For attorney general, Democratic primary: Gelber

Jul 30, 2010

Palm Beach Post Editorial Board

Palm Beach Post


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."
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Facing Tough Contest for Dem AG Nomination, Dan Gelber Releases Proposals

Jul 29, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


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.

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Our Opinion: Gelber an ideal fit

Jul 28, 2010

Tallahassee Democrat Editorial Board

Tallahassee Democrat


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.

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PolitiFact: BP Claim in AG Race Is Barely True

Jul 25, 2010

Scott Finn

WUSF


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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The Miami Herald recommends Dan Gelber for Attorney General, Democratic Primary

Jul 23, 2010


Miami Herald


Mr. Gelber has a long trajectory in public service, including a stint as a federal prosecutor and serving as chief counsel of a U.S. Senate subcommittee that investigated terrorist activities around the world. He is well known to local voters, having served as a state representative from 2000 to 2008. He was elected to the state Senate in 2008.
Our choice is Mr. Gelber, an effective legislator with a strong pro-consumer record and the best grasp of the issues. He consistently offers innovative ideas to solve problems and vows to use the attorney general's powers to protect Floridians hurt by the BP oil spill.

An unfortunate aspect of this race is Mr. Aronberg's attempt to make an issue out of Mr. Gelber's past membership in a law firm that has represented BP. Mr. Gelber, who resigned from the law firm to run, was not involved in BP cases and never profited from the firm's association with the oil company. This issue is a needless distraction.

For attorney general, Democratic primary, The Miami Herald recommends DAN GELBER.
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Gelber, Bondi in Attorney General Races

Jul 18, 2010

Tampa Tribune Editorial Board

The Tampa Tribune


Gelber understands the power of the office, observing correctly that except for the Supreme Court, he would answer to no one in Tallahassee. Indeed, he has a record of standing up to powerful corporate interests and influential politicians who are used to getting their way, like former Gov. Jeb Bush. He has led consequential investigations and supervised operations bigger than the one he would take over if elected.

Aronberg has tried to make an issue of Gelber's former firm's representation of BP following the oil leak, but this criticism is not persuasive. Gelber is the superior candidate. For attorney general in the Democratic primary the Tribune endorses Dan Gelber.
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Accusations against candidate on BP link don't hold up

Jul 18, 2010

St. Petersburg Times Editorial Board

St. Petersburg Times


State Sen. Dave Aronberg's attempt to tar his opponent in the Democratic primary for attorney general with the BP oil spill is out of bounds. By exaggerating some facts and disregarding others, Aronberg has raised the specious claim that state Sen. Dan Gelber's former association with Akerman Senterfitt, the state's largest law firm that now represents BP in Florida, conflicts with being able to act on Florida's behalf as attorney general. There is no conflict; Gelber acted honorably and resigned from the firm and Aronberg's campaign literature is dishonest.
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Florida Pipe Trades Union Backs Dan Gelber for AG

Jul 12, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


The Florida Pipe Trades union, representing more than 12,000 Floridians, announced on Monday that they were backing Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, for attorney general.

"The members of the Florida Pipe Trades are proud to endorse Sen. Dan Gelber in his campaign for Attorney General," said Florida Pipe Trades union rep John Lindstrom.
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Nan Rich Backs Dan Gelber for AG Over Dave Aronberg

Jul 9, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


Incoming Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich, D-Sunrise, announced she is backing Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, for attorney general over another member of her caucus, Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres.
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Gelber fundraiser hosted by prominent attorneys

Jul 9, 2010

Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Sentinel Blog


Dan Gelber's attorney general campaign has pulled together a group of prominent Orlando attorneys to host a $500-a-person fundraiser tonight, from 5:30 to 7, in the lobby of the M&I Bank in Winter park.

Included on the host committee are Bruce Blackwell, a partner in the law firm that includes City Attorney Mayanne Downs; Cecelia Bonifay, a land-use lawyer who's also the wife of U.S. Distrct Court Judge Greg Presnell; Richard Dellinger, a litigator at the Lowndes firm; Sam King, a plaintiff's lawyer in College Park; Warren Lindsey, a prominent Winter Park criminal defense lawyer; and attorney Fritz Scheller, a former clerk for Presnell.
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Democratic leader criticizes Aronberg, endorses his opponent

Jul 9, 2010

Anthony Man

Sun-Sentinel


Rich endorsed Dan Gelber of Miami Beach over Dave Aronberg of Greenacres for the nomination on Friday.

It's an unsual move for several reasons: The two candidates are both current members of the Florida Senate, and Rich will become the minority leader — the top member of her party in the Senate — after the November election. And she'll have to work with whoever wins the job.

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Attorney general candidate meets supporters

Jul 8, 2010

TRACEY McMANUS

St. Augustine Record


Democratic attorney general candidate Dan Gelber spoke for tough penalties on economic criminals and for litigation against BP for the Gulf Coast oil spill, among other issues, to more than 50 supporters at a St. Augustine meet-and-greet Wednesday.

"Qualities of an attorney general need to be two things," Gelber said. "One, someone who's got the experience, and two, the gumption to ruffle some feathers if necessary."
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Democrats Praise Amendment 7 Ruling

Jul 8, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, who is currently locked in a tight battle with Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, for the Democratic attorney general nomination, has been a vocal opponent of Amendment 7 and praised Thursday's ruling.

"Today's ruling by the Leon County Circuit Court is a victory for Floridians who are tired of the special interests' control of the Legislature," said Gelber. "I fought aggressively this legislative session against efforts by the Republican majority to place Amendment 7 on the ballot. Unfortunately, they prevailed because of the gerrymandered control they have in the House and Senate. The court's ruling vindicates the efforts of so many right-thinking Floridians who want to be able to pick their elected officials, rather than vice-versa."
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Reactions to Crist's special session

Jul 8, 2010

Michael Bender

Palm Beach Post


"Since May 5th I have been asking the Governor to call a Special Session to address a near-shore drilling ban. I am heartened by Governor Crist's apparent decision to do precisely that. I would hope, however, that in addition we would address the immediate needs of our citizens who are already feeling pain and anxiety from the spill."
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Attorney General Candidates Take to the Airwaves

Jul 6, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, unveiled a Web video of his own Tuesday morning. Facing a close race with Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, for the Democratic nomination, the Gelber team focused on their candidate's biography in the new video.

"It's a short bio of Dan that highlights his decades of public service and why his experience makes him the candidate the Republican machine doesn't want to see as the Democratic nominee," wrote the Gelber campaign team in a release introducing the new video.

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Health Care Issue Rages On in Fla.

Jul 6, 2010

Lloyd Dunkelberger

Lakeland Ledger


State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, who is running for attorney general and said he would drop McCollum's lawsuit if he is elected, also questioned the opposition to the law. "I just think it's nutty what we're doing," Gelber said, saying Florida - with its economy based largely on small businesses and with nearly 4 million uninsured residents - is the state "most poised to benefit from the law."
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Editorial: BP helps lawyers set new standards

Jul 2, 2010

Post Editorial Board

Palm Beach Post


Mr. Gelber, a Democratic state senator from Miami Beach who is running for attorney general, left the law firm of Akerman Senterfitt after it agreed to represent BP in civil lawsuits arising from the spill. Mr. Gelber's primary opponent, Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, is trying to score political points from an imagined Gelber-BP link.
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Special session on spill a must

Jun 29, 2010

Dan Gelber

Special To The Tampa Tribune


Floridians are nervous and rightfully so. BP's promises to "make things right" only go so far, and it's more than possible that our state's share of a $20 billion escrow will be woefully inadequate to compensate Florida for the decades of damage that may follow.

So while I hope for the best, we must prepare for the worst and make sure we have the backs of our residents and businesses that may find themselves damaged by BP's gross negligence.

To those ends I renew my call for Gov. Charlie Crist to call the Legislature back into a special session to confront head-on solutions to these complex challenges.
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Make state BP-claim ready: Gelber's call for a special session makes sense.

Jun 28, 2010

The Palm Beach Post



To protect Florida, Sen. Gelber proposes the Legislature review laws that cover economic loss. He notes that in a recent case fishermen in central Florida couldn't collect on claims for income loss from polluted fishing grounds because they "have no property interest in the fish." Sen. Gelber also suggests a new law to penalize companies that show bad faith in paying claims and create deceptive claims systems.

Mr. Gelber proposes something different: a compensation commissioner. He points out that there will be claims in federal and state court. There will be criminal cases along with all the civil litigation. This compensation commissioner, Sen. Gelber says, would be an advocate for the state and an administrator of the claims system. Such a person in Florida might work with Ken Feinberg, the lawyer who administered the compensation awards from 9/11 and the Virginia Tech shooting, and now is managing the $20 billion escrow fund that BP established.

The state gets a new governor and attorney general in January. The Legislature doesn't meet until March. Oil keeps flowing. So should ideas for protecting Florida's interest. Offer them in a special session.

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Gelber hosts fundraiser in Tampa

Jun 28, 2010

John Frank

Buzz Blog


State Sen. Dan Gelber is hosting a fundraiser Tuesday at Mise En Place in Tampa. The host committee features some big name Democrats supporting his bid for attorney general. Here's the invite. Among the hosts: Betty Castor, Mayor Pam Iorio, Jim Davis and Barry Cohen.
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Big name Dems raising money for Gelber

Jun 28, 2010


Naked Politics- Miami Herald Blog


Among the hosts: Betty Castor, Mayor Pam Iorio, Jim Davis and Barry Cohen.


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Dems to Crist: Bring legislators back into session for oil response

Jun 22, 2010

Mary Ellen Klas

Miami Herald


"The special session must include aggressive measures that protect Floridians by ensuring that the state has the proper laws in place to hold BP and others accountable coupled with a constitutional amendment to ban near-shore drilling," said Gelber, a candidate for attorney general.
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AFSCME Council 79 Backs Gelber for AG

Jun 17, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


Sen. Dan Gelber of North Miami Beach scored yet another big endorsement for his campaign for the Democratic attorney general nomination. Facing a close contest with Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres, Gelber just announced he was being backed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Florida Council 79, which represents more than 100,000 members.
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Putting in Paperwork to Run for AG, Gelber Stresses His Experience

Jun 16, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-North Miami, filed his paperwork to run for attorney general this afternoon and is reminding Floridians about his political and legal background.

"As a federal prosecutor, I put drug dealers, violent gang members and corrupt public officials in jail," said Gelber.
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Senate Dems Want FCAT Contract Query

Jun 16, 2010

MICHAEL PELTIER

The News Service of Florida


A pair of Senate Democrats Wednesday called on the State Board of Education to investigate delays in the scoring of the state's FCAT tests.

"The Pearson debacle is inexcusable and it is our hope that the Board will take all necessary steps - including an audit and investigation - to determine how it happened, so we can assure this sad episode doesn't repeat itself," Gelber and Rich wrote in a letter to Fair.
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Dan Gelber Backs Obama's Plan for Gulf Oil Spill Compensation

Jun 15, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


"I applaud President Obama for his steadfast leadership during this extraordinarily challenging crisis and am glad to see that steps will be taken to create a compensation fund similar to the one created for victims of 9/11," said Gelber. "This is a critical path that we must embark on to ensure that 100 percent of claims filed by Floridians are paid for by BP and our communities are made whole."
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Dan Gelber Backs Obama's Plan for Gulf Oil Spill Compensation

Jun 15, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


President Barack Obama's idea to establish a fund to compensate people who are economically hurt by the oil spill in the Gulf is being supported by one of Florida's leading Democrats.

"I applaud President Obama for his steadfast leadership during this extraordinarily challenging crisis and am glad to see that steps will be taken to create a compensation fund similar to the one created for victims of 9/11," said Gelber. "This is a critical path that we must embark on to ensure that 100 percent of claims filed by Floridians are paid for by BP and our communities are made whole."
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Gov. Charlie Crist Pledges Oil Ads for South Florida

Jun 14, 2010

David Smiley

Miami Herald


Amid concerns that the BP oil gusher in the Gulf of Mexico has hurt tourism in areas of Florida where crude has yet to reach, Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday paid a visit to Miami Beach and pledged to fund an advertising campaign touting the state's still-pristine beaches.

