Congressional District 8 Florida

Comment

Comment by Beth A Williams on May 14, 2010 at 10:50am

Come One Come All!!
Meet Patricia Sullivan, Florida's next "CongressMom"

A bunch of conservatives who want to boot U.S. Reps. Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas are going to be outside Orlando City Hall on Saturday.

The National Republican Congressional Committee is hosting a “pink slip p...arty” for the two Central Florida Dems targeted by the GOP.

“It’s time to say to Grayson and Kosmas, ‘You’re fired,’ ”

A “fun, family-friendly event” with games, music and prizes. Headliners include U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, the NRCC chairman; state Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, who sponsored legislation to allow Florida to opt out of health care reform; Angie Langley, who launched www.mycongressmanisnuts.com to slam Grayson; and Jack Cassell, the Mt. Dora doctor who advised patients to find care elsewhere if they voted for President Obama.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2010/05/gop-throwing...

http://www.pinkslipparty2010.com/

Comment by Diane K on May 3, 2010 at 11:39am

E-VERIFY - ARE YOU NUTS?

Orlando--Todd Long, conservative candidate for Congress in Florida’s Eighth district, will be holding a rally at City Hall in Orlando to support the use of E-verify at the national and state level and demand the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws, in coordination with Floridians for Immigration Enforcement, The Florida Minutemen, and other leading anti-illegal immigration groups in Florida and the nation!

Any natural born or LEGAL immigrant citizen in this country has a state issued ID card or Driver's License that has electronic verification on it. Why are you pushing for another E-VERIFY for Federal use. If we needed that they might as well just go ahead and put numbers on our arms. Citizens of this country need to wake up! If you want the government to control your lives then go live with Chavez or Castro or one of those other crazies. Most of us want the government out of our lives, not in it. Take care of the mess you have created by ignoring the illegal immigrant problem just because you want amnesty for them so that they can vote for you Dems! PR as a 51st state = votes. You think we are stupid!

Smart way to get press coverage - but wrong way to get votes from Americans who do not want government intrusion. You can take care of the ILLEGALS without E-verify!

God Bless the Governor of Arizona!

Comment by Russ Cyphers on April 27, 2010 at 9:58am

Well said, Patty. You certainly helped make the argument for Webster, as it takes just that (and I know Dan has ALWAYS had the same fire in his belly that I did), to go back to (what is, for him) public SERVICE. Most others are MOTIVATED to be career politicians, and just saw a high-income opportunity, or they are well intentioned (Dr. Ken Miller, for example), and didn't see a true Constitutional Conservative candidate who had the ability to have, or raise, the funds ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to fund a way to campaign against the well heeled Grayson.

Comment by Russ Cyphers on April 26, 2010 at 11:56am

"Change" may be good, and it may be bad (what do snake politicians like Obama always promise?). Diane, the only REASON thinking citizens are leery of so-called "career politicians" (those who, like Geitner, Clinton, and BO never really had a "real" job) is that they lose the motives that caused them to originally run, and get caught up in the "process". Being an experienced surgeon, mechanic, hair dresser, landscaper or mother doesn't make one suspect, and in need of replacement!!
You'd think Constitutional Conservatives would be REJOICING to have a candidate who has been TESTED, and is STILL a champion of Constitutional principles...wouldn't you?
I understand parochial thinking. We want the best for teachers if our daughter is a teacher, we want the best for law enforcement officers if our daughter is a law enforcement officer, and we want the best for soldiers if our daughter is a soldier (I use these examples because I was all of these, and my sons were two of the three), don't we? When making public policy, the hard thing to do is to abandon parochialism, and think about the (over 19 million Floridians, for example), people who you DON'T KNOW, or who haven't been contributing heavily to your campaign, or who are your family. Webster is STILL one of the few who can do that.

Dan Webster is STILL who he was when he was first elected! Honorable, truthful, Incorruptible, anti-abortion, anti-big government, pro-family, pro-personal accountability. The author of numerous bills that take power away from the government, he sponsored the Florida home school bill, which eventually made Florida the leading state in the ability to home school without being considered a social criminal. He sponsored numerous bills giving a girl the opportunity to UNDERSTAND what she was doing when considering an abortion, such as being able to see for herself what the child really looked like, if she wanted to. Dan is a STAUNCH defender of EVERY principle in the Constitution!

