Is a Bad Economy Good?

I totally agree on the candidates who have limited financial backing.  They are probably the "good guys" and would do US the most good.  I hate to say it, but as we all know, it's usually the ones who have the most money behind them who get into office.  And, look where that's gotten us.

 Good post! 

MeMaw, 

Money does not determine a candidates validity. That is SO superficial. You deserve what you get if you're adhering to that political philosophy.

Every one of you who discount a candidate based on his/her contributions has stuck your proverbial head in the sand and does not, can not, see the forest for the trees.

Your bias denies you an opportunity to view the candidates as they really are.

Your loss. The voters will decide regardless of your limited vision.

We'll move on without you.

Yes, pioneer, I'm rested, relaxed and ready to go.

Bring it.

Hi Key,

I'm glad you've re-charged and decided to rejoin the fray.  Good to have you back.

For someone to think that the amount and source of money in a campaign doesn't tell about the candidate, says they are completely ignorant of how politics works. Mike, you and MeMaw and a few do get it, but we nay be in a minority. We have been dumming down society for quite a few years now

Main Entry: ven·om·ous
Function: adjective
Pronunciation: 've-n&-m&s
1 : full of venom: as a : POISONOUS , ENVENOMED b : NOXIOUS , PERNICIOUS <expose a venomous dope ring -- Don Porter> c : SPITEFUL , MALEVOLENT <venomous criticism>

I just had to join this one!  What fun!

When the Queen Fitz "won" her seat (without a mandate from her own neighbors and constitutents), I took a look at her campaign contributors compared to Tom Platt's.  It was just a hunch, but since you could not turn a corner in Clay County without seeing her mug staring at you, I had a strong idea her war chest was overflowing.  I was not shocked.  I don't have the numbers still, but wish I did.  Maybe somebody with more time could pull the info out of the web site or the Elections office? 

Basically, she had more money coming from outside Clay County than from inside the county.  She received more money from developers and builders than Tom Platt received in total!  Plain and simple, she was bought and paid for, not by us but by those external to the county and those ready to 'develop' Clay County. 

Need I say more?

I don’t want to compete as the whiner-winner but this whole subject of campaign contributions hits very close to home.  

During the entire public hearing to vote on the expansion of gambling activity at the dog track. The facial expression and body language of three member of the Orange Park Town Council never changed. The votes cast were a mirror to this lack of conflict. I submit, these men knew how they were going to vote when they walked into the room.

The big question is why they would vote against the people who vote in the Town of Orange Park in favor of the “community leaders” who live on Fleming Island and Jacksonville. The biggest part of the answer must be “follow the money “.

According to my research of public records Renninger received almost 83% of his campaign support from the dog track, straw donors, and business supporters of the increased gambling activity. This percentage could be increased when I connect the dots of three near- simulations donors of identical sums. A review of Morgan’s campaign contributions reveals nearly 92 % from some of the same sources. Mr. Cummings derived more that 35 % of his financial campaign support direct from the Dog Track, in addition he acted as a conduit between other candidates dog track interest

According to an article in the Clay Today, Renninger’s response to the reporters question about campaign contributions from Mr Kohrman affecting his vote he said “The man is Generous “ I asked Renninger's “election opponent “to verify that he had received dog track money as mentioned in the Clay Today. He admitted that he had received a campaign contribution from the dog track. When I asked how, expecting to learn of “strings attached”, he said he got it from “Travis” (Cummings). Obviously Mr. Cummings is maintaining a cozy relationship with and counting on continued support from, the special interest as he pursues a political career.

 If it walks like a duck…………………

Bax;

I agree with you most of the time, but your welcome back certainly doesn't match my sentiments. Belligerent and obnoxious conversation never has been one of my favorite forms of communication.

It must be a barrel of fun serving on a committee with this one.   

Finder

CCC

Here's the numbers you were looking for for "Ms. Cristy" (Sorry, I will not put Queen before her name.) and Tom Platt.

Ms. Christy--$$$$ 93, 653.80

Tom Platt---$ 19, 063.00

You are so misjudging what I said.  But, that's okay; I believe in free speech.

You Reckon??

To judge a candidate strictly on the names that appear on the list of his or her campaign donors is as narrow-minded as choosing a candidate based on any other single issue.

However, to ignore who financially backs particular candidates is also narrow-minded.  That list of donors is relevant to anyone who wants to include the information in their decision-making process prior to next year's election.

If the same groups of names (builders, developers, large landowners, dog track owners, pro-growth political action committees, etc.) that have provided Clay County with previous elected officials responsible for not controlling growth are now lining up to support a local candidate next year, voters should ask why.

Why are the people most responsible for strangling our roads and putting our school district behind a billion-dollar construction eight-ball while they reap the rewards of personal wealth doing everything they can to make sure YOU win office in Clay County?  That's a legitimate question any local candidate should be asked - and required to answer.

To argue otherwise is to insist that voters bury their heads in the sand, and that's really what MeMaw, and others who are tired of paying for the greed of a few, would like to get over next election.

Has anyone else noticed that the people who support the status quo in local politics always seem to talk down to anyone who would like to see some changes?

Michael S. Mann

Oh yes, I have noticed, and been talked down to a few times; the latest of which was by a staff member of (soon to be forgotten by me) Senator King.  I have to wonder if these people really believe they can intimidate little 'ol me, a great-grandma who has been around the block, and will continue riding my broomstick in the name of Lady Justice.

And, then of course, the true latest was Key2Life.  Shucks, I'm quivering in my boots. 

To err is human, to forgive is divine.

I have stepped over the line - more than once - with my blog friends (family?).  So far, I've been able to express my sincere regrets, learn to think before typing, and re-joined the fray.

Key is hardly alone with offering passionate, opinionated posts.  There are plenty of others here who are taking her to the woodshed.  They don't need my help.  But, I always make a habit of offering my friends a hand when they're down.  She's a friend.