He also complimented the Obama administration's plans to set up a BP escrow account for claims and told State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, that he would consider Gelber's suggestion that Florida create a claims liaison for its businesses.

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McCollum Cites Health Care Bill as Unconstitutional

Jun 12, 2010


Capitol Outlook


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami, said McCollum is not thinking of the people of Florida. "AG McCollum is tone deaf to the reality we have nearly four million uninsured Floridians, 800,000 of which are children," Gelber said. "His decision to challenge the constitutionality of the federal health care reform bill that is working its way through the Congress is shortsighted and nothing more than rank demagoguery."
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Florida lawmakers question FCAT firm over scoring

Jun 11, 2010

HANNAH SAMPSON AND KATHLEEN McGRORY

Miami Herald


In a blistering phone call with Florida's top education official Thursday, several lawmakers questioned whether the results of this year's FCAT could be trusted and why the state would award the $254 million contract to administer and grade the test to a company with a long history of problems.

``Maybe we need to give the department a Google function,'' said Miami Beach state Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democrat who is running for Attorney General.
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Bipartisan outrage growing in Florida over Pearson's FCAT flubs

Jun 11, 2010

Ron Matus

St. Petersburg Times


Gelber told The St. Petersburg Times today that "I think the contract should be in extreme jeopardy."

"I really hate the way the FCAT is used in the school system," Gelber said. "That said, if you're going to pay a company $254 million, they ought to do it on time."




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South Florida Fire Fighters Back Gelber for Attorney General

Jun 8, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


Big pickup for Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, in his bid to win the Democratic nomination for attorney general. Gelber, who is in a close battle with Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, won the support of the South Florida Council of Fire Fighters Tuesday morning.

"Our Council is proud to endorse Dan Gelber as Florida's next attorney general," said Council President Dean Parkeson.
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Gay Adoption Ban Coming Into Play In Race for Attorney General

Jun 5, 2010

Lee Logan

Miami Herald


But Democrats say Florida has spent enough defending an antiquated law.

``I don't think as a lawyer I can make a straight-faced argument that the ban is constitutional,'' said Gelber of Miami Beach.
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Governor Signs Veterans Bills on Memorial Day

May 31, 2010


WINK News


Sponsored by Senator Dan Gelber and Representative Maria Sachs, House Bill 1455 amends existing law relating to solicitation of funds by making it a felony to misrepresent military or veteran status while soliciting funds. The legislation will prevent fraudulent fundraising by those who dishonestly tap into the prestige and credibility of heroic veterans for personal gain.
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My Word by State Senator Dan Gelber: Riding oil spill momentum

May 18, 2010

Senator Dan Gelber

Orlando Sentinel


So that is why we need to move while current events have created some momentum. This is no selfish political ploy. Rather, this is simply an opportunity to advance a good policy that on any other day would have no chance against powerful special interests. Or you could just trust the Florida Legislature.

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Protestors Urge Crist To Veto House Abortion Bill

May 18, 2010


CBS 4 (Miami)


Dozens of pro-choice and Planned Parenthood supporters rallied in Miami Tuesday morning to urge Florida Governor Charlie Crist to veto a health bill that requires women seeking an abortion to pay for ultrasound exams, even if they don't want to see the image.

"I believe it is an invasion on a woman's right to choose, it is not intended to advance a health purpose but intended simply to try to get her to not have an abortion. I think that decision is hers and not the Florida legislatures," state Senator Dan Gelber told the gathering.

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OUR OPINION: Enshrine drilling ban in state Constitution

May 13, 2010

Editorial Board

Miami Herald


The amendment wasn't the governor's idea, however. Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who is running for governor, state Sen. Dan Gelber, seeking the attorney general's post, and other Democratic lawmakers first called for one last week. Senate President Jeff Atwater, a Republican candidate for chief financial officer, supports the special session.

Gov. Crist also rightly proposes new tax incentives to encourage utilities to promote renewable energy sources. These should be approved. It isn't enough just to say No to drilling while still relying heavily on oil and gas. The state has to simultaneously develop sustainable energy sources that reduce our need for oil and gas drilling altogether.

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Poll shows Atwater up, Aronberg down in respective statewide races

May 12, 2010

Michael Bender

Palm Beach Post Blog


Meanwhile, the poll shows state Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres locked in a dogfight with fellow Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach in the Democratic primary for attorney general . The poll, which has a 4 percent margin of error showed Gelber with 15 percent, Aronberg with 12 percent and undecided with 73 percent.
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CABINET RACES UP IN THE AIR WITH MOST VOTERS UNDECIDED

May 12, 2010

Keith Lang

News Service of Florida


A new Ron Sachs/Mason-Dixon poll of 625 registered Florida voters showed most people are undecided in the races for attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner. The races for all three will not feature incumbents as Attorney General Bill McCollum and CFO Alex Sink are running for governor and Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson is term-limited.

In the race to replace McCollum, state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach holds a slim lead over Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, in the race for the Democratic nomination.
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M-D Sachs poll: Cabinet races tough to call

May 12, 2010

William March

Tampa Tribune Blog


Dan Gelber has a narrow lead in the Democratic primary for attorney general, as do Jeff Kottkamp in the GOP attorney general primary and Scott Maddox for agriculture commissioner—but they're all less than the error margin, and "undecided" was the big winner in all the Florida Cabinet races, according to a new poll.
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Activists Protest Offshore Drilling at Miami Beach rally

May 11, 2010

JENNIFER LEBOVICH

Miami Herald


``Let me assure you of something, if the oil lobby has the opportunity to put rigs within four miles of our coast, they'll do it,'' said state Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democratic candidate for Florida attorney general, who last week joined other Democrats in calling for a special session to put a drilling ban on the November ballot. ``This is our time to stand up . . . so Florida can say we do not want oil rigs near our shore.''

Gelber was joined by commissioners from Miami Beach, who also called on emergency managers in Miami-Dade County to be prepared should the oil slick come to South Florida.


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Crist To Call Back Legislators To Consider Offshore Drilling Ban

May 11, 2010

Josh Hafenbrack

Sun Sentinel


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said Florida needs better protections than a state law legislators can change at any time. Public sentiment on drilling shifts frequently. Just a few years ago, gas topped $4 a gallon and the catch phrase was "drill, baby, drill."

"Anyone who thinks the oil industry is going to back down forever is absolutely mistaken," Gelber said. "As soon as there is an opportunity to push oil drilling, an army of lobbyists will descend upon Tallahassee again. If it's not in the constitution, they absolutely will bully it through the Legislature, as they almost did last year."
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Five Bills Gov. Crist Should Veto

May 9, 2010

Editorial

St. Petersburg Times


Three issues Crist should push to bring to special session

Public corruption. Former House Speaker Ray Sansom has been indicted on grand theft charges for steering $6 million in tax money to build an airport hangar disguised as a college building that a friend wanted for private use. A statewide grand jury is investigating public corruption, and federal officials are investigating the state Republican Party's finances. Yet the Legislature failed to pass any changes in public corruption laws.

A good place to start would be with two bills by Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. One (SB 1076) would make it easier to prosecute elected officials who use their public offices for private gain. Another bill (SB 734) would set tougher penalties for officials who use their position to engage in a criminal act
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Oil Spill: Democrats Seek Special Session

May 6, 2010

Jim Ash

Pensacola News Journal


"The tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico and the growing impact to Florida's coastline and economic engine underscores the need for some in the legislature to drop the issue of oil drilling entirely," said State Sen. Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach). "Florida's fragile coastline and its beautiful beaches are the backbone of our multi-billion-dollar tourism industry.
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Florida Dems Seek to Ban Oil Drilling Near State's Coast

May 6, 2010

Stephanie Condon

CBS News


State sen. Dan Gelber, a Miami Beach Democrat and a candidate this year to be the state's attorney general, sent a letter Tuesday to the governor, asking for a constitutional amendment to ban the practice of near-shore oil drilling, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

"I have long been inalterably opposed to near shore drilling, and believe we should give our citizens the chance to render their judgment through a constitutional amendment," Gelber wrote. "If the last few weeks have taught us anything, it's that the risks associated with drilling will never outweigh the money offered by Big Oil, no matter how much they pump into the political system or offer the state. We need to put the oil drilling debate in our rear view mirror and move on."

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Drill ban could rattle Fla. Senate race

May 5, 2010

DAVID CATANESE

Politico


A group of Florida Democratic legislators are expected to ask Gov. Charlie Crist to call a special session to take up a constitutional amendment banning drilling near the state's shoreline, POLITICO has learned.

Details of the proposed amendment are still being worked out, but press conferences are scheduled in Miami and St. Petersburg Thursday to kick off what's expected to be a high-profile anti-drilling campaign in the wake of a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

State Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, who is helping spearhead the effort, has already asked Crist to bring lawmakers back to Tallahassee—Florida's regular 60-day legislative session ended Friday—to address the issue of public corruption. But in the wake of the devastating oil spill that's stained nearly 2,000 square miles of Gulf waters, he said the pitfalls of drilling have never been clearer.

"There has been an unconstrained desire to deliver near-shore drilling to Florida and it's happened now for the last two legislative sessions," Gelber said, explaining the need for an amendment. "Near-shore drilling should be in our rear view mirror."
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Gelber asks Crist to call a special session on corruption and oil liability

May 4, 2010

Mary Ellen Klas

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog


Sen. Dan Gelber, a Miami Beach Democrat and attorney general candidate, Tuesday sent a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist, asking him to follow up on his suggestion that a special session be held to take up the unfinished public corruption proposals as well as find a way to give the state's attorney general the tools needed recover the state's costs from the oil spill.
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Gelber asks for special session on oil liability...

May 4, 2010


St. Petersburg Times Blog


At a oil spill breifing between legislators and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole today, Gelber noted that BP has said it will pay for legitimately filed and objectively verified claims of injury and losses "and my assumption is they are going to still reimburse the state for things that might not be a property damage or personal injury or commercial loss...that may be truly necessary.

"Is that true or are we going to be finding out we may be doing a lot to find out that BP is only going to pony up what is its damage injury and actual commercial loss?" Gelber asked.

Sole responded that BP to date ''does anticipate and plan and are prepared to reimburse the state for its costs for the emergency. I will also say that with Exxon Valdez it took 19 years for the state of Alaska to recover their claims."

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Gelber asks governor to call special session

May 4, 2010


Associated Press


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Democratic lawmaker wants Gov. Charlie Crist to call a special session to deal with some unfinished legislative business and the threat to Florida's economy from an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Senator Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, asked Crist to include public corruption in a call to bring lawmakers back to the Capitol. Gelber, who is running for the Democratic nomination for attorney general, said Tuesday he's disappointed in the number of scandals involving high-ranked Florida public officials.
The annual 60-day session ended Friday and Crist has hinted at a special session to deal with public corruption.

Gelber, a former federal prosecutor, wants tougher penalties for crimes committed by public officials.

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Offshore Oil-Drilling Issue Dead in Florida, for Now

May 3, 2010

By KATHLEEN HAUGHNEY

Lakeland Ledger


State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, who is running for attorney general, put out a release saying he was "inalterably opposed" to drilling. What potential Cabinet members think matters because under the proposal as it was last floated, the Cabinet would ultimately decide on new leases.

"I don't think we need to study it, I think we need to reject it outright and put the entire idea where it belongs: in our rear-view mirror," Gelber said.
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A Turn To Right In 2010

May 2, 2010

Bill Kaczor

St. Augustine Record


Gelber and other opponents are seeking a veto by Crist, who just a day before the session ended left the GOP to run for the U.S. Senate without party affiliation.

"I would call it an instantaneous veering to the right," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. "All the Jeb Bush stuff came roaring back, all the unbridled right-wing ambitions of leadership came into play."
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Florida Approves Final Budget

May 2, 2010

John Kennedy

News Service of Florida


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, also criticized the spending blueprint for not looking ahead.

"We keep seeming to bale out water without plugging the holes," Gelber said.

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State Legislature Looks As If It's Taking A Hard Turn To The Right

May 2, 2010

Josh Hafenbrack

Sun Sentinel


"The leadership that's coming in is a right-wing leadership," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. "They really believe Florida wants to be Louisiana or Alabama — or blaze a new ground in right-wing conservatism. I think they've overshot already."

