County Democrat eyes party office

Hillsborough chairwoman Janee Murphy says she is looking seriously at entering the race for state chairman.

By ADAM C. SMITH
Published May 5, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - Just as it appeared Karen Thurman had a lock on becoming the next state Democratic chairwoman, the prospect of a Tampa Bay showdown surfaced Wednesday.

Hillsborough County Democratic chairwoman Janee Murphy said she's looking seriously at challenging former U.S. Rep. Thurman when party activists elect a new leader Saturday.

"There will be no more backroom deals. We're the new Democrats coming up and we're not going to be beholden to anybody," said the 34-year-old Murphy. "If I do this it would be about a coalition of Democrats that want the counties to be listened to, that want the party's bylaws and charter to be respected."

Thurman, who used to represent much of the North Suncoast in Congress, brushed off talk of a new challenge. She has the votes needed to win, she said, and wants to stay focused on keeping the party unified and responsive to grass-roots organizers. While she said she's proud to have the support of Sen. Bill Nelson and former Sen. Bob Graham, she said she would be working for all Democrats.

"You wouldn't have people thinking about getting in if (Thurman) had the votes," said Leon County state committeeman Jon Ausman, who suggested Murphy would be a longshot but still win a lot of support, including from Leon.

It appeared Thurman had all but won the race, after outgoing Democratic fundraiser Jeff Ryan failed to qualify last week and state party vice chairwoman Diane Glasser dropped out of the race. Flagler County state committeeman Doug Courtney remains in the race but appears to be a long shot.

Several large counties including Miami-Dade and Broward remain uncommitted in the race to succeed outgoing chairman Scott Maddox, who is stepping down for an expected run for governor. Some activists like Murphy are miffed about the efforts of Nelson and Maddox to block Ryan from qualifying. Others say the party is breaking its internal rules in the way the election has been organized, though Maddox dismissed that.

Under arcane party rules, the state chair is elected mainly by little known state committee members. Thurman appears to have the support of local party leaders in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus.

Adam C. Smith can be reached at 727 893-8241 or adam@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 5, 2005, 01:26:13]