Politics

Biden's tough road helps him find faith

By ADAM C. SMITH
Published July 15, 2007

People following the presidential race likely know that Democrat John Edwards' son Wade was killed at 16 in a car accident. It's a big part of what shaped him. Less known is the tragedy that Democrat Joe Biden, above, had to overcome.

Just after getting elected to the Senate at age 29, his wife Neilia and infant daughter Amy were killed in an auto accident. Biden had to be persuaded to serve, and took the oath of office from the hospital, alongside his seriously injured young sons. After that, he commuted daily from Delaware to Washington, about 80 minutes each way.

Biden, a 64-year-old Roman Catholic, talked about the importance of faith in his life and in overcoming that tragedy in a Political Connections interview airing today.

"I must admit to you I was really angry at God. I never doubted a god, but I was really angry. I was really angry for the first six months. I wish I had been more mature," he said.

"It took me a while to regain my pins. But my mom has an expression. She says if ever something really bad happens to you, something good will happen if you look hard enough for it. She also has another expression: As long as you are alive you have an obligation to strive, and you're not dead until you've seen the face of God. I believe that." The interview airs at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Bay News 9 and an extended version can be seen on Channel 342 (Bay News 9 on demand).

McCain isn't laughing at Leno's joke

The John McCain presidential campaign so far isn't talking about state Rep. Bob Allen, one of the legislative co-chairmen for Florida. Allen, a Republican from Merritt Island, was arrested Wednesday on a charge of soliciting prostitution. He says it is a misunderstanding. But it may have added to McCain's woes. Jay Leno joked about the two on the Tonight Show.

Allen said Friday that he had not heard from the campaign, and was too busy to think about it. "I'm not walking around with a campaign sign," he said. "I'm walking around with the labor of my legal battle." Allen said he plans to finish his term in the House and is seeking election to the state Senate.

GOP takes a big money lead in state

The state Republican Party raised $2.2-million in the three months ending June 30, more than twice as much as the Democratic Party's $1.06-million. The largest single contributor was New York investor Paul Singer, who donated $200,000. Associated Industries of Florida gave $100,000 to the GOP, while its chief executive, Barney Bishop, gave $2,000 to the Democrats.

Democrats took in $1.06-million, including $79,000 in refunds from the D.C. media firm Squier Knapp Dunn Communications. Akerman Senterfitt, the major domo law firm of House Democratic leader Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, donated $12,500 to the Dems and $5,000 to the GOP.

The GOP took in money at twice the pace of the Democrats and spent more. Reports show the Republicans spent $2.8-million in the quarter compared to the Democrats' $900,000 (but that includes more than $530,000 that the state GOP transferred to its federal account). Republicans outspent Democrats to capture three of four special legislative elections held during the fundraising period.

Schiavo politics

GOP presidential candidate Sam Brownback, the Kansas senator, spent this weekend on a "Pro-Life, Whole-Life Tour," featuring activists Bobby Schindler, brother of the late Terri Schiavo, and Francis Bok, an escaped slave from the Sudan.

Giuliani's team

Of all the presidential candidates, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani are doing the most to lower the unemployment rate of Florida political operatives. Newly announced Florida field reps for Giuliani in Florida include: director of field operations Kathryn Staczek, previously with Arnold Schwarzenegger's '06 campaign; W. Kyle Rouse, Northeast Florida field representative; plus Jeremy Collins, Central Florida; Heather Weintrobe, West Florida; Leah Chambliss, Southeast Florida; Daphnie Ricobene, Southwest Florida; and J.C. Flores, Miami-Dade.

Gelber preparing to switch chambers

State House minority leader Gelber looks likely to move to the state Senate. Miami Sen. Gwen Margolis says she's stepping down so the term-limited Gelber can run for her heavily Democratic seat. Gelber called Margolis "a mentor and a friend," and said he was humbled by her encouragement.

Defeated representative heads for Harvard

Former Rep. Clay Shaw of Fort Lauderdale is headed for Harvard, where he will be a fellow at the Kennedy School's Institute of Politics in the fall. The fellows lead weekly study groups for Harvard students.

Adam C. Smith, Steve Bousquet, Bill Adair and Alex Leary contributed to this week's Buzz.

[Last modified July 14, 2007, 23:22:18]