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Lawmaker-backed Redistricting Amendment Headed to Voters

May 1, 2010

Alex Tiegen

Sunshine State News


Most Democrats opposed the amendment, saying it would disenfranchise voters and be used to favor political parties.

"All Fair Districts says is, you should be able to choose your elected officials," said Miami Beach Democrat Dan Gelber. "Not the officials choosing their voters."
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AG Race Will Decide Future of Health Care Legal Battle

May 1, 2010

Brady Calhoun

Panama City News Herald


"I think that lawsuit is a mistake," Gelber said. "I think the attorney general is supposed to stand up against insurance companies that deny care to children with pre-existing illnesses, not fight for them."

Gelber promised to stay "a step ahead" of Florida's criminals.

"If you look at my record and my experience, more than any other candidates I have been standing up for everyday people," he added. "I'm not afraid to make an enemy or shake up the apple cart."
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GOP-Backed Redistricting Proposal Goes To Ballot

Apr 30, 2010

John Kennedy

The News Service of Florida


Helped by a pair of black Democrats, Senate Republicans successfully added a proposed redistricting amendment to the November ballot Friday which opponents say will undermine two other proposals designed to loosen the GOP's grip on the Florida Legislature.

"It's obviously intended to emasculate Amendments 5 and 6," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. "It will thoroughly gut those other amendments and I don't think that's what the people want us to do."
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Dems cry foul over sneaky Senate abortion amendment

Apr 28, 2010

Dara Kam

Palm Beach Post Blog


Sen. Dan Gelber, who was in the House two years ago, objected that no committee had fully vetted the proposal before it arose today on the floor.

Gelber, who is running for attorney general, gave a heated argument against the amendment after offering several of his own that failed.

"You are go to put in Florida law a provision that requires a victim of a rape to actually tell someone she was raped, to get proof of the rape before she can be excused by the state of Florida from getting an ultrasound. How wrong is that," said Gelber, D-Miami Beach. "Shame on the state of Florida."

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Senate Unveils Ethics Bill To Crack Down On Public Corruption

Apr 23, 2010

Mary Ellen Klas

Miami Herald


Also part of the measure: pieces of two bills by Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. One provision would make it a crime for government officials — with corrupt intent — to deliberately fail to disclose any financial interests that result in private gain from their public jobs. Another would increase the penalties for public officials who commit crimes while performing their official duties.
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Anti-Corruption Bill Advances In Senate

Apr 19, 2010

Tonya Alanez

Sun Sentinel


The bill's sponsor, Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach said the bill goes to the heart of corruption by clamping down on officials who "are going to be making a buck off an official act."

Dubbed the "Restoring Faith in Public Office Act," SB 1076 would make it a third-degree felony for politicians not to reveal if they have a financial stake in their official actions or votes. The crime would increase to a second-degree felony if the private gain were valued at $10,000 or more.
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Broward Democrats rush in with praise for Crist

Apr 15, 2010

Anthony Mann

Florida Sun Sentinel


State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami — both of whom represent parts of South Broward — hit the e-mail quickly to praise Republican Gov. Charlie Crist for his veto of legislation overhauling teacher pay.

The measure was bitterly opposed by most teachers, and teacher unions are a critical source of support for Democratic candidates.

Gelber and Meek are both seeking higher offices in the August Democratic primary, where teacher union support is important.

Below, the statements:

First to arrive was Gelber's. He's running for attorney general:
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Florida Bill Would Give Attorneys More Tools Against Corrupt Officials

Apr 13, 2010

Mary Ellen Klas

Miami Herald


The measure, sponsored by Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, has the support of the 20 state attorneys. It would close a gap in state law that now prevents state attorneys from prosecuting officials who purposefully fail to disclose their financial interest because they want to shield how they are making money from their public offices.
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Anti-Corruption Bills Win Senate Committee Approval

Apr 13, 2010

Josh Hafenbrack

Sun Sentinel


Gelber's bill would make it a crime for elected and appointed officials to fail to disclose a financial stake in a vote or action. To get a conviction, prosecutors would have to prove a willful and corrupt intent, a high legal hurdle.

"Most of the misconduct that occurs is somebody making a buck off their official position, with some deceptive non-disclosure," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, a former federal prosecutor who sponsored the bills.
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Gelber Bounces Back: Brings In $325,000 For AG Bid

Apr 5, 2010

Kevin Derby

Sunshine State News


But any talk about Aronberg as the favorite has been dispelled. During the first three months of 2010, Gelber reeled in over $325,000 compared to Aronberg's $260,000. Add to this the $670,000 he raised in 2009 and Gelber is close to having brought in $1 million for the race.

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Gelber Reports Raising $75k More Than Aronberg

Apr 5, 2010

Aaron Deslatte

Orlando Sentinel


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, announced today that his campaign for attorney general comfortably outpaced rival Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres, claiming more than $325,000 in contributions last quarter compared to Aronberg's announced total of $260,000.

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Gay Rights Bill Seen As Progress

Apr 4, 2010

Eileen ZAFFIRO

Daytona Beach News-Journal


A bill proposed in the state Legislature this year would give gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people a weapon to fight back when they're discriminated against in housing or employment. It's called the Florida Competitive Workforce Act and it would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state law that already protects people in employment and housing based on race, religion, sex, age and disability.

State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, sponsored the work-force act.

"Florida shouldn't have a sign that says 'open for business except for gays,' " said Gelber, an attorney who spent part of his career prosecuting hate crimes. "Local governments have implemented work-force measures and the cities didn't fall into the ocean when they did it. A lot of it is antiquated, backwards thinking."
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Op-Ed: Gelber: Legislature Should Operate In The Sunshine

Apr 1, 2010

Dan Gelber

Tallahassee Democrat


Floridians are losing respect for state government because increasingly it seems that many of their state officials are operating outside of scrutiny and the public interest.

Although it might be easier to govern with limited citizen involvement, it is not better or healthier for a democracy.

It is for that reason that I propose changing Florida's Constitution to bring more transparency and openness to Tallahassee.
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Attorney General Hopefuls Spar Gently

Mar 30, 2010

Howard Altman

The Tampa Tribune


Gelber talked about his near decade of experience in the U.S. Attorney's Office, which he joined in 1986 at 25.

"I spent my time actually being a lawyer, protecting people and preserving public safety," he said. "I prosecuted gangs, public officials, arsonists and Ponzi scheme artists."

Gelber's poke at his opponent addressed Aronberg's vote for a bill that allowed insurance companies into a program that gives corporations tax credits for donations to voucher programs.

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Democratic Rivals For Florida Attorney General Take Jabs At Republicans

Mar 30, 2010

Adam C. Smith

St. Petersburg Times


Gelber, 49, played the maturity card, noting that he didn't enter the Legislature until he was 40, after he'd already had an accomplished career as a federal prosecutor and a U.S. Senate terrorist investigator. The former Florida House Democratic leader has had a higher profile in Tallahassee, and he implied that he is more willing than Aronberg to buck powerful special interests.

"What I think distinguishes me from the entire field is that you look at my background as a prosecutor, as a terrorism investigator and in the Legislature — I am not afraid to take on any interests," Gelber said. "I'm not afraid to stand up to anybody, and I don't think any other candidate can say that."
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Democrats go after McCollum on Health Care

Mar 26, 2010

Marc Caputo

St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald


Leading the anti-McCollum charge: Sen. Dan Gelber, a Miami Beach Democrat running for attorney general who said the incumbent's "frivolous" lawsuit is an "ideological escapade" that won't survive in the courts.

"This is nothing other than a political frolic," Gelber said. "We have incredible challenges in our state. … We want our chief law enforcement officer spending his time protecting our citizens."

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AG Candidate Gelber Goes After AG McCollum's 'Political Frolic' On Senate Floor

Mar 25, 2010

Dara Kam

Post On Politics- Palm Beach Post


Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democrat running for attorney general, sparked a mini-debate on the national health care package after he accused Attorney General Bill McCollum of political gamesmanship by filing a federal lawsuit over the reforms.

Gelber filed an amendment on an attorney general-related bill that would bar the AG from hiring private lawyers to challenge the constitutionality of the federal health reform act.

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Op-Ed: Operating In The Sunshine

Mar 24, 2010

Senator Dan Gelber

Florida Today


This year, I, along with Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, filed Senate Joint Resolution 440, which requires the Legislature to abide by similar open- government laws that govern local governments.

Although it might be easier to govern with limited citizen involvement, it is not better or healthier for a democracy. For that reason, I propose changing Florida's Constitution to bring more transparency and openness.


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Editorial: A Little Sunshine

Mar 18, 2010


The Gainesville Sun


Lawmakers can clean up their act by passing a joint resolution (HJR 241/SJR 440) sponsored by state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach
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Bill Would Shine Sun On State Government

Mar 15, 2010

The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune


Attracting the most attention is a constitutional amendment (HJR 241) proposed by Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, and Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, that would outlaw private discussions by members of budget and other conference committees about issues those committees are considering. It also would restrict the amending of bills during a session's final days and permit Circuit Court challenges of House or Senate rules regarding access to legislative meetings or documents.

"Seven thumbs up on this one," Petersen said. "It's one of the best bills I've seen in quite some time."

Petersen said Gelber has championed open government for years and the issue transcends election-year politics.
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Champions and Chumps of Governmental Transparency

Mar 15, 2010


Tallahassee Democrat


A selection of legislators who have acted in the interest of Florida's Sunshine Laws or who have sponsored bills that are contrary to them.

Champions

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. Sponsor of a bill that would open the legislative process, particularly budget negotiations. Awarded the 2008 Pete Weitzel/Friends of the First Amendment Award by the Florida First Amendment Foundation.




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Lawmaker Proposes Hiring Preference For Floridians

Mar 10, 2010

The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, told the Commerce Committee that he's drafted some proposals designed to give Florida residents preference for such jobs if their qualifications are "substantially equal" to those of out-of-state workers.

"They're people who don't live here, don't pay taxes here, are going to leave right after they've finished their project," said Gelber, a lawyer also running for the Democratic attorney general nomination. "Out-of-work construction workers or tradesmen in Florida are being denied jobs that often are being paid for with money from Floridians, tax money."


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Unions To Contractors: Hire More Americans

Mar 10, 2010

Troy Kinsey

News 13


In Florida, more than 20,000 foreign workers with temporary visas are collecting paychecks.

State Sen. Dan Gelber has a bill to hold public contractors to a higher standard.

"If you're advertising for a job, it ought to be done in the region where the job occurs, it ought to be done long enough so Floridians have the ability to see it and get their resume in on time," Gelber said.
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New State Bills Introduced To Fight Back Phony Veterans

Mar 5, 2010

Jerome Burdi

Sun Sentinel


State lawmakers got together Friday morning at the VA Primary Care Clinic here with a message to the public: Beware the phony veterans.

"Having non-veterans wear [uniforms] to mislead the public into giving up their hard-earned money is unconscionable," State Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach said. "Americans who donate charitably deserve to know that their money is going to veterans."


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Democratic Hopefuls Tout Campaign Ideas

Feb 28, 2010

William March

The Tampa Tribune


In a town hall meeting at the caucus, Gelber pitched his longer resume and experience as a federal prosecutor in Miami.

"I'm the only person running for attorney general who actually has tried hate crime cases and civil rights cases," as well as public corruption cases, he said.

Gelber received an early endorsement from Equality Florida, the state's best-known gay rights group.
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Wasserman-Schultz endorses Gelber for Attorney General

Feb 26, 2010

John Frank

Miami Herald


Miami State Sen. Dan Gelber hauled in the biggest endorsement so far in the competitive Democratic primary for Attorney General as Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced Friday her support for his campaign.

In a letter to Gelber's supporters, the Weston Democrat and DNC vice-chairwoman said he "has the experience the job demands."

"I know you want Florida to finally obtain the change that has eluded it," Wasserman Schultz's fundraising letter states. "Dan's experience, passion and integrity is precisely what we need."

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Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz endorses Gelber for Attorney General

Feb 26, 2010

John Frank

St. Petersburg Times


Miami State Sen. Dan Gelber hauled in the biggest endorsement so far in the competitive Democratic primary for Attorney General as Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced Friday her support for his campaign.

