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Print This PageThe more the economy shows signs of recovery the more Rod Smith’s optimism for 2012 grows.
Rod Smith
The Florida Democratic Party chairman, who is in Sarasota County on Tuesday for a pair of events, said Republicans are going to learn over the next 10 months that counting on a bad economy to win elections is a faulty strategy.
“I have a feeling that the president is going to be running in a much better economy,” Smith said in an interview.
At 8.5 percent, the nation’s unemployment rate is still higher than the 7.8 percent when President Barack Obama was sworn in three years ago. But Democrats are making the case that the number has been improving in recent months, a sign the nation’s going in the right direction.
If so, Smith said not only will Florida be a win for Obama in 2012, but Democrats will pick up seats in Congress from Florida.
Smith said one of the keys for Democrats will be to compare the direction of the economy now, with where it was heading when Obama took office. He said if Democrats can communicate that, 2012 will be a good for the party.
Smith said when he speaks to the Longboat Key Democratic Club at a luncheon on Tuesday, he will be talking more about the improving economy and how Democrats are preparing for new election laws that he says are aimed at suppressing minority voters in 2012.
Smith speaks at noon at the Harbourside Dining Hall at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. Cost is $23. For reservations call 383-4899.
Later at 6 p.m. Smith speaks to the Sarasota Democratic Club at 1350 Main Street in downtown. The event is on the 6th Floor. Cost is $15 for members of the club. To attend, call 404-4678.
Gingrich in Sarasota
Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich is making tentative plans to be in Sarasota County on Jan. 24 — one week before Florida’s presidential primary.
Newt Gingrich
Gingrich would be the 6th GOP contender for the White House to make it to the area since May. Already Rick Santorum, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman have made stops in Sarasota. Ron Paul and Rick Perry are the only candidates who have yet to make stops in the region.
Sarasota Republican Party chairman Joe Gruters said he expects as many as five of the remaining contenders to make it to Sarasota during the week before Florida votes in its pivotal primary.
The Gingrich event — which is free to the public but requires a ticket — is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. at Dolphin Aviation, 8191 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For tickets visit the Republican Party of Sarasota’s website at rpos.org
Rushing files for re-election
All five of Sarasota County’s elected constitutional officers are now running for re-election.
On Thursday, Clerk of Courts Karen Rushing, a Republican filed to run for re-election.
Rushing, first elected in 1987, is the last of the county’s incumbent constitutional officers to file for re-election.
Sheriff Tom Knight, Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates, Property Appraiser Bill Furst and Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent already filed for re-election.
No challengers have filed to run against any of the incumbents.
Area Political Events
Tuesday
• Dr. Robert Toplin speaks to the Lakewood Ranch Democratic Club starting at 7 p.m. at The Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Toplin will talk about political messaging dating back to the era of Franklin Roosevelt. Free.
Wednesday
• Former First Lady Laura Bush speaks at the annual The Ringling College Library Association’s Town Hall Lecture series. Bush speaks twice at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Jan. 11. Her first speech is as 10:30 a.m. The second is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $48 to $96 per lecture and can be purchased by calling 941-925-1343.
• Sarasota Memorial Healthcare CEO Gwen McKenzie will be part of a panel discussion on health care issues at the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club starting at 11:30 a.m. at Michaels On East, 1212 East Ave., S., Sarasota. For reservations call 925-2970.
• Charlotte County Republican candidates for property appraiser Paul Polk and John Perez speak to the Peace River Federated Republican Women’s Forum starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Isles Yacht Club, 1780 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Cost is $16 for members, $20 for non-members.
• The Sarasota County Democratic Party meets at 6:30 p.m. for their monthly meeting at the Waldemere Fire Station, 2070 Waldemere St., Sarasota. For more information, call 330-9400.
Thursday
• Elliot Falcione, Manatee County’s director of tourism and conventions, speaks to the East Manatee Republican Club starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Blvd., Bradenton. Luncheon cost is $15. Make reservations by calling Diane at 739-3813 or email her at longboatfl@aol.com
• The Sarasota Republican Party’s Executive Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. at the South Gate Community Center, 3145 South Gate Circle, Sarasota
Saturday
• Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, a Democrat, speaks to the Democratic Club of Sarasota starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd., Sarasota. Cost is $23 for members and $25 for non-members. For reservations call 379-9233
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It would be nice if Rod Smith and other Florida Democratic leaders would devote as much time and money to neutering Rick Scott and the Republicronies in Tallahassee as they do to Mr. Obama’s re-election. But I guess if you’re a Blue Dog like Smith, you really don’t have a clear alternative to Republicronyism in the state capital.