florida AFL-CIO President Cindy Hall
“January 29th is very important to the labor people in Florida – public employees in counties and cities. We are very concerned about the amendment that is going to be on the ballot, and we need to make sure we have a high turnout.”
Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller (D-Hallandale Beach)
“Ignoring the mistakes at the national level, the Florida Democratic leadership is reaffirming again that we are counting every vote and every vote will count. It is critical that all of our Florida Democrats vote on January 29th. The message we send that day will set the tone for the rest of the election.”
House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach)
“I don’t want to waste an ounce more energy on a party spat, when our country is facing such great challenges. We need to start planning for November. We’re basically two linemen who’ve gotten into a fight in practice. We need to save our fight for game day. It’s time to move on.”
Terrie Brady, President of Duval Teachers United, State Committeewoman from Duval County, DNC Member and former Chair of the Florida Democratic Party
“The State Executive Committee wanted to make sure that we maximized voter participation. All the options were weighed, and the ultimate decision was to reaffirm our position to stay with the January 29th primary so that every vote was counted and that everybody had the opportunity to participate.”
Joe Garcia, Chairman of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party
“Florida elects Presidents. On January 29th we will have a bigger impact than any caucus or small state primary. The eventual nominee will seat our 210 delegates next year and our voice will be heard.”
Broward AFL-CIO President Dan Reynolds
“The Party is making the right move and showing leadership. Florida’s working families need to have their voice heard by voting on January 29th.”
Sen. Tony Hill (D-Jacksonville)
“In lieu of all we’ve done to make sure we have the right machines and that every vote is counted, it is paramount that we show up on January 29th, regardless of what is going on in Washington with the national parties, Democratic or Republican. The stakes are too high. The ballot initiative is too important for us to stay home. We have to turn out, and we have to have our voice heard.”
State Rep. Perry Thurston (D-Plantation)
“We should stay united here in Florida and do what’s best for not only the people of the state but also for the Democratic Party as a whole.”
State Rep. Matt Meadows
“One of the most important states in the presidential election should not be left out the process. Every Democrat must vote in this election.”
State Rep. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway, Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus
“It is imperative that we get out and vote on January 29th. We’ve worked hard to earn the right to vote, and we must utilize every opportunity we have to exercise this right.”
State Rep. Joe Gibbons (D-Hallandale Beach)
“We need to stand together to show that we have a strong and cohesive state Democratic Party because this is about Floridians. United we stand, divided we fall. It is important as a Party that we be as inclusive as we can. By sticking with that date, I think we accomplish that.”
State Rep. Darren Soto (D-Orlando)
“The State of Florida is an important state for both votes and fundraising for the Democratic Party and as such we should be given priority for the primary. Regardless of whether we send up a single delegate to the convention, the winner of the Jan 29th election will have great momentum going into the remainder of the primaries.” [“El estado de la Florida es muy importante para votos y fondos para el partido Demócrata y debe tener prioridad en la elección primaria. A pesar de si mandamos un solo delegado a la convención nacional o no, el ganador de la primaria del 29 de enero tendrá bastante impulso para las otras primaria,” dijo el Representante Darren Soto (D-Orlando).]
Lonny Awerdick, Chairman of the Democratic County Chairs Association and St. John’s Democratic Party
“The Party has taken a deliberate and careful look at all of the options, and they have come to a conclusion that this is the best way forward. I fully support the decision of our leadership to proceed with January 29th. This will ensure the maximum participation of all of our voters in Florida, and their voice will be heard.”