I have posted here before about several campaigns here in Florida in which Democrats who were already running, were building great creds, just needed some party support and financing....but were either asked to drop out or in effect forced out by funds being dried up. David Lutrin is one of those I wrote about in Florida 16.
Lutrin is blogging at Firedoglake today with an introduction by Howie Klein of DownwithTyranny. It is apparently his first time blogging.
This verifies that one person chose the candidate here, and that he was a Republican. The DCCC handpicked a Republican millionaire in this district. The post so far (you have to keep refreshing comments) does not mention that our state chairwoman was with Rahm on this, but she was paying a visit/visits there to see Mahoney as well.
http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/06/blue-america-from-the-swamps-of-florida-politics-please-welcome-a-true-believer-david-lutrin/Blue America: From the Swamps Of Florida Politics, Please Welcome a True Believer, David Lutrin
First a little background on the district and race. FL-16 wasn't exactly a district anyone was really targeting for a Democratic take over. It's a pretty Republican, rural district cutting right across the state from coast to coast, and it was represented by a fairly popular, well-entrenched incumbent, albeit a Bush rubber stamp. When school teacher and union member Dave Lutrin decided to run, it was because of his dismay with the occupation of Iraq and his dismay about how Bush had been running our country into the ground. He wanted something better for his young daughter and, as an idealistic and progressive Democrat, he decided Foley didn't merit a free ride to re-election. Not what you'd call a political insider, and severely un-financed, Dave vowed to give incumbent Mark Foley a grassroots race based on the day's burning issues, the kind of race that swept similar Democratic outsiders like Jerry McNerney, Carol Shea-Porter, John Yarmuth, Nancy Boyda, Chris Murphy, John Hall, Jason Altmire, Chris Carney, Patrick Murphy, Bruce Braley and Paul Hodes into office in November.
Early on in the process– in mid-2005– Dave contacted Democratic Party organizations throughout the district, as well as the state party and the DCCC in Washington. Everyone was enthusiastic and encouraging. Glen Rushing, the DCCC point person for the region, told Dave he was "just the type of candidate we're looking for." He offered to introduce him to Alabama Congressman Artur Davis, the DCCC-appointed mentor for Democratic candidates in the region, who following their first phone conversation offered to help him with his race. Rushing then promised to get him in touch with Florida DCCC chief, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Emanuel's lieutenant for the Southeast.
Then something happened, something very dark and secretive, something people are just uncovering now.
I am glad he is speaking out. I think it was good to wait until after the election, but it is a good thing for our Democracy to have a voice in the primaries. If the committees and state chairs can do all the picking, then we lose our voice.
It is my understanding he is planning on running again.