I don't know if we deserve people like Webster in public office, but our (and others') children and grandchildren NEED them more than we need to see our friends or people who will bring home the bacon to our affinity group get elected!

Comment by Diane K on April 26, 2010 at 8:27am

He is a good man, however the purpose on this election was to stay away from long term politicians. This is a Republican Party powers to be move. They first ask him and he said NO - then they asked O'Donoghue - now they ask Webster again and for me - this is just another way of trying to get lots of money for the "PARTY". Give to your candidates and not the party!

Comment by Mike D - Ocala Comm. Leader on April 25, 2010 at 9:03pm

It isn't either, It is what it is, I think, I see pro's and I see cons. From what I know from those I know, Mr. Webster is a good man. His tenure is quite long though and I don't exactly know what was to come of it; I am not educated on his works or there for not sure.

Comment by Diane K on April 25, 2010 at 8:04pm

I am confused as to the point of this article - is it pro or against Webster?

Comment by Russ Cyphers on April 25, 2010 at 6:56pm

HERE'S DANIEL WEBSTER - article upon his retirement from the Florida LEGISLATURE
Dan Webster leaves Legislature with family, principles, faith intact
Florida’s longest currently serving legislator retires after 28 years
May 8, 2008
By JAMES A. SMITH SR.


Related Coverage:

TALLAHASSEE — Daniel Webster was “minding [his] own business” 28 years ago — rearing a young family, running his family air conditioning contracting company, and serving as a lay leader in his church — when he asked a question that changed his life: “Who sets public policy?”

As building committee chairman of First Baptist Church of Central Florida in Orlando, Webster put the query to a county official after the church’s zoning request was rejected as “adverse to public policy.”

Told the Florida Legislature makes public policy, Webster decided, “O.K., I’m running for the Legislature.”

That fateful declaration and his unlikely election to the Florida House of Representatives in 1980 not only changed Webster’s life, but also transformed the institution, according to both his political allies and opponents.

Webster is welcomed by members of the Florida House of Representatives during a surprise April 29 ceremony naming the body’s largest committee room in honor of Webster’s tenure as House Speaker, 1996-1998.

Having completed his final regular legislative session May 2, unable to seek re-election due to term limits, Webster, 59, will officially leave office Nov. 4 when a new senator is elected to Florida’s ninth district covering portions of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

Universally known for his Christian principles and advocacy of pro-family issues, especially the sanctity of human life, Webster’s departure will leave a large hole, observers note.

Also an expert in transportation issues, he was recognized April 30 when the Senate approved a measure to name Department of Transportation Turnpike District Headquarters the “Senator Daniel Webster Building.” In 2005, State Road 429 in Orange County was designated “Daniel Webster Western Beltway.”

CITIZEN LEGISLATOR

Early in his final legislative session on March 11, Webster ...reflecting on his legislative tenure and the DUTY of citizens to be INVOLVED IN GOVERNMENT.

Sen. Daniel Webster (R-Winter Garden) gives his farewell address to the Florida Senate April 30 with Sandy, his wife of 35 years, observing. Courtesy photo

Although he is distantly related to the American statesman Daniel Webster of antebellum history known for his oratorical skills, Orlando’s soft-spoken Daniel Webster didn’t plan on being a politician. Before filing for his first run for office, he had never been to Tallahassee, knew little about government, and his involvement in politics consisted of voting.

Webster was first elected to the Florida House over a previously entrenched incumbent Democrat in an era when Democrats dominated state government.

During the campaign many people said he was a “nice guy” but couldn’t win, and the initial results seemed to confirm those predictions when he was declared the loser by various media outlets. As the final vote count came in, however, the vote was tied with one precinct left — Pine Hills, where he grew up, lived and went to church. Webster won.

He was opposed for reelection in 1982 and 1984, but never again through successive terms in the House and Senate. The longest-serving legislator not opposed for reelection, Webster says it’s only by “the grace of God” because “I’ve done all kinds of things for which I should have been opposed.”

In 1980, as one of only 39 Republicans in the 120-member House controlled by the Democrats, Webster was told not to bother introducing legislation because it would never be heard. Instead, he studied the rules and dreamed.

“I read the rule book because I wanted to know the rules … and I dreamed of being Speaker of the House, and how if I ever became Speaker of the House what I would do,” .