"Dan has the experience the job demands - he's prosecuted every type of criminal, managed hundreds of lawyers and investigators, and is rated as one of Florida and America's best attorneys. And while he has shown toughness, he has also shown compassion - Dan has been a life-time volunteer in the Big Brothers program.

Like me, I know you want Florida to finally obtain the change that has eluded it. Dan's experience, passion and integrity is precisely what we need. Friends, we really need to get this one right.

My choice for Attorney General is Dan Gelber."
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Debbie Wasserman-Schultz endorses Dan Gelber as Democratic nominee for Attorney General

Feb 26, 2010

Mitch Perry

Creative Loafing


In one of the first big endorsements in the Democratic race for Attorney General, South Florida Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz today announced her support for Dan Gelber in the Democratic primary for Attorney General.

...Wasserman-Schultz called Gelber, a former Federal Prosecutor and now a state senator representing Miami Beach, "as cut from the same cloth as Bob Butterworth."

Gelber is a former federal prosecutor who began serving in the Florida House in 2000. Wasserman-Schultz today also gave him props for his help in getting nine Democrats elected to the house in 2006, which the Congresswoman called "incredibly important."


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AG cand. Gelber gets Wasserman-Shultz Dem. primary backing

Feb 26, 2010


Orlando Sentinel


The South Florida congresswoman said Gelber's experience as an attorney was the crucial factor in the race, noting that she doesn't often inject herself into party primaries.

"Dan's experience is what separates these fine Democrats," she said.

The Miami Beach Democrat has recently rounded up support from South Florida's elected prosecutors, and before that, Gelber won Democratic backing from the likes of Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

Locally, Democratic Orange-Osceola State Attorney Lawson Lamar has come out for Gelber...
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Major pain clinic legislation filed to combat Florida pill mills

Feb 25, 2010

Bob LaMendola

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


Last year in Tallahassee, after seven years of inaction, Florida legislators approved creating a database to track every narcotic prescription, to weed out patients getting pills from multiple doctors at once. They also forced clinics to register — more than 900 have so far — and to be inspected in the future.

"Last year the Legislature pulled its punches," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami, who wrote part of the new bill. "We've got to get these guys out of town."

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AG Could Be Dropped From Florida Board Under Proposal

Feb 24, 2010

Barry B. Burr

Pensions & Investments


A Florida legislative proposal would drop the attorney general as a trustee of the $136 billion Florida State Board of Administration, Tallahassee, and add the commissioner of agriculture and consumer services.

"The attorney general should have more of an oversight responsibility and scrutinizing (the FSBA), putting him at arm's length" and allowing him to be more objective than when he is involved in decision-making as a trustee, state Sen. Dan Gelber, the sponsor of the bill, said.

The commissioner of agriculture "has a consumer mission," Mr. Gelber said, noting it is more of the role needed on the board. But he said the make up of the FSBA "is a sort of quirky system, having the Cabinet as trustees. I think you want experts in asset management … Elected officials don't necessarily have that background."


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Protections proposed for renters

Feb 20, 2010


WTSP St. Petersburg


"When times are tough in the midst of a recession, which we have right here and in some areas it's much worse than simply a recession, people really are preyed on. People are really exploited and it's very important that people up here in Tallahassee have their backs," said Gelber

The plan would prohibit renters from getting kicked out of their residences when an owner's property goes into foreclosure.There are an estimated 4.5 million residential renters in Florida. One study finds more than 20 percent of the properties facing foreclosure nationwide are rentals.

Sen. Dan Gelber's bill would make sure renters get at least 90 days to find another place to stay.

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Questions about GOP credit card use get louder

Feb 20, 2010

William March

Tampa Tribune


Gleeful Democrats as well as some 2010 GOP candidates, are calling for full release of records...

If such a card were used for anything other than legitimate party activity, Gelber said, it could amount to a contribution from the party to the legislator's own campaign, which legally must be reported.

"Bill McCollum refuses to investigate, even as the evidence of serious misuse of funds mounts," said a news release Friday from his Democratic opponent, Alex Sink.

McCollum, in response, said he hasn't seen evidence that a crime has been committed, and accuses the Democrats of playing politics. He says he wants to wait until the new party chairman takes over and audits the party's books.
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Foreclosure Protection For Renters?

Feb 20, 2010

Kristin Wright

My Fox Tampa Bay


A new bill in Tallahassee proposes protections for renters when landlords and management companies fall into foreclosure. Twenty percent of foreclosures are rental properties.

"People really are preyed on. People are really exploited and it's very important that people up here in Tallahassee have their backs," said Sen. Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach).

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Bring Us Your Renters, Borrowers, and Unemployed

Feb 17, 2010

Whitney Ray

Capitol News Service


State Senator Dan Gelber and Representative Ronald Brise announced the legislative plans today at the state Capitol. The plans would give renters whose landlords were being foreclosed upon more time to find a new place. They would also expand unemployment benefits to more Floridians. Gelber says the economy is creating more opportunities for predators to take advantage of the suffering.

"This is a moment when there are people who are exploiting and preying on everyday Floridians, and if you don't step up your efforts to protect them and become even more vigilant then you are doing them a disservice," said Gelber.
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GELBER, MCCOLLUM LOCK HORNS ON WHISTLEBLOWER SUIT

Feb 17, 2010


News Service of Florida


State Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democratic candidate for attorney general, called on Attorney General Bill McCollum to join several states and local governments in a whistleblower lawsuit against JM Eagle over substandard polyvinyl chloride pipes.

"Florida's consumers deserve that this complaint be fully investigated to determine if wrongdoing was committed," Gelber, D-Miami Beach, wrote in his letter to McCollum.
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Legislators Hope To Take On Pill Mills

Feb 16, 2010

Michael J. Mooney

New Times-Broward Palm Beach


Prescription pills kill more than three times the number of people who die from all illegal drugs combined. On top of that, a BSO report from last year showed that drugs sold in South Florida pill mills are smuggled across the country and resold. One estimate has about half of the illegal prescription drugs in the country originate in South Florida.

Senator Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, who's running against Aronberg in the Democratic state attorney general primary, is proposing a bill that would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony from owning or operating a clinic. 
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Gelber Accuses AG McCollum Of Dragging His Feet On Faulty Pipes

Feb 16, 2010

Dara Kam

Post On Politics- Palm Beach Post


Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democrat running for attorney general in a primary against Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres, asked McCollum to join other state attorneys general in a whistleblower lawsuit that Florida was initially involved in.

"These are not allegations that should be sat on," Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said. "If something improper happened, people have a right to know and seek a remedy and it's the attorney general's obligation to make a decision ASAP. If there is a righteous cause of action for consumers, the last thing we want to be is late to the battle."
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Our Opinion: State should tighten rules to snare corrupt officials

Feb 15, 2010

Editorial Board

Miami Herald


Mr. Satz's proposal is supported by state Rep. Ari Porth and state Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democratic candidate for attorney general. They should enlist other state attorneys and push for passage. As Broward has learned to its chagrin, no county is immune from public corruption, and state attorneys need all the resources they can muster to combat it.
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Lawmakers Seek Tighter Control of Pain Clinics

Feb 13, 2010

Dara Kam

Palm Beach Post


At least four legislators are proposing bills that would toughen pain clinic laws passed last year. Those laws require the clinics to register with the state Department of Health and require the state to create a database of all prescriptions of addictive drugs so it can track those prescriptions. Neither registry is running yet, but once they are, they will do little to regulate who can own or operate a clinic or to allow the state to shut down clinics.

"The problem with the pill mills is that it's very hard to regulate them unless you decide you're going to put them under the Department of Health and regulate them," said Gelber, D-Miami Beach.

Sen. Dan Gelber, a former prosecutor who is running against Aronberg in the Democratic attorney general primary, is sponsoring a bill (SB 804) that would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony of owning or operating a clinic and would require the Department of Health to revoke the person's registration if he or she has such a record.
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Democrats seek criminal probe of GOP credit-card scandal

Feb 12, 2010

Aaron Deslatte

Orlando Sentinel


Two Democratic candidates for attorney general are asking the current GOP officeholder to press for a state investigation into the use of credit cards at the Republican Party of Florida.

"The attorney general has a responsibility to look at these issues and not simply sidestep them," Gelber said. "This is the attorney general's backyard, and he ought to make sure it's cleaned up."

Gelber said it was common knowledge that some lawmakers carried party-issued credit cards to pay for meals and travel; former House Speaker Ray Sansom rang up $173,000 in charges, including the cost of his family's trip to Europe in 2008. And he noted that both political parties are heavily financed by the same interest groups and corporations that bought meals and gifts directly for legislators prior to the ban in 2005.



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Dem AG candidates: Investigate RPOF credit cards

Feb 11, 2010

Lee Logan

St. Petersburg Times Blog



"As you know over the past several weeks, the allegations of possible criminal activities have rocked the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) and questions about the role elected officials had in these activities have arisen.

As Florida's chief law enforcement officer, it is incumbent on you to formally request an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement into the possible criminal activity and public corruption surrounding the RPOF's secret contracts and credit cards.

To date you have neglected to call for any such investigation. We hope you will reconsider your duty in this matter where it is clear that Floridians deserve to know the truth."
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Legislature's plans to toughen ethics laws overdue

Feb 10, 2010




The bill, dubbed the "Restoring Faith in Public Office Act," would impose tough criminal sanctions on politicians who exhibit a corrupt intent and willfulness to avoid disclosing financial interests or other benefits in the course of their elected duties.

But for this important measure to have any hope of passage in a Republican-led Legislature, the Republican leadership must get on board.
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Clean up Tallahassee, too: Toughen ethics standards for politicians statewide

Feb 7, 2010


Palm Beach Post Editorial Board


The Republican leadership has not allowed Sen. Gelber's past efforts at ethics reform to receive even a hearing. Sen. Gelber is running for attorney general, which could offer the GOP another bad excuse for blocking the bill. The legislation, though, has clear bipartisan appeal
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Broward, Palm Beach county prosecutors want new anti-corruption law

Feb 5, 2010

Anthony Mann

Florida Sun Sentinel


Gelber has introduced ethics measures for much of his career — and often seen the ideas die.

Gelber said the newly heightened concern about government corruption in South Florida means chances for action in Tallahassee are good.

"There's some measure of political will," he said. "There's a bit of shame that has settled in up here. There is almost a sense that to not do something this year is wrong."

Gelber, who prosecuted corrupt officials when he was an assistant U.S. attorney, said enactment of the proposed law wouldn't be a magic bullet.

"Don't think for a second [that if] you pass a statute you're going to eliminate corruption," he said. "You have human frailty everywhere."

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Prosecutors: Give Us Weapons to Fight Corruption

Feb 5, 2010


NBC-6 News


If the "Restoring Faith in Public Office Act" becomes law, it will close a gap that its sponsors say needs to be slammed shut.

"The public is disgusted, and rightly so," said state Rep. Ari Porth. His co-sponsor, Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach agrees.

"It really is time in the state of Florida to get serious about public corruption," he said. Gelber knows how hard the job can be. He is a former federal prosecutor. He says the bill has been carefully written to define public misconduct in a surgical, precise way.

"It takes all that misbehavior, where a public official has to decide between his own personal interest and the interest of the citizens who elected him, and it says if you make the wrong choice, you will go to jail, that's what this does," Gelber told the gathering.

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FBI: Florida leads the nation in corrupt politicians

Feb 5, 2010

NBC-6 Miami

Ari Odzur


If the "Restoring Faith in Public Office Act" becomes law, it will close a gap that its sponsors say needs to be slammed shut.

"The public is disgusted, and rightly so," said state Rep. Ari Porth. His co-sponsor, Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach agrees.

"It really is time in the state of Florida to get serious about public corruption," he said.

Gelber knows how hard the job can be. He is a former federal prosecutor. He says the bill has been carefully written to define public misconduct in a surgical, precise way.

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Gelber wins another state attorney endorsement

Jan 29, 2010




Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, has picked up the endorsement of another veteran state attorney for his campaign for attorney general. Longtime Broward State Attorney Mike Satz issued a statement declaring that "Dan's extensive experience as a federal prosecutor makes him especially suited for this trust. He's handled big investigations and cases, and managed other lawyers. He is ready on day one to make a difference."

