The Buzz: Florida politics 2004

Gubernatorial prospects snap up domain names

By Times staff writers
Published December 5, 2004

POLITICAL CONFLICT: Scott Maddox appears likely to be re-elected as state Democratic chairman Dec. 12, even as he struggles to avoid perceptions of a conflict of interest.

Some prominent Democrats question whether a party leader seen as a likely candidate for governor in 2006 can adequately represent the interests of all Democrats instead of his own. But few see strong contenders to replace him in the immediate future.

The latest incident to raise questions about Maddox's motivations was the revelation on a political Web site (www.flnews.blogspot.com) that the Florida Democratic Party had registered the Internet domain names ScottMaddox2006.com and Maddox2006.com.

Party spokeswoman Allie Merzer brushed off the report, noting that Maddox paid for the domains himself ($35) and that the party purchased domain names for much of the party's senior staff. The idea, she said, was to keep Republicans from buying logical Internet addresses and turning them into sites filled with attacks.

"We're protecting ourselves," Merzer said. And given "the rumblings" about Maddox running for office in 2006, she said it made sense to buy those names.

And what about protecting fellow Democrats U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa and state Sen. Rod Smith of Gainesville, who have generated lots of gubernatorial rumblings themselves?

"It's not my job to worry about Rod Smith or Jim Davis right now," Merzer said. "They have their own staffs. It's my job to worry about the Florida Democratic Party."

Another registered domain site popped up for a Republican gubernatorial prospect, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings. She registered JenningsForGovernor.com.

RUMOR PATROL: Intriguing and thoroughly unsubstantiated rumors are the mother's milk of politics. The latest making the rounds is that Republican Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings has struck an early deal with state Senate President Tom Lee in which the Brandon Republican would be her running mate in 2006.

One plugged-in Republican who says he hasn't heard that idea: Tom Lee.

LIKE MONEY IN THE BANK: A little-noticed late addition to Congress' 3,300-page appropriations bill could give a modest boost to U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, should the Democrat jump into the 2006 governor's race. The provision removes a restriction preventing members of Congress from transferring federal campaign money into campaigns for state or local office.

Davis has about $162,000 in his House campaign account. That's a drop in the bucket for a primary likely to cost more than $6-million, but every bit helps.

SHOCK THERAPY NEXT: A snippet from the Boca Raton News last week that's too good not to pass on: "Twenty John Kerry supporters met for their first group therapy session in South Florida Thursday, screaming epithets at President Bush as they shared their emotions with licensed mental health counselors."

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS: Democrats have been holding some heated local elections lately, in some cases ousting their leaders. In Hernando, Jay Rowden took the helm of the Democratic executive committee after a heated election. Democrats ousted incumbent chairs in Palm Beach and Duval counties.

In Hillsborough, Democratic Chairwoman Janee Murphy kept her post despite a challenge from Rob MacKenna. Pinellas and Citrus county Democrats were relatively tranquil as they elected new chairs: Carrie Wadlinger for Pinellas and Mike Jarrett for Citrus.

Adam C. Smith contributed to the Buzz. Have a tip? Call 850 224-7263 or write to bousquet@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 5, 2004, 00:04:09]