Candidate Rick Minor against offshore drilling

Go to the WTXL website to see video of the story about Rick

Florida state house candidate Rick Minor says he will not be bought off by big oil. During a press conference October 27th, minor announced his campaign will not accept contributions from individuals or companies tied to the lobbying effort to drill near Florida's coastline.

In addition, he says refund checks will be issued to any donar who've contributed to his campaign and are identified as having ties to pro-drilling organizations. Minor feels hundreds of miles of pristine beaches and unique wildlife habitats must be protected.

Rick Minor is a democratic candidate for state house district 9, which includes Leon and Jefferson Counties. He is running against incumbent democratic representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda.

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs about Florida Democrats.

Discourse.net: Goverment to Only Do Business With Honest Contractors -- Military-Industrial Complex Faces Doom

litbrit: Florida Congressman's action may defund fraud-besieged defense contractors; now how about child-molesting faith-based groups?

Seminole Democrats: Grayson exposes GOP stupidity

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Florida: Folio Weekly: Backpage Editorial by Faye Armitage -- "SAVING ST. AUGUSTINE"

Bilerico Project Florida: FL Co-Sponsors of DOMA Repeal Legislation

Natasha Chart: Morning No: No Reserve

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Fla.: Folio Weekly: Backpage Editorial by Faye Armitage -- "SAVING ST. AUGUSTINE"

Clean Up City of St. Augustine, Fla.: Faye Armitage Presents Draft Resolution to City Commission on St. Augustine National Historical Park, Seashore and Scenic Coastal Parkway

Public Option Please

President's Weekly Address: Working with Small Business to Drive Recovery

Heather Beaven Earns Fraternal Order of Police Endorsement in Bid to Unseat John Mica

Beaven: “I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with America’s first-responders before, and I’ll continue to do so as the first female veteran from Florida elected to Congress.”

78.5% of FOP Endorsed Congressional Candidates Won in 2008

PALM COAST, FL (October 22, 2009) – Heather Beaven, Navy veteran and candidate for Congress against John Mica, announced today that her campaign has received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police. This endorsement adds to Beaven’s growing list of endorsers including: the Women Under Forty PAC and the Women’s Campaign Forum.

“The brave men and women of the Fraternal Order of Police willfully run into harm's way, at the same moment that most run away from it. That’s why earning this endorsement means the world to me. During my service in the US Navy, I was on the frontlines of the War on Drugs so I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with America’s first-responders before, and I’ll continue to do so as the first female veteran from Florida elected to Congress,” said Heather Beaven.

The Fraternal Order of Police is comprised of over 325,000 sworn law enforcement officers that have considerable political power in Florida. In 2008, the FOP endorsed 14 congressional candidates; 11 of those candidates went on to victory on Election Day.

ABOUT HEATHER BEAVEN

Heather is a Mom, wife, Navy veteran (who served during Operation Desert Storm) and CEO of The Foundation for Florida’s Graduates. The Foundation focuses on bringing education, workforce development and economic development together to help young people better themselves through education and personal responsibility. Find out more about her campaign at http://www.BeavenForCongress.com

Senator Dan Gelber Announces `You Talk, You Walk' Legislation to Ban Use of Cell Phones By Novice Drivers

“You talk, you walk” legislation prohibits the operation of a moving motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device or wireless telephone by any persons under the age of 18

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — State Senator Dan Gelber will seek to ban cell phone use by novice drivers. The proposed legislation comes after the Obama administration announced earlier in the month plans to ban all federal workers from texting while driving.

“Sixteen percent of all fatal crashes in 2008 were linked to cell phone use and it was especially prevalent among younger drivers. Studies have shown that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Bottom line is if you’re a new driver and you talk, you walk,” Gelber said.

The legislation would prohibit a person younger than 18 years of age from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device or telephone in any manner. The penalty for violating the proposed legislation would be the assessment of points against the drivers’ license and the added penalty that minors caught on the phone while driving would be subject to “Learner’s License” conditions for at least three months, unless driving to school or work. Under a “Learner’s License” a motorist can only drive during daylight hours, always with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat.

Gelber added, “Most states already ban or limit cell phone use by novice drivers because it makes sense. Young people learning to drive and new drivers have simply no business on the phone when they should be concentrating on driving safely.”

Florida CFO Alex Sink Endorses Congressman Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senate

Florida's CFO and next Governor Alex Sink endorsed Congressman Kendrick Meek for the U.S. Senate today.

"CFO Alex Sink is a leader bringing a fresh perspective and new insights to our state government," said Congressman Kendrick Meek. "Alex understands how to get our economy moving again in the right direction and as Florida's next governor she will bring a renewed sense of optimism and hope to the people of this state. I look forward to working with Governor Alex Sink while I am serving in the U.S. Senate and am proud to have her endorsement."

Earlier today Congressman Meek was endorsed by Congresswoman Corrine Brown of Jacksonville.