Tag Archives: Broward Public defender

Lea Krauss Keeps Kissing Up To Broward Democrats

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Lea Krauss with Cynthia Busch and Travis Perron, right

Broward County Circuit Court candidate Lea Krauss keeps kissing up to Broward Democrats. Normally, one would expect a candidate to rub elbows and snap selfies with Broward Democrat insiders. But candidates seeking a seat on the Broward bench play by different rules.

Judicial candidates usually avoid purely partisan events unless all other judicial candidates are invited. Even then, judicial candidates excuse themselves before any partisan business begins. Last month, REDBROWARD revealed how Krauss’ kissing up to local pols brought her into contact with some of Broward’s scandal-plagued politicians.

Krauss bragged about her 150 endorsements from politicians and lobbyists like Steve Geller and former Congressman Larry Smith.

In June, REDBROWARD exposed the role Broward “political pimp” Vincente Thrower played in Krauss’ ill-fated fundraiser at a Fort Lauderdale “breastaurant.”

In Facebook posts this week, Krauss exposed her attendance at the Hollywood Hills Democratic Club Holiday Party.

The Club invited called the meeting a “kick off for the 2016 election” with Broward “celebrity public defender” Howard Finkelstein. There was a $7 admission charge to attend the party at the Orangebrook County Club.

On Facebook, Krauss posted she had attended a “joyous Hollywood Hills holiday party.” Krauss left of the “Democratic Club.” But the pictures she posted is filled with Democratic politicians and officials.

Krauss is all smiles with former Democrat State Rep. Elaine Schwartz. She’s grinning ear-to-ear with Broward (Democrat) County Commissioner Beam Furr. And Krauss definitely has the holiday spirit in a picture with Broward Democrat Party Chair Cynthia Busch and party director Travis Perron.

Krauss doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about running in these tight political circles.

Broward voters may have a different opinion.

 

Lea Krauss with Broward County Commissioner Beam Furr

 

Broward Judicial Candidate Hiding Public Defender Career From Voters

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according to her website, Betsy Benson, right, is an expert on death penalty cases.

According to her website, Betsy Benson, right, is an qualified expert on death penalty cases.

Betsy Benson, a candidate for Broward County Court Judge Group 13, does not want voters to know she is a longtime public defender. Benson’s campaign website never mentions her job as a Broward County public defender. The website gives one brief mention of her boss, Howard Finkelstein.

Under the “Betsy Benson Knows The Law!” section of the website, she lists teaching trial skills at Nova Southeastern and the “Natioanl (sic) Institute of Trial Advocay (sic).” But when it comes to her time at the Public Defender’s Office, Benson gets very vague. She admits she, “Taught lawyers for Howard Finkelstein.”

No mention she taught public defenders for Howard Finkelstein. No mention her boss is Broward Public Defender “Help Me Howard” Finkelstein. Nada. Zip.

Is Benson ashamed to admit to voters she represents criminals? Is she worried her association with Finkelstein will damage her chances to be judge?

Benson wrote, “I have spent more than 30 years in the Broward County courthouse. I believe in the importance of role models.” Sorry Howard, guess you didn’t make her role model list.

However, when it comes to her new non-profit organization, Benson has no problem using the Public Defender’s office.

The Facebook page for the 2-4the show nonprofit organization claims it is “dedicated to providing art enrichment to underprivileged children in Broward County through tickets to live events.” State records show Benson started the organization in 2014 using the Broward Public Defender’s Office address at 500 S.E 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Benson listed her official Public Defender’s Office email address on the State incorporation forms.