As a minority party member with virtually no influence, he observed the unfairness of the system and determined it would be different if he ever became Speaker.
REFORMER

That time came in 1996 — after 16 years in the minority, Republicans gained control of the Florida House by one vote, 61-59. Having previously won election as House Republican leader in 1993, Webster was elected Speaker of the House in 1996, serving for two years.

Summarized in a Florida House resolution adopted unanimously April 28 naming the body’s largest committee room, “Speaker Daniel Webster Hall,” Webster “RADICALLY REFORMED” the Florida House “PERMANENTLY CHANGING THE CULTURE of the Florida Legislature,” according to House Resolution 9183.

The first Republican Speaker in 122 years emphasized the importance of family by requiring all House business be concluded no later than 6 p.m. He empowered members of the minority party by allowing their bills to be considered on their merits, rather than on partisanship. Webster revised the rules of the House and eliminated 72 committees.

Webster’s reforms “garnered him the widespread admiration and respect of those who served under him for his benevolence, the universal accolades of members and observers for his justice and fairness,” HR 9183 states.

CHRISTIAN CITIZEN

Early in his legislative career Webster learned the value of beginning each day in prayer and Bible study.

“He rises when it’s dark every day of his life and seeks ... and prays, reads the Bible and gets guidance from the Bible because in it are the answers to life’s questions and the answers to the problems in our state and our families,” Sandy Webster, his wife of 35 years, told the Witness April 30 after a Capitol reception honoring her husband.

He especially prays for his fellow legislators “by name,” Sandy said, including his political adversaries.

“What people don’t know about him is what a prayer warrior he is. And even though he’s not going to be here, he’ll be praying for all these people still,” she said.

In his final address to the Florida Senate April 30, Webster gave his colleagues “three don’ts” and “three do’s” : “Don’t go to Clyde’s” (a Tallahassee bar frequented by legislators and lobbyists); “don’t make it personal;” and “don’t hold grudges.” In contrast, he advised: “Do rise early; do read the Bible; do serve others.”

Telling senators he came with his family, principles and faith and he would leave with all three intact, Webster said, “It’s no secret that I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. … I have been open to anyone who’s open to talk about it.”

“He is always the same. It does not matter if he is hanging out with the governor or if he is at church socials pitching softballs. He walks with integrity,” Cloer said.

Webster told the Witness living the Christian faith for a senator is no different than for any other follower of Christ.

“I think all of us, no matter what we’re called to … I think our main calling is to live out our faith, both from a lifestyle but also from the words that we speak,” he said.
PRO-FAMILY ADVOCATE

His Christian faith drove Webster’s political convictions, widely regarded as the premier champion of pro-family causes in Tallahassee.

Recognized by pro-family organizations with many awards, including Florida Christian Coalition and Florida Family Policy Council (which named its annual award for him and gave him the first award in 2006), Webster has sponsored numerous bills defending family values.

Just as his election to the House was against longs odds, so was Webster’s first bill to become law — the landmark 1985 Home Education Program Act legalizing homeschooling in Florida. Incredibly, the bill became law when Democrats controlled the Florida House and Senate, and served as governor and commissioner of education, and during a time when many legislators of both parties were very skeptical of homeschooling.

Senate President Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie) presented Webster with a framed copy of the law during an April 30 Senate tribute, noting University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and thousands of other homeschooled children in the Sunshine State were beneficiaries of Webster’s measure.

Webster told the Witness the homeschooling law was his most significant accomplishment, noting the current California homeschooling controversy could have happened in Florida because that law is identical to the statute Webster’s bill changed.

He also sponsored Florida’s abortion parental consent law, although it was ultimately ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court, and many other pro-life bills, including a measure this year requiring ultrasounds for women seeking abortions. The bill died April 30 in the Senate on a tie vote.

His greatest disappointment was the Legislature’s failure in 2005 to pass legislation saving Terri Schiavo, the severely brain-damaged Florida woman who was the subject of international attention and controversy. Schiavo died March 31, 2005, when nutrition and hydration were removed by court order in accordance with her husband’s wishes and over her parents’ objections.

Recalling the vote with tears in his eyes, Webster told the Witness the experience was draining and difficult: “I stood as hard as I could against what I believe was a moving of the line between life and death in this state.”

In contrast to some politicians who have back-tracked on their support of Schiavo legislation, Webster said he has no regrets.

