Pass the Ban
Jul 20, 2010
Florida Legislature is poised to stick it to the Governor even if it means sticking it to Floridians in the process. Some say the Governor is grandstanding, others say it is an example of rank opportunism. Perhaps. But just because you don't like the motives of the person that calls for the idea (or the person himself), doesn't mean you should demur to do what's right. That would be childish.
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July 4th messages from the Gelber family
Jul 3, 2010
While these times may have their challenges, the truth is we are a truly fortunate people. We live in a nation where we can disagree with the government or each other civilly and without fear, where ideas and innovation are celebrated, and where during our darkest hours and toughest times we always show our best face.
More... Doing the right thing
Jun 29, 2010
Throughout my career, whether as a long-time federal prosecutor, a counter terrorism chief investigator in the United States Senate or as a state legislator, I have tried to stay true to the principle that standing on the side of what's right is always better than standing on the side of what's right for me. When the BP oil spill hit, I immediately went on the offensive, drafting proposals to protect the state and its taxpayers, calling on Governor Crist for a special session on oil drilling, and just last week, suggesting the state give the Attorney General criminal jurisdiction so that he might go after BP and other wrongdoers for potential criminal misdeeds.
And I did one other thing last week, I resigned from my law firm upon learning after the fact that they had signed up to represent BP in court. Although lawyers do not assume the virtues or defects of their clients, I have been the leading and harshest critic of BP and of off-shore oil drilling for many years, and believed if I am to run for Attorney General I should not have any association with the company.
More... Father's Day 2010
Jun 20, 2010
My own Dad grew up in the Great Depression where the family challenges were immense. His father was often gone trying to scrape together a living, while boarders occupied their home. He grew up fast, ultimately spending a good part of his youth in the Army Air Corp in WW II. It was those hard lessons that shaped his desire to be an attentive and devoted father. I thank him for making sure I had that role model for me.
More... FCAT chaos and why heads ought to roll!
Jun 8, 2010
Pearson's failure and the resulting mess are what happens when you substitute testing for teaching, and make testing companies the high priests of public education. Commissioner Smith should conduct a full investigation with a view toward firing the company. The Board of Education should also investigate the Department which obviously failed to hire a company with the core competencies necessary, or manage and oversee the contract adequately.
More... Getting the BP Response Right
Jun 7, 2010
It is not too early to begin preparing. I recognize that the BP spill has come at a time when so many state leaders are involved in the vortex of a political campaign. That's a challenge but not an excuse. The truth is that our response must transcend politics as this event may straddle more than a couple election cycles, if not, generations.
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For attorney general, Democratic primary: Gelber
Jul 30, 2010
Qualifications and voting records separate the two Democrats running for Florida attorney general. Dan Gelber is much better on both.
Sen. Gelber is correct when he says, "The difference in experience between us isn't a little; it's a lot."
More... Facing Tough Contest for Dem AG Nomination, Dan Gelber Releases Proposals
Jul 29, 2010
On Thursday morning, Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, locked in a tight race with Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres for the Democratic nomination for attorney general, unveiled a number of proposals that he would enact if elected to fight corruption, coordinate law enforcement efforts and protect children, consumers and the environment.
Gelber also called for the creation of an Investment Fraud Unit that will work with the SEC and federal prosecutors to protect Florida investors.
More... Gelber Rolls Out Policy Initiatives for Attorney General's Office
Jul 29, 2010
State Senator and Democratic candidate for Attorney General Dan Gelber announced today his policy priorities. Turning to his more than twenty-five years of legal experience, Gelber highlights the importance of protecting the pocketbooks of Floridians and ensuring that Floridians impacted by the devastating oil spill are made financially whole.
More... Our Opinion: Gelber an ideal fit
Jul 28, 2010
It is Mr. Gelber's deep and broad experience in practicing law, including a decade as a federal prosecutor of civil rights violations, public corruption, narcotics, Ponzi schemes and major crimes in the U.S. attorney's office in Miami; staff director of the U.S. Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations; and chief counsel to Georgia's former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, that gives him a significant edge in this race.
With his understanding of the job, his wide array of ideally suited experience and his reputation as one of the state's most honorable and effective lawmakers, Mr. Gelber is an extremely solid choice in this Democratic primary contest for attorney general.
More... PolitiFact: BP Claim in AG Race Is Barely True
Jul 25, 2010
Bartosek said the burden of proof is on Aronberg, who admits he has none.
"At the moment, it does strike us as more of a scare tactic than a serious concern," Bartosek said.
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