Rod Smith For Governor!

[iamjoy]

I am writing today to urge you to vote on Tuesday and (if you are a registered Democrat) to vote for Senator Rod Smith for Governor.

I met him about a year ago (in Orlando), and was impressed by his sincerity and honesty. I was at a gathering that was mostly GLBT people, so Smith was asked if he would support amending the (Florida) Constitution to prohibit gay marriage. Smith said he didn't believe the constitution should be amended to take rights away from people. Considering the audience, most politicians would have left there, but Smith went on to say he personally believed marriage was between a man and a woman, although he would support other rights (adoption, civil union, etc). While I disagree with his position (I support gay marriage), I admired his chutzpah.

I have also been impressed by his passion and energy and taken some time to research his past. I liked most of what I found.

As a prosecutor he convicted the Gainesville student murderer Danny Rolling, and he was especially effective at prosecuting domestic violence, child abusers, sexual predators and he forced some of the states largest polluters to clean up their mess. It didn't matter if these polluters had contributed to his campaign. They couldn't buy immunity

As a State Senator he earned the respect of colleagues from both sides of the aisle. For this, the Miami Herald named him the most effective Democrat in the State Senate.

When Jeb Bush wanted to undo the will of Floridians by derailing the class size amendment, Rod Smith fought that. Jeb Bush said Floridians didn't know what they were voting for when they voted for the class size amendment. Rod's response to that is Floridians knew what they were voting for then, but maybe didn't know what they were voting for when they voted for Jeb! ; - )

Rod has earned praise from environmental groups - notably for requiring Florida to seek ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and for legislation to protect sea turtles. Rod Smith worked on a farm growing up, I have heard him say that he doesn't like pitting agricultural interests against environmental ones because they both lose (and he points out that in most cases former farms are not returned to their natural state, but become shopping malls or housing developments). Taking that, along with the fact that Jim Davis has supported free-trade agreements opposed by agricultural interests, I have to wonder if the sugar industry's support of Smith isn't about something other than the Everglades.

Florida Today published an article stating that "all four gubernatorial candidates can claim pro-environmental bona fides." The St. Pete Times says neither Democratic candidate is perfect, but points out several ways in which Smith has helped the environment. Links are at the bottom.

I am convinced that Rod has the strength, passion and vision to make an outstanding Governor. Please join me in voting for Rod Smith on Tuesday.

Thank you,


For more information about Rod, please visit his website at
www.rodsmith2006.com.

Other Links
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060822/NEWS05/608220330/1006/NEWS01
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/01/Hillsborough/Neither_Davis__nor_Sm.shtml

[Lost-in-FL]

1. I don't know much of the other candidates

and I am going to vote on Tuesday. I do think Smith would be a good governor. Any suggestions?

[Orangepeel]

3. I won't step on Iamjoy's thread by arguing for Davis here

(I've done that plenty already!), but since you asked for info:

http://www.jimdavis2006.com/

:-)

[iamjoy]

4. Polls Indicate Smith Better Poised to Beat Crist

according to a Strategic Vision poll last week.
Neither beats Crist, but Smith actually lowers the #s Crist would get vs. Davis and Smith gets a higher % of votes vs. Crist than Davis does.

[riona]

2. The St. Pete Times

did provide good info on the candidates. I also think Rod Smith would be a good governor. Took advantage of early voting at our local library.

[Nimrod2005]

5. He is getting our vote.