The Sun-Sentinel has story on upcoming Jerry Fadgen fundraiser in Plantation. It seems Mitchell Ceasar, chief Broward Democrat and Ron Jacobs donor, doesn’t like idea of former U.S. Senator George Lemieux joining Fadgen at the fundraiser. Lemieux is longtime Broward resident and former BREC chairman.
“’I think it is an inappropriate attempt to nationalize local, nonpartisan elections as if this is still November, 2010. I can’t recall the last time that outside political figures were brought in to local city elections,’ Ceasar said.”
BREC chairman Richard DeNapoli hits back:
“’Senator LeMieux has known Jerry Fadgen for over 10 years and I presume he wants to help a friend and not make this a partisan event. I recall that the Democratic Executive Committee made this race partisan by passing out a sheet with all the candidates’ party affiliations…. what about Plantation Council candidate Eric Hammond’s $500 contribution (on 1/10/2011) from the Millenium Leadership PAC, which is affiliated with Congressman Alcee Hastings and gave over $16,000 to Democrats in federal races for 2010, including $1000 to Charlie Rangel. Eric Hammond was on the sheet with the party affiliations handed out by the [Democratic Party] labeled as a Democrat. Does he consider that ‘an inappropriate attempt’ by an ‘outside’ force? Probably a lot of donors from outside of Plantation for that PAC.‘ ”
It appears Ceasar has no problem with prominent local democrats influencing the race. Diane Bendekovic received contributions from Lori Parrish, Robin Bartleman, Allie Waldman, Ron Bergeron, the Broward Teachers Union and Maureen Dinnen. Candidate (Vera) Lynn Stoner has ties to the Broward School Board and received contribution from Ken Keechl. Ceasar himself gave $100 to candidate Ron Jacobs.