The endorsement locks up the elected prosecutors from southern South Florida. Gelber had previous received nods from Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and her Monroe County counterpart, Dennis Ward. Longtime Orange County SA Lawson Lamar has also signed on with Gelber.
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In Democratic race for attorney general, candidates offer contrast in style, experience

Jan 23, 2010

STEVE BOUSQUET

Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau


...real differences separate Dave Aronberg and Dan Gelber, who are fighting for the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Gelber, 49, has a much more extensive legal background, as a federal prosecutor for nearly a decade and as counsel to a U.S. Senate committee. He was a forceful House Democratic leader who helped his party win back nine seats in 2006, while offering frequent policy alternatives to the Republican agenda. Gov. Charlie Crist credits Gelber with his decision to expand early voting in 2008, a decision seen as having favored Barack Obama's fortunes in Florida.

Gelber's prosecutorial style, with an emphasis on public corruption, was on display in a recent speech to Polk County Democrats. "You give me 400 lawyers and I will prosecute Ponzi schemes. I will prosecute public officials," Gelber told them. "I am not afraid to make enemies."

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Priscilla Taylor endorses Gelber for attorney general

Jan 19, 2010

Michael Bender

Palm Beach Post Blog


State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, told supporters in an e-mail today that he was been endorsed by Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor at the Palm Beach Martin Luther King Breakfast on Monday.
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Gelber gets endorsment from Lawson Lamar

Jan 13, 2010


Orlando Sentinel Blog


"I am pleased to announce this morning that we have received the endorsement of the Orange and Osceola County State Attorney, Lawson Lamar," the Miami Beach Democrat just said in an e-mail.

"With Lamar's support, we now have three State Attorneys supporting our effort, along with former United States Attorney General Janet Reno."

Here's Lamar's statement:

"Our state faces great challenges and it's critical to have someone with the right depth and mix of experience. As an accomplished federal prosecutor Dan showed the legal skills and law enforcement background you would expect in your Attorney General. In the legislature he demonstrated the leadership and integrity that have distinguished him as a leader."
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New Year's resolutions: Dan Gelber wants sunshine, Bill McCollum wants to block healthcare reform

Dec 31, 2009

Abel Harding

Jacksonville Times Union


One member of the Florida Legislature seems to have resolved to change the way the state does business, and for good reason. State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general in 2010, has proposed legislation that would make the state's budget process more transparent. Currently, lawmakers are allowed to meet to discuss the budget without publicly noticing the meeting, something Jacksonville City Council members don't have the option of doing
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Tackling Corruption

Dec 30, 2009

Editorial

St. Petersburg Times


The Legislature also will consider a promising package of anticorruption reforms proposed by Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. For example, state fraud laws would be broadened to mirror federal statutes to include an "honest services" provision.
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AG candidates differ on role of the job

Dec 23, 2009

Gary Fineout

The Fine Print


"As the AG I am not the representative of an ordinary party to a controversy," said Gelber. "My obligation is not simply win a matter, but to make sure justice is done. I do have a much different vision of the office than the current AG - and I do intend to use the office to stand up for everyday Floridians even it inspires the ire of the Legislature."

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Legislature set to hit the session running on corruption reform: There's a sense of urgency to fix things, one senator says.

Dec 21, 2009

Brandon Larrabee

Florida Times Union


Gelber has filed a handful of measures he said will help crack down on corruption, including a law adding penalties for officials who commit crimes in their official capacity and a constitutional amendment that would increase transparency in the budget process, including requiring public notice when two or more lawmakers get together to discuss the budget.

The spending bill would also have to be written in a way "so people can actually follow it without hiring a lobbyist who has a special computer program and is friends with somebody on the staff," he said.
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Gelber gets former Gov. MacKay's support

Dec 17, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog



"Our state is at a crossroad and now more than ever we need a leader like Dan Gelber who will confront the challenges of today with bold solutions," MacKay said,...
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Former Gov. MacKay endorses Gelber for AG

Dec 17, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

St. Petersburg Times Blog


"His record prior to elected office and during his more than nine years in the Florida Legislature on every issue, from fighting for a quality education system to preserving our environment and standing up against scam artists and crooks who prey on seniors is why I am proud to support Dan."

Gelber also has been endorsed by former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.
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Gelber gets Buddy McKay backing

Dec 17, 2009

Dara Kam

Palm Beach Post Blog


State Sen. Dan Gelber and attorney general candidate nailed down another big-name Democratic endorsement, this time from Buddy McKay, who served as lieutenant governor under the late Gov. Lawton Chiles and briefly served as governor after Chiles' death.

Former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, former state education commissioner Betty Castor and former U.S. Rep. Jim Davis have all thrown their support behind Gelber.

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Editorial: Turn up the heat on Florida corruption

Nov 18, 2009

Editorial Board

TCPalm


State Attorney General candidate Dan Gelber wants the 2010 Legislature to pass a series of anti-corruption bills that would...

Insofar as Gelber's reform package curbs legislative slush funds and gives state attorneys better tools to combat corruption, his initiative deserves serious consideration in Tallahassee. After all, what legislator wants to go on record as being soft on crime?
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Fix investment board

Nov 17, 2009

Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board

Orlando Sentinel


Meanwhile, a Democratic candidate for attorney general, state Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, has called for replacing the attorney general on the Board of Trustees with the fourth member of the Florida Cabinet, the commissioner of agriculture. Mr. Gelber's reasoning makes sense; the attorney general shouldn't be part of an agency he might have to investigate.

Action on reforms such as these shouldn't fall victim to electoral politics. Floridians have a right to more transparency and better oversight at the SBA. It's their money, after all.
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Bill Cotterell: Honest service? There oughta be a law

Nov 9, 2009

Bill Cotterell

Tallahassee Democrat


The notion that honor should be prized above worldly wealth is a lofty ideal for government. Now, state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, wants to make it a law.

A former federal prosecutor running for attorney general as a reformer, Gelber has a bill that values the good name of government service in ways that could prove problematic.

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Change sought in who oversees state pension funds

Nov 7, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

Miami Herald


State Sen. Dan Gelber says the proposed anticorruption package he unveiled earlier this week is more vital than ever in light of the Securities and Exchange Commission's investigation of possible fraud by the board that oversees the state pension fund.

The package by Gelber, D-Miami Beach, would remove the attorney general from the State Board of Administration, which now consists of the governor, attorney general and chief financial officer. Gelber says the attorney general should have ``more arm's length oversight'' that will lead to prosecuting wrongdoing if needed.
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Pressing for anticorruption measures, senator cites investigation into state investments

Nov 7, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

St. Petersburg Times


"Floridians should expect their attorney general to be scrutinizing their pension fund and protecting them from wrongdoing," Gelber said. His proposal would replace the attorney general with the commissioner of agriculture.

A recent survey of 15 other states' funds found that Florida is unique in its small governance structure, especially considering it is one of the nation's largest pension funds. Also, the survey found Florida is the only state whose governor and attorney general help oversee the fund. Some ethics watchdogs say the attorney general's service on the board is a potential conflict.
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Reactionary Politics You Can Love

Nov 6, 2009

Thomas Francis

New Times


State Sen. Dan Gelber, Democratic candidate for Florida attorney general, has seized on the recent corruption cases in Broward County to demand new laws against official misconduct.

This issue is right in Gelber's wheelhouse: He used to work in the public corruption unit of the federal prosecutor's office in Miami, meaning he worked on cases exactly like the ones those against Broward County and School Board officials. He knows the advantages that a federal prosecutor has in working with an "honest services" statute.
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Gelber reacts to SEC probe, wants AG off pension board

Nov 6, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

St. Petersburg Times Blog



Sen. Dan Gelber, vying to be Florida's next attorney general, says the proposed anticorruption package he unveiled earlier this week is more vital than ever in light of confirmation this week that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating possible fraud by the board that oversees the state pension fund.

The reform package by Gelber, D-Miami Beach, would remove the AG from the SBA board, which now consists of the Governor, AG and Chief Financial Officer. Gelber says the AG should have "more arms length oversight" that will lead to prosecuting wrongdoing if needed.

"Floridians should expect their Attorney General to be scrutinizing their pension fund and protecting them from wrongdoing," Gelber said. His proposal would replace the AG with the Commissioner of Agriculture.
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SEC inquiry could lead to Fla. oversight changes

Nov 6, 2009

Brent Kallestad

Associated Pres


State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said Friday he wants Florida's agriculture commissioner on the oversight board instead of the attorney general - an office he's seeking.

"In other states, the attorney general makes it their duty to keep a watchful eye on the pension fund making sure the people's savings are secure," Gelber said. "This will give the Attorney General more arms length oversight."
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Florida Sen. Dan Gelber pushing for tougher public corruption laws

Nov 5, 2009

STEVE BOUSQUET

Miami Herald


State Sen. Dan Gelber, a candidate for Florida attorney general, called on Florida's elected state attorneys Wednesday to help him pass anti-corruption measures in the 2010 legislative session.

Gelber proposed a package of reforms. They include a tougher law to combat bribery and tampering with bids on government contracts; stiffer penalties for crimes committed in an official capacity; more sunshine or openness in the Legislature; further restricting contact between the Public Service Commission and the utilities it regulates; and prohibiting legislators from controlling slush funds, known as committees of continuous existence, which can accept unlimited donations from special interests.
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Attorney general candidate calls for new rules to fight corruption

Nov 5, 2009

STEVE BOUSQUET

St. Petersburg Times


The Miami Beach Democrat, a former federal prosecutor, said a series of political scandals could give new momentum to old proposals. Election year politics suggests that Republicans won't be very eager to give Gelber a platform from which to promote himself as a reformer, but he said he's optimistic.

"I think there's an appetite this year," Gelber told a group of prosecutors meeting Wednesday. "I think the amount of public corruption prosecutions has created a total lapse of credibility with the public."
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Gelber pushes package of anticorruption measures

Nov 4, 2009

Steve Bosquet

St. Petersburg Times Blog


Sen. Dan Gelber, the Miami Beach Democrat who's running for attorney general, used an appearance before Florida prosecutors Wednesday to push a series of legislative proposals aimed at restoring honesty in government. Gelber said historically, the Legislature has been "very cold" to the idea of cracking down on forms of corruption, but that a string of scandals may have changed the atmosphere.

"I believe there's an appetite this year," Gelber told the state attorneys, seated around him on the Capitol's 22nd floor. "I think the amount of public corruption prosecutions has created a total lapse of credibility with the public."

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Fla. lawmakers propose banning felons owning pain clinics

Oct 31, 2009

SCOTT HIAASEN

Miami Herald


State Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach and Rep. Kelly Skidmore of Boca Raton announced Friday that they will be filing a bill that would require the state to revoke or deny operating licenses for pain clinics operated by convicted felons. Under current law, a felon can own a pain clinic and distribute pills with little oversight from the state.

``This industry has attracted far too many bad apples and this loophole needs to be closed,'' said Gelber, who is running for state Attorney General next year.
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Gay rights group backs Gelber

Oct 20, 2009

William March

Tampa Tribune Blog


The Equality Florida gay rights group has announced it's backing Dan Gelber in the Democratic primary for attorney general.

...Gelber has a stronger record of pushing issues the organization backs— banning firing employees or denying housing because of sexual orientation, revoking the state ban on adoption by same-sex couples, and backing anti-bullying laws.
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Gay-rights group backs Dan Gelber

Oct 20, 2009

Marc Caputo

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog


Sen. Dan Gelber, running for state attorney general, just got the endorsement of Equality Florida, the state's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group.

