http://www.dangelber.com/blog/view_blog.php?ID=127 I'm In.
Jan 27, 2009
By Dan
Today I announced my candidacy for United States Senate from the living room of my home. My children introduced me (though I had to promise my 4 year old son some extra Wii time for cooperating).
My decision to enter the race, while made today, has its roots in my childhood. My passion for public service comes from my Mom, a public school teacher and my Dad, a career prosecutor. They were hardworking (my father still sits as a Judge at the age of 89) and honest public servants whose work ethic was forged in the great depression and who instilled in me the notion that there can be no greater calling than to serve your community. If my Mom were alive she would have been proud and pleased and, undoubtedly, watching my grammar very closely.
What is ahead will be daunting to say the least. Florida is a huge state in geography and in population. But I remain optimistic in large part because in this recent election it seemed that Americans rejected the politics of division and hate, opting for the promise of hope and of inclusion; we rejected tired clichs and bumper sticker politics that have dumbed down the political process for a less expedient and more honest approach to government.
My judgments and perspectives like most come from my upbringing and my experiences. I learned about crime and public safety as a federal prosecutor; national security from my stint as a chief US Senate investigator for former Senator Sam Nunn. In the Florida Legislature I fought against plenty of wrong-headed education and health care policies, but also learned that you can get things done if you don't care who gets the credit.
But the most compelling experiences in my life have been my 20 years as a "Big Brother" in the Big Brothers program and my work at a camp for kids with cancer over the last 25 years. Those activities and similar ones gave me the opportunity to see my community through the eyes of others. Children growing up in multi-generational poverty; families facing the unthinkable loss of a child. These experiences were humbling and enlightening and I am grateful and better for having been part of them.
That is why a central part of my campaign will include "service" days. I intend to participate in 100 volunteer activities - building homes, cleaning beaches, and the kinds of activities that bring people together. I believe when times are rough, Americans default to their better angels and come together, and there is no better way to demonstrate that than through community service.
I don't need to tell you how trying times are today. We have two tires in the ditch. But America has seen trying times before, and every time we've emerged stronger and more united than ever. I am running because in this critical time in America, our nation needs leaders who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work restoring our nation's fundamental promise that anyone can be anything through hard work and sacrifice. I believe I can bring a new perspective and new energy to Washington, and a life experience that qualifies me to serve in this moment in our nation's history.
So, that's it. I'm in. I'm anxious to go. I'm ready to serve.
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GO DAN!!!! Contribute
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/dangelbee">here[br />
Time for another progressive voice in the senate! Dan Gelber is the real deal folks.
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