On November 22, 2000, in what became known as the “Brooks Brothers Riot,” Roger Stone led a gang of Republican thugs trying to shut down the Presidential vote count in Miami-Dade County. According to The New York Times, "several people were trampled, punched or kicked when protesters tried to rush the doors outside the office of the Miami-Dade supervisor of elections.” Twenty days later the count was shut down permanently by the Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore.
On January 6, 2021, the same Roger Stone helped organize the protest that attracted thousands of Trump supporters to Washington, D.C. before rushing from his suite at the Willard Hotel out of town while the riot was happening at the Capitol. And just last week, a recording raised issues about what Stone might be. planning for this year’s election.
The people of Miami-Dade have seen first-hand how little Republicans respect democracy. They have seen what Ron DeSantis has done to their state, including just this month abruptly vetoing $32 million in arts funding, including $55,000 for Miami’s beloved book fair and $70,415 for a local Jewish community center. Arts leaders are predicting the veto will have drastic effect on local economies.
They know their Republican State House member, Vicki Lopez, endorsed first DeSantis and now Donald Trump.
And yet,
- On May 29 Lopez announced the endorsement of Democrat Oliver Gilbert, Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Commission.
- This week, Lopez announced the endorsement of the South Florida AFL-CIO
What are Democrats and Unions doing endorsing a Republican in this election year of all years?
When Democrats are only five votes away from overcoming the Republican supermajority in the Florida House?
When she has an excellent opponent, Jackie Gross-Kellog, President of the Key Biscayne Democrats?
My last Tuesday story, Please support these two Florida Democrats because the Florida Democratic Party Isn't, discussed signs that Florida may not be out of reach for President Biden and Senate Candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. The story focused on two Democrats who need our support: Therese Wakefield Gamble in an August primary against pro-Trump “Democrat” Kim Daniels and Jackie in the general election, against Trump and DeSantis supporting Republican Vicki Lopez.
The Daily Kos community gave generously for both candidates this week. Consider giving — if you haven’t, or if you can give some more.
But you can also:
Contact the Miami-Dade Democrats and ask them why Democratic officials in Miami-Dade County are backing a DeSantis-Trump supporting Republican. If you’re in the area, show up at one of their events and ask them, or use their volunteer form to express your opinion.
If you are an AFL-CIO member anywhere, including the American Federation of Teachers, ask them why their union is endorsing a Republican.
In an election as consequential as this one, where democracy itself is threatened by Republicans, we need to let Democrats know they can’t get away with endorsing a Republican.
Also, please consider supporting Therese Wakefield Gamble, who is running to Stop a FL Pro-Trump "Democrat" with a History of Racist Statements and a Right Wing Voting Record. Here is her ActBlue page