...Dan Gelber stands apart as someone who has used his political capital to truly lead on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues," Stratton Pollitzer, the group's chair, said in a written statement.
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Equality Florida Action PAC endorses Gelber for hotly contested AG race

Oct 20, 2009

Equality Florida Action PAC Announces Early Endorsement of Dan Gelber for Attorney General

Equality Florida Blog


(MIAMI) Today, Florida's largest LGBT political group endorsed Senator Dan Gelber for Attorney General. Equality Florida Action PAC is the state's largest PAC devoted to electing pro-equality candidates. Our endorsement is the first by any statewide organization in the hotly contested race for Attorney General.
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Gay political group endorses Sen. Dan Gelber for attorney general

Oct 20, 2009

Bill Cotterel

Pensacola News Journal


Florida's largest gay political organization endorsed state Sen. Dan Gelber for attorney general today, citing his support of legislation to combat discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and opposition to the state's ban on adoption by homosexuals.
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The first lady greets Gelber at the airport, offers shout outs to Carrie Meek, Bob Graham

Oct 15, 2009

Lesley Clark

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog


First Lady Michelle Obama opened her remarks today in Miami with a shoutout to the dignitaries in the audience, joking that she got to party at the White House Tuesday with Miami Dade College prez Eduardo Padron. Others in the audience: Panhandle Democrat Allen Boyd, former Sen. Bob Graham, former Rep. Carrie Meek, Miami Beach Mayor Mattie Bower and Florida schools chancellor Frank Brogan.
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Dan Gelber leads rivals in AG cash race

Oct 14, 2009

Marc Caputo

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog


Hauling in $314,250 last quarter, state Sen. Dan Gelber outraised his Democratic rival for Attorney General, Sen. Dave Aronberg, who pulled in $228,099. Kind of unexpected, this, considering Aronberg is a money-raising machine, though his cash-raising aggressiveness led to a $50,000 check from a political committee controlled by now-indicted political player Alan Mendelsohn. Oops.
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Dingfelder endorses Gelber for attorney general

Oct 14, 2009

William March

Tampa Tribune Blog


Dingfelder stood up and announced it during the question period after Gelber's speech to the Democratic Professional Council.

Like many Democrats, Dingfelder said he was torn between Gelber and his Democratic primary opponent Dave Aronberg but decided Gelber is "the kind of guy who's not afraid to come out swinging, which is what you want for attorney general."
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State attorney general candidate says lawmakers need political will, not more ideas, to combat corruption

Oct 14, 2009

Michael Bender



"The problem is not a lack of ideas," Gelber said. "It's the lack of political will to address this issue directly."

Gelber, a state attorney general candidate, said has been searching for a House Republican to help sponsor his proposal to let state attoneys prosecute under the theft of honest services, which was one of the recommendations from Palm Beach County's grand jury. Gelber introduced a similar bill last year but it did not receive a hearing.

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Senators: Slow down drilling initiative

Oct 7, 2009

Brandon Larrabee

The Florida Times-Union


Sen. Dan Gelber, a Miami Beach Democrat who would face him in the primary, quickly put out his own statement blasting offshore oil drilling.

"At the precise moment when we could offer up quick fixes and do little and risk much, like drilling off the coast, we should be offering long term policies that will right our state's course for the long term," Gelber said. "Rushing into another quick fix like oil drilling would be a terrible mistake."

Gelber, you might recall, called yesterday for Attorney General Bill McCollum, himself a candidate for governor, to sue the Legislature and the Governor's Office for failing to adequately fund education.
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AG candidate: Sue Legislature, Governor

Oct 6, 2009

Brandon Larrabee

The Florida Times-Union


Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, called on the attorney general to sue the Legislature and governor in a maneuver to force more funding for schools.

Gelber said state officials are unconstitutionally stiffing schools and that citizens will file an education funding lawsuit if Attorney General Bill McCollum does not.

"It makes very little sense to ask a group of parents to bring an expensive lawsuit when we are talking about a violation of the constitution," Gelber said during a press conference.

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Gelber urges AG McCollum to sue state over school $

Oct 6, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

St. Petersburg Times Buzz Blog


Offering a glimpse into what he would do if elected Attorney General, Sen. Dan Gelber this afternoon called on current attorney general Bill McCollum to challenge the Legislature in court over its education funding.

"Florida's education budget is constitutionally infirm, and if you look at our school system, you see that," said Gelber, D-Miami Beach, a father of three in public schools. "Look at our graduation rates, the violence in our schools. I see teachers asking for help to buy paper....I don't know who the Attorney General is supposed to stand up for, if not for children."

Gelber later said that if elected in 2010 to the office now held by McCollum, suing the Legislature over its education funding would be one of his first actions.
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Gelber wants McCollum to sue state over school funding

Oct 6, 2009


Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog


"Florida's education budget is constitutionally infirm, and if you look at our school system, you see that," said Gelber, D-Miami Beach, a father of three in public schools. "Look at our graduation rates, the violence in our schools. I see teachers asking for help to buy paper....I don't know who the Attorney General is supposed to stand up for, if not for children."

Commissioner Roberto Martinez during the Sept. 15 meeting said the BOE budget proposal "inappropriately and inadequately funds education," and the BOE at Martinez's urging sent Education Commissioner Eric Smith and the Governor's Office a letter outlining those concerns. BOE member Kathleen Shanahan, former chief of staff to former Gov. Jeb Bush and ally of Gov. Charlie Crist, voted no.

"The fact that the BOE has said 'we don't think this is adequate' should serve as a neon red light," Gelber said, during a press conference with Democratic Reps. Dwight Bullard and Martin Kiar outside McCollum's office.
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GELBER URGES AG TO SUE LEGISLATURE OVER SCHOOL MONEY

Oct 6, 2009

KATHLEEN HAUGHNEY

News Service of Florida


For Gelber, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general, the move may provide a glimpse at what his agenda might be should he be elected next year to be the state's top lawyer.

Gelber said at a news conference Tuesday that the state is failing to provide a high quality education to Florida's students.

And that, he said, is grounds for a lawsuit because of a section of the Florida constitution that says "adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education."
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Former Tampa police chief backs Gelber

Oct 5, 2009

William March

Tampa Tribune Blog


In the battle for endorsements between the two Democratic candidates for attorney general, state Sens. Dave Aronberg and Dan Gelber, Gelber has scored the latest Tampa Bay area win—former Tampa Police Chief Eduardo Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was chief in 1992-93, leaving to become head of the U.S. Marshal's Service.

Gelber, of Miami, endorsed by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and several Tampa state legislators, probably has the stronger list of local backers...
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Endorsements for AG Candidate in 2010

Sep 24, 2009

Brandon Larrabee

The Florida Times-Union


Too early for the 2010 political season to begin? Nonsense.

Several local Democrats endorsed the bid of Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach for Attorney General, according to a news release sent out by the campaign today.
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Gelber leads in A.G. poll, but there's a catch

Sep 23, 2009

Steve Bousquet

St. Petersburg Times Buzz Blog


Supporters of state Sen. Dan Gelber's campaign for attorney general are touting a recent Florida Chamber poll that shows the Miami Beach Democrat has a lead in his primary race against state Sen. Dave Aronberg.

Turns out it's true: Marian Johnson, who runs the chamber's Political Institute, says the group did a statewide poll in early August of 605 voters on various issues.

More...

Jacksonville Dems endorse Gelber for AG

Sep 23, 2009

Michael Bender

Palm Beach Post Blog


State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, announced a round of endorsements today from Jacksonville-area Democrats. Gelber is running against fellow Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres for the Democratic nomination in the attorney general's race. The contest, so far, is the highest profile statewide primary for Florida Democrats.

Endorsing Gelber today were state Reps. Audrey Gibson and Mia Jones; Jacksonville City Councilmen Glorious Johnson and John Crescimbeni; St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles; and former House Democratic Leader Doug Wiles.
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Bring Legislature into the sunshine

Sep 21, 2009

Dan Gelber

Opinion Editorial: St. Petersburg Times


I appreciate that many will raise the same arguments that were raised when the Legislature initially exempted itself from Florida's demanding open-government laws. Perhaps, if we had governed ourselves better in the nearly two decades since, such an argument should prevail. But regrettably most Floridians view state government as more beholden to special interests than the interests of everyday citizens. The only way to restore credibility and integrity to our state government is to shine the light of scrutiny upon it. This proposal is a good first step.
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State regulator calls for review of FPL flights, costs

Sep 18, 2009

Josh Hafenbrack and Julie Patel

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


On Thursday, state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, filed legislation that would give the state Cabinet a say in appointing commissioners and ban communication between state regulators and utilities.

"There needs to be adequate space between regulators and those they regulate," Gelber said recently. "They decide how much people pay and in hard times you want to make sure the decision-making is based on facts."
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Gelber's got a plan for PSC

Sep 17, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog


"Floridians are facing hard economic times and it is especially important they have confidence that they are paying no more than they need to on their utility bills," said Gelber, R-Miami Beach. "Enhancing accountability by opening up electronic records should help. Also, engaging the entire Cabinet in the appointment process should bring greater attention and oversight to this critical process."
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Gelber proposes bill to make PSC more accountable

Sep 17, 2009

Times Editor

St. Petersburg Times Buzz Blog


The proposal, still in bill drafting, would change the appointment process of PSC commissioners and the Public Counsel, and clarify rules for communication between staff and individuals with regulated industries. Instead of the Governor appointing all the PSC members, the Governor would appoint two individuals and each Cabinet officer appoint one. Rather than the Public Counsel being appointed by a legislative committee, the Governor and Cabinet would select and appoint the Public Counsel.

"Floridians are facing hard economic times and it is especially important they have confidence that they are paying no more than they need to on their utility bills," said Gelber, R-Miami Beach. "Enhancing accountability by opening up electronic records should help. Also, engaging the entire Cabinet in the appointment process should bring greater attention and oversight to this critical process."

More...

GELBER WANTS CABINET TO HELP PICK PSC

Sep 17, 2009

Keith Lang

News Service of Florida


As a conflict-of-interest squall at the Florida Public Service Commission continues, another state senator said Thursday that he would file a bill to change the way members of the panel are selected.

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said his proposed legislation would allow the members of the Cabinet to appoint one member each and the governor to pick two commissioners, a change from the current all-gubernatorial appointment set-up. Gelber said his bill would also allow the governor and Cabinet to appoint the PSC‚s general counsel, which is currently picked by a legislative committee, and would require electronic communications between PSC staff and parties before it to be preserved and considered open records.
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Our Opinion: More sunshine

Sep 14, 2009

Editorial

Tallahassee Democrat


We like the concept of one requiring higher standards for Florida's noble Sunshine Laws in regard to openness in public meetings, public records and budget writing.

It's worth a try to impose a stronger force of law if simple shame and conscience aren't enough to keep public officials on the straight and narrow.

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami, and Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, are proposing a constitutional amendment...
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Instant editorial: Open budget process

Sep 11, 2009


Fort Myers News Press


Here's a good idea that will never get through the Legislature:

Miami Sen. Dan Gelber (a candidate for attorney general) and Sarasota Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, both Democrats, want lawmakers to put a state constitutional amendment on the 2010 ballot requiring more openness in the way the Legislature conducts meetings, writes budgets and manages public records.
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Sen. Dan Gelber, Rep. Keith Fitzgerald: Alter budget process to stop Sansom-like deals

Sep 10, 2009

Marc Caputo

St. Petersburg Times Buzz Blog


"It doesn't take a grand jury report and the indictment of a House speaker to know that Tallahassee needs to reform the way it does its business," Gelber said.
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Gelber pushes amendment to halt Sansom-like deals

Sep 10, 2009

Marc Caputo

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog


Gelber, who first started pushing for more open meetings two years ago, said a Tallahassee grand jury's indictment of Destin Rep. and former House Speaker Ray Sansom over his handling of the budget underscored the need for a change. The grand jury also bashed the Legislature for too much secretiveness.

"It doesn't take a grand jury report and the indictment of a House speaker to know that Tallahassee needs to reform the way it does its business," Gelber said.
More...

Gelber pushes constitutional amendment to stop secret budget deals

Sep 10, 2009

Dara Kam

Palm Beach Post Blog


State Sen. Dan Gelber is pushing a constitutional amendment aimed at cracking down on the kind of secret budget deals that got former House Speaker Ray Sansom in trouble.
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Gelber: It's time to shine the light on Tally

Sep 10, 2009

Aaron Deslatte

Orlando Sentinel Blog


Gelber said the grand jury report, dealing with former House Speaker Ray Sansom's alleged role in steering state money to a supporter's airport hangar, "rang true" to many involved in its broader criticism of the closed budget-writing habits of lawmakers. He also said many Republicans, including Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, are open to the idea.

