Carmen Torres, Hispanic community leader and member of the Executive Board of the Democratic National Committee, on Monday endorsed Alan Clendenin in his bid to become the next Chairman of the Florida Democratic Party.
“Alan has a vision for the future of our party and has the character and the experience of how to get us there. He is one of us and he gets it!,” said Torres in a statement.
Torres continued, “Alan is a known quantity and has established his commitment to the Democratic Party for many years. He has worked at the grassroots level for many years… Alan is pro-labor, pro-woman, pro-diversity period! He has demonstrated this year after year and as recently as this past year when he poured his heart into the work of the Platform Committee.”
In expressing his appreciation for Torres’ backing, Clendenin said:
“Carmen embodies every quality we look for in community and our party. Her character, charisma and an innate political sense enables her to deliver an inclusive message that resonates with women, Hispanics and every voters; the Democratic Party is on our side. I am proud to call Carmen a friend and I am grateful for the overwhelming support I have received from our diverse Hispanic community.”
See the full text of Carmen Torres’ statement endorsing Alan Clendenin below:
My Fellow Democrats and Floridians,
Not too long ago when we were in the heat of a Presidential re-election campaign and every vote was in play I felt something was amiss with respect to the politics of Florida and the influence of the self-determination of Puerto Rico. Everyone acknowledged that, as it was in 2008 and as it turned out in 2012, that the President needed the Hispanic vote to win the state of Florida. But it is not the obvious that’s important here it was my concern that we were losing focus of what was at stake.
We now are in the throes of a race for FDP Chair and I fear we have deviated from the message again. My friends we are the Democratic Party not the Republican Party. We believe in diversity and inclusiveness. We are about fairness and equality. This is about the values of our party and who can best lead.
Yes we need money to win elections, but trust me if you really want to win – do the job right and the money will come!
As a Latina, past presidential Elector, member of the DNC, and Vice Chair of the DNC Southern Caucus today I write to you to let you know that I am supporting Alan Clendenin for Chair of the FDP and to ask you for your support too.
Alan is a known quantity and has established his commitment to the Democratic Party for many years. He has worked at the grassroots level for many years and has been very effective.
Alan is pro-labor, pro-woman, pro-diversity period! He has demonstrated this year after year and as recently as this past year when he poured his heart into the work of the Platform Committee.
As my president says there is no doubt in my mind that Alan Clendenin will work hard every day to build this party from the middle out. We all know that trickle down doesn’t work.
Alan has listened and continues to listen to Democrats across this state.
Alan cares about where this party has been and how far we can go.
Alan has taken the time to put together a plan that will redirect and help us move forward.
Alan has a vision for the future of our party and has the character and the experience of how to get us there.
Alan is one of us and he gets it!
My friends as you know all politics is local and this one may very well be the most important election you get to vote on. Let’s make it count!
**************
Compañeros demócratas y floridanos,
No hace mucho tiempo, cuando estábamos en el calor de una campaña de reelección presidencial y cada voto estaba en juego sentí que algo andaba mal con respecto a la política de la Florida y la influencia de la autodeterminación de Puerto Rico. Todo el mundo reconoce que, como lo fue en 2008, y como se vio en el 2012, que el Presidente necesitaba el voto hispano para ganar el estado de Florida. Pero no es lo obvio que es importante aquí, mi preocupación era de que estábamos perdiendo el foco de lo que estaba en juego.
Actualmente, estamos en medio de una carrera por la Presidencia del Partido Demócrata de Florida y me temo que nos hemos desviado del mensaje. Nosotros somos el Partido Demócrata y no el Partido Republicano. Creemos en la diversidad y la inclusión. Estamos por la justicia y la igualdad. Se trata de los valores de nuestro partido y quien mejor puede liderar.
Se necesita dinero para ganar las elecciones, pero, si realmente quieres ganar – haz bien el trabajo y el dinero vendrá!
Como latina, elector presidencial pasada, miembro del DNC (Democratic National Committee), y Vice presidenta del Caucus Sureño del Comité Nacional Demócrata (DNC Southern Caucus), hoy me dirijo a usted para hacerle saber que estoy apoyando a Alan Clendenin para Presidente de la FDP y le pido su apoyo también.
Alan es una persona muy conocida y ha establecido su compromiso con el Partido Demócrata durante muchos años. Ha trabajado a nivel popular durante muchos años y ha sido muy eficaz.
Alan es pro-sindicatos, pro-mujer, pro-diversidad y punto! Él ha demostrado su compromiso año tras año y en fecha tan reciente como el año pasado cuando trabajó en el Comité de Plataforma.
Como mi presidente dice que no hay duda en mi mente que Alan Clendenin trabajara incansablemente todos los días para transformar nuestro partido desde el centro hacia fuera.
Alan ha escuchado y continúa escuchando a los demócratas en todo el estado.
A él le importa donde nuestro partido ha estado y qué tan lejos puede llegar.
Alan ha tomado el tiempo para crear un plan que nos va a redirigir y ayudar a seguir adelante.
Alan tiene una visión para el futuro de nuestro partido y tiene el carácter y la experiencia de cómo llegar allí.
Alan es uno de los nuestros y nos entiende!
Mis amigos, como ustedes saben la política es local y ésta elección puede muy bien ser la elección más importante por la que votemos. Vamos a hacer que cuente!
Carmen Torres
Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida
Democratic National Committee
This is a very nice argument and good summary. I wish someone from the other camp would talk. I gather that James Auffant intends to vote for Tant and I have no idea why. Same for Nancy Jacobson – so all of Orange County’s votes go for Tant. Then what?