“Some have said it was the worst vote they made. ... I thought it was the best stand I made,” he said.
FAMILY MAN

Webster not only advocates pro-family public policy, he is a family man, Sandy told the Witness.

All six of the Webster children express an interest in following in their father’s political footsteps. The Websters have five grandchildren.

“He has been a wonderful example to all of them, and a great leader to them,” she said.

After his homeschooling legislation became law, the Websters began homeschooling their own children and would often bring them to Tallahassee.

He refused to hold any political events on Sundays, and while home in Orlando during the weekends he protected the time for family and church activities.

“I am blessed beyond what I could ever imagine. I’m married to the finest man on the planet,” Sandy said.

In his final comments to the Senate, Webster credited Sandy with “holding down the fort” during his long legislative tenure.

“I couldn’t serve without a wife,” Webster said with Sandy sitting by him. “Sandy, thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you for allowing me to serve these 28 years.”
FUTURE PLANS

At his April 30 farewell reception, the Witness asked Webster about possible future political office, noting some speculation has centered on a possible run for U.S. Congress or mayor of Orange County.

Webster said there may be another run for office, but for now, he doesn’t feel God’s leading. He’s content to turn off his BlackBerry and go home.

“This is the time for me to leave the Senate. It doesn’t mean there’s not something else for me, but it might. I think I came at the right time. I think I’m leaving at the right time. God’s led me the entire way and for that I’m grateful,” he said.

Comment by Russ Cyphers on April 25, 2010 at 6:54pm

Whispwe in their ears, and Ask Marco Rubio, Newt Gingrich, and other "Constitutional Conservatives" who THEY support in the Congressional District 8 race. Dan Webster, Like Ms Sullivan, is a rock-solid CONSTITUTIONAL Conservative, BUT he's the strongest candidate against Alan Grayson in Florida's Dist 8 Cong race). Yesterday I note from him. Though he was just convinced to join the race to save the Dist 8 seat, he already is setting up his web site, etc. Meanwhile, if anyone wants to contribute to this giant step in Taking Back America, you can make a contribution at:

Webster for Congress 3400 Old Winter Garden Rd.Orlando, FL 32805-1134

Comment by Beth A Williams on April 5, 2010 at 10:39pm

INDEPENDENCE CAUCUS ENDORSES CANDIDATE PATRICIA SULLIVAN FOR CONGRESS IN FLORIDA’S 8TH DISTRICT

Patricia Sullivan, Candidate for United States House of Representatives in Florida's 8th Congressional District, Receives the Much Sought After Endorsement of the Independence Caucus Organization

EUSTIS, FL April 05, 2010/Patricia Sullivan for Congress - Joining the ranks of Mike Yost and Edward Lynch of Florida plus Chuck Devore of California, Patricia Sullivan has received the Endorsement of the Independence Caucus Organization, an off shoot from the successful Jason Chaffetz 2008 Congressional Campaign. The Independence Caucus is a non-partisan organization committed to removing compromised incumbents from office and replacing them with good men and women who commit to Fiscal Responsibility through Adherence to Constitutional Authority. The Independence Caucus has hundreds of researchers and thousands of volunteers across the country working to put America back on track: www.icaucus.org.
David VonGunten stated “We here at the Independence Caucus are proud to announce our endorsement of this great and Principled Candidate for Congress in the 8th District State of Florida, Patricia Sullivan”. Patricia is contesting Democrat Alan Grayson in November.
Patricia Sullivan responded in her usual self-effacing manner “Thank you Florida for the endorsement! I am thrilled and humbled by your support. Our campaign welcomes all residents of the 8th Congressional District and beyond to join our Patriot Army. We will diligently work to keep Icaucus up to date with events, however to ensure you never miss out, volunteer on our web site. Again, thank you! I'm so excited.” To learn more and become part of this winning Patriot Army visit the campaign website at www.patriciasullivanforcongress.com.
Patricia Sullivan is a true American Patriot, a dedicated Common Sense Citizen with a passion for people not programs. Patriots, like Patricia, so love their country that they are willing to take action to protect it. When Congress passed the largest spending bill in our country’s history in February 2009, Patricia responded. Co-organizing the North Lake TEA Party in hopes that fifty like-minded individuals would join her, on April 15, 2009 over 1,000 came to align their hearts and voices. Patricia Sullivan genuinely is “Of the People”, willing to stand courageously “For the People”, when elected “By the People”.

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