"They sense, as I do, that the public are fed up with what happens up here," Gelber said at a press conference in Tallahassee. "I think they sense people believe we do things in secret and we don't think we're going to suffer consequences for it."
More...

Dems call for less budget secrecy

Sep 10, 2009

Joe Follick

Sarasota Herald Tribune Blog


"Too much of the people's business is done without public oversight," said Gelber in a statement. "It's time for the Florida Legislature to apply greater transparency to its own deliberations."
More...

GELBER UNVEILS OPEN RECORD AMENDMENT

Sep 10, 2009

MICHAEL PELTIER

THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA


"Everybody up here by definition is elected and they know what people back home are saying about this process," said Gelber, a Democratic candidate for attorney general and former House minority leader. "This is a real opportunity to change the way we do business."
More...

Endorsements roll on in AG race

Sep 4, 2009

Josh Hafenbrack

Sun-Sentinel Blog


"Dan Gelber is exactly who Floridians need on the Florida Cabinet to bring change to Tallahassee. Having served with Dan in the Florida House, I know he has the mindset and skills to deliver solutions to the growing challenges of our state," Waldman said in a statement.
More...

Broward County Commissioner endorses Gelber for attorney general

Sep 2, 2009

Anthony Mann

Sun-Sentinel Blog


Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs today announced her endorsement of state Sen. Dan Gelber for the Democratic nomination for state attorney general.

Gelber's Senate district includes part of South Broward.
More...

Offshore drilling may come to vote alongside casino deal

Sep 2, 2009

Joe Follick

Ocala Star Banner


"We shouldn't be seeking short-term gain at the risk of long-term damage," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, a candidate for attorney general. "And we definitely shouldn't be making those decisions in a rush" during a short special session that would likely last only a week or two.
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Op-Ed: Too much emphasis on one test

Jun 21, 2009

Dan Gelber

Miami Herald



First, the problem is not that we have an FCAT — but that we overemphasize it to the exclusion of other things that matter. The FCAT is the sole organizing principle of our school system. Because a school's grade is only indexed to how many students reach minimal competence in two or three subjects, minimal competence in a few subjects becomes the only metric our school system cares about.

How many parents want ''minimal competence'' as their kids' goal?
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Senator Dan Gelber to run for Florida Attorney General

Jun 8, 2009


WCTV


State Senator Dan Gelber announces plans to run for Florida Attorney General in 2010.

Dan Gelber was elected to the State House of Representatives in 2000, serving as the House Democratic Leader from 2006-2008; and elected to the State Senate in 2008. Prior to elected life, Dan spent nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor, working mostly on public corruption, narcotics and civil rights cases, and serving as a top deputy in that office. He was then appointed chief counsel and staff director for the United States Senate's investigations committee where he focused primarily on terrorism and domestic security.
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Gelber running for Fla. attorney general

Jun 8, 2009

Associated Press

The Miami Herald


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — State Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach says he's running for Florida attorney general.

The announcement Monday on Gelber's campaign Web site sets up a Democratic primary race against another state senator, Dave Aronberg of Greenacres in Palm Beach County.

Gelber dropped out of the U.S. Senate race May 30, urging Democrats to unify...
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Fla. Sen. Dan Gelber To Run For Attorney General

Jun 8, 2009

The Associated Press

CBS 4


Miami Beach State Sen. Dan Gelber announced Monday he will now run for the Attorney General's seat after weeks of speculation.

He made the announcement just days after State Sen. Dave Aronberg announced he would run for the same seat. Aronberg's district includes Fort Myers.

In his blog, Gelber wrote that his experience would...
More...

Give the state's prosecutors feds' anti-corruption tool

Mar 22, 2009

Editorial

Palm Beach Post


To avoid breaking the law, federal prosecutors have this simple advice: Disclose, disclose, disclose. By ignoring Sen. Gelber's bill, legislators are disclosing a preference for secrets, even if that means the public won't always get honesty from its politicians.
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FL-Sen: To Boldly Tweet Where None Have Tweeted Before

Feb 27, 2009

Arjun Jaikumar

DailyKos


This is a bold new idea: Florida Sen. Dan Gelber, candidate for the U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Mel Martinez, will tweet the entire Florida legislative session, in keeping with his commitment to open, transparent government.

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Gelber Will Totally Tweet the Legislative Session

Feb 24, 2009

Thomas Francis

Broward Palm Beach New Times


Oh, it is a great day to be a Florida wonk! State Sen. Dan Gelber, vying to become U.S. Sen. Dan Gelber in 2010, has announced via blog that he'll be giving updates on the coming legislative session via Twitter, right here.
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Sixty Days, 140 Characters: Gelber to Tweet Compressed Florida Session

Feb 24, 2009

Nancy Scola

Personal Democracy Forum & TechPresident.com


Florida's Democratic State Rep. Dan Gelber is engaging in a potentially compelling experiment in the burgeoning field of legislator-journalism. Florida's legislator has a compressed 60-day session more common to far less populous states, and Gelber, whose also in the running for the Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez, is planning to keep an eagle eye on the hurried proceedings by doing real-time reporting on Twitter throughout the whole two-month period. As former minority leader and a respected legislator, Gelber's got one thing that all reporters want — access. From his announcement:
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Dan Gelber offers sharp contrast to Ray Sansom

Jan 30, 2009

By Beth Reinhard

Miami Herald



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A Tale Of Two State Senators, The Minimum Wage And Bush's Republican Economic Miracle

Jan 26, 2009

Howie Klein

The Huffington Post



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Message is sinking in that cutting is killing us

Jan 25, 2009

Mary Ann Lindley

Tallahassee.com



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Martinez Won't Seek Re-Election

Dec 2, 2008

By Damien Cave

New York Times



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Meet the winner and winner of the week

Nov 2, 2008

Adam Smith

SPT



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Florida could have history-making role in Tuesday's election

Nov 1, 2008

BETH REINHARD

Miami Herald



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Our Opinion: Early-voting law needs revising

Oct 26, 2008

Editorial

Tallahassee Democrat



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Why early voting has meant long lines

Oct 25, 2008

Aaron Deslatte and Mary Shanklin

Orlando Sentinel



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GOP's law created long voting lines

Oct 24, 2008

Steve Bousquet

St Pete Times



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The Miami Herald recommends Dan Gelber

Oct 11, 2008


The Miami Herald


State Rep. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach has been a fo
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Climate-change studies: Florida must act to avoid catastrophic damage

Sep 25, 2008

CURTIS MORGAN

Miami Herald



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Fla. university panel debates cap on new freshmen

Sep 25, 2008

BILL KACZOR

Associated Press



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State budget may cut again

Sep 25, 2008

Steve Bousquet and Janet Zink

St. Petersburg Times



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Funding cuts reduce child welfare programs

Sep 24, 2008

DEBORAH CIRCELLI

Daytona Beach News-Journal



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Obama begins three-day stay in Central Florida

Sep 24, 2008

Beth Reinhard

Miami Herald



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Obama rejects McCain's move to cancel debate

Sep 24, 2008

Adam C. Smith

St. Petersburg Times



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Advocates urge relief for loan fraud victims in Florida

Sep 23, 2008

MATTHEW HAGGMAN

The Miami Herald



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Obama says Wall St bailout must protect Main St

Sep 23, 2008

CHRISTOPHER WILLS

Associated Press



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Congressional hopefuls court Dade seniors

Sep 22, 2008

Patricia Mazzei

Miami Herald



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Obama starting key Florida swing with rally at UM

Sep 19, 2008

BETH REINHARD AND MARC CAPUTO

The Miami Herald



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Sink: Financial crisis could cost Floridians

Sep 17, 2008

Jim Ash

Pensacola News Journal



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Nearly 300,000 New Florida Voters Sign On With Democrats

Sep 17, 2008

BILLY HOUSE

The Tampa Tribune



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Lehman was major force in S. Florida

Sep 16, 2008

DOUGLAS HANKS

Miami Herald



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Florida Supreme Court declares initiatives misleading

Sep 16, 2008

Josh Hafenbrack

South Florida Sun-Sentinel



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Fla. officials get 1,800 gas gouging complaints

Sep 16, 2008


Associated Press



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State's budget gets even gloomier

Sep 15, 2008

Steve Bousquet

St. Petersburg Times



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Democrats gain edge in Florida Hispanics

Sep 14, 2008

JOHN LANTIGUA

Palm Beach Post



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Seminole gaming pact now in Legislature's hands

Sep 12, 2008

MARY ELLEN KLAS

The Miami Herald



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Blizzard of Lies

Sep 12, 2008

Paul Krugman

The New York Times



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Lawmakers plug part of state budget hole

Sep 11, 2008

MARC CAPUTO

Miami Herald



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Florida Lawmakers Act On Lottery School-Aid Shortfall

Sep 11, 2008

Catherine Dolinski

The Tampa Tribune



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Panel to vote on tapping Fla. budget reserves

Sep 10, 2008


Associated Press



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State Farm is refunding $120 million

Sep 10, 2008

BEATRICE E. GARCIA

Miami Herald



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Prison food vendor pulls out

Sep 10, 2008

Steve Bousquet

St. Petersburg Times



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Employment study: Southwest Florida jobs outlook one of worst in nation

Sep 9, 2008

LAURA LAYDEN

Naples News



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Disabled Woman Faces Severe Cuts in State Aid

Sep 8, 2008

Eric Pera

Lakeland Ledger



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Failure To Provide Real Tax Reform Puts Florida's Future At Risk

Sep 5, 2008


The Tampa Tribune



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High court axes 3 key amendments

Sep 4, 2008

MARY ELLEN KLAS

Miami Herald



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Sen. Joe Biden reiterates support for Israel at two South Florida rallies

Sep 3, 2008

Mark Hollis and Juan Ortega

South Florida Sun-Sentinel



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Court Blocks Florida Ballot Measures Intended to Help School Vouchers

Sep 3, 2008

Gary Fineout

The New York Times



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Debate Gaining Strength Over Government's Insurance Role

Sep 2, 2008

LIAM PLEVEN

Wall Street Journal



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Lawmakers Face $3.5 Billion Gap In Next Year's Budget

Aug 28, 2008

CATHERINE DOLINSKI

Tampa Tribune



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Kennedy Tugs at Hearts, as Obama's Wife Praises Values

Aug 26, 2008

Adam Nagourney

The New York Times



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Party revels in gained ground

Aug 25, 2008

Adam C. Smith

St. Petersburg Times



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S. Florida races on tap for Election Day

Aug 25, 2008

AMY SHERMAN AND MATTHEW I. PINZUR

Miami Herald



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Dems give Michigan and Florida full voting rights

Aug 24, 2008

STEPHEN OHLEMACHER

Associated Press



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Obama Chooses Biden as Running Mate

Aug 23, 2008

ADAM NAGOURNEY and JEFF ZELENY

The New York Times



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Biden could give Obama a lift in Florida

Aug 23, 2008

BETH REINHARD AND LESLEY CLARK

Miami Herald



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Lack of cash hurts NASA's tech plans

Aug 22, 2008

Mark K. Matthews

Orlando Sentinel



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Hospital Budgets Pinched

Aug 22, 2008

David Gulliver

Herald Tribune



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Florida Budget Deficit Sharpens Debate on Taxes

Aug 22, 2008

CATHERINE DOLINSKI

The Tampa Tribune



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Tropical Storm Fay expected to hit Fla. 3rd time

Aug 21, 2008

Brian Skoloff

Associated Press



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Disabled forced to cope with less state funding

Aug 21, 2008

NICOLE HUTCHESON

St. Petersurg Times



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Crist To Throw Reserves At $1.5 Billion Budget Hole

Aug 20, 2008

CATHERINE DOLINSKI

Tampa Tribune



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Proposal for green energy puts Florida on slow track

Aug 20, 2008

Christine Stapleton

Palm Beach Post



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26 domestic-partner couples sign up for recognition

Aug 19, 2008

MATTHEW I. PINZUR

Miami Herald



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Obama shoots for moon in new space plan

Aug 18, 2008

Beth Reinhard

Miami Herald



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Law brings new FCAT era: Less emphasis on preparation

