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Democrats elect Thurman as party chief

Party activists back off plans to challenge the former U.S. representative.

By ADAM C. SMITH
Published May 8, 2005

ORLANDO - Beleaguered but hopeful Florida Democrats elected former U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman their newest state party leader Saturday, ending a hardball behind-the-scenes campaign that left tensions still simmering among some party activists.

Thurman, a former schoolteacher and legislator from Dunellon, replaces Scott Maddox, who is expected to announce for governor soon. She had the strong support of Sen. Bill Nelson, the lone Florida Democrat in statewide office who worked hard to hold off challengers to Thurman.

"We've got lots of ideas, and many of them came directly from you," Thurman told more than 100 applauding Democrats in Orlando. "Be prepared, because you will be working and it will start today."

Party activists planned to challenge the legitimacy of the election because of alleged violations of internal rules but backed off. Amid the largely upbeat and harmonious gathering, signs of tension surfaced.

"Are we doing what's right today, or are we doing what we feel we are supposed to do?" asked Hillsborough County Democratic chairwoman Janee Murphy, who considered challenging Thurman and was among several party activists who complained that Nelson aggressively tried to thwart challengers to Thurman.

Martin County state committeeman Ed Matson questioned Maddox about the financial state of the party, saying that in reviewing public records it appeared several hundred thousand dollars was unaccounted for.

Maddox assured him that all money is accounted for, that the party is audited, and that Thurman takes charge of a party with no debts and at least $100,000 on hand. Still, vice chairwoman Diane Glasser said after the meeting that one reason she dropped her bid for chair was concern about the party's finances.

"We haven't gotten any kind of regular financial disclosures like we used to get," Glasser said.

Democrats said they hope Thurman's experience as a local, state and federal campaigner and officeholder will help turn around their party's losing streak. Thurman spent a decade in Congress before losing her seat in 2002.

[Last modified May 8, 2005, 00:44:03]