Aug 17, 2008

Laura Green

Palm Beach Post



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Crist Looks To Reserves As Revenue In State Ebbs

Aug 16, 2008

Catherine Dolinski

The Tampa Tribune



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Crist: Pick up pace of construction

Aug 15, 2008

Brendan Farrington

Miami Herald



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Florida's budget shortfall may hit $1.2B

Aug 14, 2008

Marc Caputo

Miami Herald



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'Tax swap' off ballot

Aug 14, 2008

Alex Leary

St. Petersburg Times



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Florida teens still behind national average on ACT scores

Aug 13, 2008

Luis Zaragoza

Orlando Sentinel



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With budgets slashed, fewer Road Rangers on highways

Aug 13, 2008

DIANA MOSKOVITZ

Miami Herald



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Democrats hold big lead in registering new voters in Florida

Aug 12, 2008

Jeff Kunerth

Orlando Sentinel



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Early voters face choices galore

Aug 11, 2008

Miami Herald Staff Report

The Miami Herald



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Florida's top mortgage regulator seeks major changes to state laws

Aug 11, 2008

MATTHEW HAGGMAN and JACK DOLAN

Miami Herald



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Amendment 5 tax swap a math problem

Aug 10, 2008

MARC CAPUTO

The Miami Herald



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More, stronger hurricanes predicted for rest of 2008

Aug 8, 2008

EVAN S. BENN

The Miami Herald



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Developmental-disabilities funds may be cut in Florida

Aug 8, 2008

Paul Flemming

Tallahassee Democrat



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State: Property values rebound unlikely in '08

Aug 7, 2008

HERALD STAFF AND WIRE REPORT

Bradenton Herald



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FAMU, UF officials ask Crist to release rainy-day dollars

Aug 6, 2008

Angeline J. Taylor

The Tallahassee Democrat



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Survey: Florida's proposed property tax amendment not popular

Aug 6, 2008

AARON DESLATTE

South Florida Sun-Sentinel



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'Big' budget deficit ahead for Florida

Aug 5, 2008

Aaron Deslatte

The Orlando Sentinel



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Proposal ties school vouchers to more popular issue

Aug 4, 2008

Vicki McClure

The Orlando Sentinel



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Congestion, lack of funding make Florida's highways some of worst in country

Aug 1, 2008

Associated Press

South Florida Sun-Sentinel



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Obama pushes economic plan in Fla. stop

Aug 1, 2008

LAURA FIGUEROA

The Miami Herald



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Is state's insurance deal win-win for a billionaire?

Jul 31, 2008

Paige St. John

Herald Tribune



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Judge: Glades cleanup ignored

Jul 30, 2008

SCOTT HIAASEN AND EVAN BENN

The Miami Herald



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State to pay $224 million to prop up storm insurance fund

Jul 30, 2008

JIM SAUNDERS

Daytona Beach News-Journal Online



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Broward schools face tough choices in reduced budget plan

Jul 28, 2008

Kathy Bushouse

South Florida Sun-Sentinel



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The Numbers Game

Jul 28, 2008


The Lakeland Ledger



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State regulator defends role in mortgage mess

Jul 24, 2008

MATTHEW HAGGMAN AND JACK DOLAN

The Miami Herald



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New increased court fees make up for state funding shortfalls

Jul 24, 2008

AISLING SWIFT

Naples Daily News



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U.S. forces out in 2 years?

Jul 22, 2008

NANCY A. YOUSSEF

The Miami Herald



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Mixed results in study of Fla. graduation rate

Jul 22, 2008


Associated Press



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Obama Survives Iraq, Looks Ahead

Jul 22, 2008

Karen Tumulty

TIME



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Regulators shun licensing

Jul 21, 2008

MATTHEW HAGGMAN

The Miami Herald



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Legislature slammed over child-welfare budgeting

Jul 18, 2008

CAROL MARBIN MILLER

The Miami Herald



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Florida job losses fuel gloomy forecast

Jul 17, 2008

Marc Caputo

The Miami Herald



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Miami GOP congressional incumbents outraised again

Jul 16, 2008

Lesley Clark

The Miami Herald



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Hundreds Show Up For Opening Of Obama Headquarters

Jul 16, 2008

William March

The Tampa Tribune



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Budget crisis slams Orlando

Jul 15, 2008

Mark Schlueb

Orlando Sentinel



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Voter registrations in Florida show 'huge swing' toward Democrats

Jul 13, 2008

Anthony Man

South Florida Sun-Sentinel



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S. Florida foreclosure rate rises

Jul 11, 2008

Monica Hatcher

The Miami Herald



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Foster child denied shot at new liver

Jul 8, 2008

CAROL MARBIN MILLER

The Miami Herald



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McCain Dismisses Iraqi Idea of Troop Withdrawal

Jul 8, 2008

Michael Cooper

The New York Times



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Making sense of the amendments

Jul 7, 2008

Jim Saunders

Daytona Beach News-Journal



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When will it end? Economic observers say Florida's downturn likely will last another year

Jul 7, 2008

Harriet Johnson Brackey

South Florida Sun-Sentinel



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Behind the Bush Bust

Jul 7, 2008

Paul Krugman

The New York Times



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FIU gets $10 million for wind studies

Jul 2, 2008

EVAN S. BENN

Miami Herald



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Powerball is coming to Florida in 2009

Jul 2, 2008

Alex Leary

St. Petersburg Times



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Tying offshore drilling to price perks 'foolish'

Jun 20, 2008

Rob Farley

St. Petersburg Times


McCain made many arguments when making his case fo
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Quiet OK for dramatic trims to state budget

Jun 12, 2008

Joe Follick

Herald-Tribune



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Obama anti-Israel? Get the facts

Jun 3, 2008

Joel Engelhardt

Palm Beach Post



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Obama takes chance with new policy tack

May 23, 2008

LLOYD DUNKELBERGER

Sarasota Herald-Tribune



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State 'superdelegate' endorses Obama

May 8, 2008

Bill Cotterell

Tallahassee Democrat


"I like both Obama and Clinton and believe either
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Revisions in FCAT lead changes in education

May 3, 2008

Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler

St. Petersburg Times


Baggy pants won't be outlawed, but the bullies
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Necessity, not politics, ruled '08 session

May 3, 2008

MARY ELLEN KLAS

Miami Herald


A souring economy and a worrisome election year fo
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Florida bill encourages development of renewable energe

May 1, 2008

Julie Patel

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


Florida legislators enlisted the state in the figh
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Tax Phobia In Tallahassee Protects Huge, Unfair Loopholes

Apr 11, 2008

Editorial

Tampa Tribune



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Budget cuts take shape in Legislature, health care hit hard

Mar 28, 2008

David Royse

Associated Press


Nearly 20,000 people with catastrophic illnesses w
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Alligator Alley may be up for lease

Mar 21, 2008

Gary Fineout

Miami Herald


Desperate to generate more money for road projects
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House panels turns down $365M in tax revenue

Mar 20, 2008


St Pete Times


Divided on party lines, a House council moments ag
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Hannah Montana bill killed by GOP

Mar 19, 2008

Laura Figueroa

Miami Herald


'This was a hard line party vote,' Gelber said a
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Shine Light In Shadows

Mar 16, 2008

Editorial

Lakeland Ledger


As Gelber concluded: "The bulwark of any democracy
More...

$400 Million

Mar 4, 2008

Editorial

Palm Beach Post



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Democrats Continue to take GOP Seats

Feb 28, 2008

Steve Bousquet

St. Petersburg Times


Tony Sasso's victory Tuesday in a Space Coast-
More...

Gelber: Florida "A State Of Denial"

Feb 28, 2008

William March

Tampa Tribune



"The State of Florida is in a state of denial,"
More...

Prospect of Major Tax Reform Grows Dimmer

Feb 24, 2008

Joe Follick

Lakeland Ledger


"One of the reasons Amendment 1 passed was voters
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Gelber named to Taxation and Budget Reform Commission

Feb 19, 2008

Aaron Deslatte

Orlando Sentinel


Gelber appointed to Taxation Commission
More...

FCAT role in schools' fate may be demoted

Feb 10, 2008

Laura Green

Palm Beach Post


"The FCAT and the grading system has become such a
More...

The Britney Spears Democrats

Feb 1, 2008

Elisa Cramer

Palm Beach Post


"Ethnic voting is a sorry reality of American poli
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Can Democrats Pounce?

Jan 1, 2008

Neil Skene

Florida Trend



More...

Rates doing big damage

Jan 8, 2007

Dan Gelber

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


Later this month, the Legislature will meet for a
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Examine trust fund proposal

Aug 21, 2006

Dan Gelber

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


Each week, thousands of homeowners get the news th
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‘A' Ratings for Schools Nothing To Celebrate

Jun 15, 2006

Dan Gelber



I just listened to Gov. Bush's press conferenc
More...

Just hitting minimums won't cut it

Jun 15, 2006

Dan Gelber



School grades were released Wednesday, and like a
More...

Strapped States Try New Route, Lease Toll Roads to Foreign Firms

Jun 14, 2006

Amy Goldstein

Washington Post



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'65 percent' another gimmick

Mar 6, 2006

Dan Gelber

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


In 2002 Florida voters passed a constitutional ame
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Restore sanity to calendar

Jan 22, 2006

Dan Gelber

The Daytona Beach News-Journal


Remember summer break in July and August? Well, t
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Wiretaps require oversight

Dec 26, 2005

Dan Gelber

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


Americans, understandably, don't like wiretaps
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Don't rush into risky Medicaid change

Dec 4, 2005

Dan Gelber

Orlando Sentinel


The Florida Legislature is on the brink of radical
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A common-sense solution to windstorm insurance

Nov 10, 2005

Dan Gelber

The Miami Herald


Even before Wilma, Florida's hurricane insuran
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Windstorm-insurance market needs reform

Oct 14, 2005

Dan Gelber



The haunting images of Hurricane Katrina's dev
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Facts and faith bad fit for class

Oct 3, 2005

Dan Gelber

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


The national debate over whether "intelligent desi
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'Pathetic' label fits school woes

Jul 4, 2005

Dan Gelber

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


"Pathetic." Gov. Bush recently called the Democrat
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We spend little money and get exactly what we pay for

Jun 27, 2005

Dan Gelber

The Miami Herald


Gov. Jeb Bush and his surrogates announced this mo
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Invest in developing skills needed for upper-level jobs

Mar 11, 2004

Dan Gelber

The Miami Herald


In his recent State of the State address, Gov. Jeb
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Lawmaker slams education chief on vouchers

Aug 2, 2003

Cynthia Kopkowski & Kimberly Miller

The Palm Beach Post


State Rep. Dan Gelber crashed Education Commission
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Unanimous House OKs Senior Drug Discounts

Mar 12, 2003

Allison North Jones

The Tampa Tribune


Led by conservative Speaker Johnnie Byrd, the Flor
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Seniors' drug bill approved by House

Mar 12, 2003

Phil Galewitz

Palm Beach Post


"We can't wait any longer for the federal government. We have to act now," said Rep. Dan Gelber, D-Miami, a major force behind the prescription drug bill that passed the state House.
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State debt bumping the ceiling

Dec 29, 2002

Dan Gelber



Imagine receiving your credit-card bill to find yo
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Bush has no claim to ‘education governor' title

May 25, 2002

Dan Gelber

Tallahassee Democrat


The same month that Gov. Jeb kicks off his campaig
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‘Success' an illusion

May 20, 2002

Dan Gelber

South Florida Sun-Sentinel


With November approaching fast, Gov. Bush recently
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Public education by the numbers

Mar 13, 2002

Dan Gelber

The Miami Herald


It seems like every governor wants to lay claim to
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Would Florida be prepared if attacked?

Sep 22, 2001

Dan Gelber



If there is a single lesson from recent events, it
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Pass the Ban

Jul 20, 2010


July 4th messages from the Gelber family

Jul 3, 2010


Doing the right thing

Jun 29, 2010


Father's Day 2010

Jun 20, 2010


FCAT chaos and why heads ought to roll!

Jun 8, 2010


Getting the BP Response Right

Jun 7, 2010


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His Own Words: A Few Simple Questions for Dave Aronberg



Web Video: Bio Piece on Dan Gelber


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