Karen L. Thurman: "Show Me The MONEY $$$$$$!"

[johnrussellCD5]

Nuff said.... How many seats in the Florida House did the Dems pick up in 2010? Nuff said!!!!! There no longer is a Democratic Party in Florida! We need a new way and the FDP ain't it! J R

[now30000]

fuck Florida and Michigan. you don't matter.

[Ultimafan]

Wake up people! Drop your political Tribalism and note that the Party's are one and the same, whores for the corporate kleptocracy.

Vote Ron Paul in 2008

Then...Throw ALL the bums out in 2010, 2012 $ 2014.  We can change our country.

[VoteLiberty]

John, when you have a chance, please don't forget to post this video as a "Video Response" at this link:

Triple "w", youtube dot com/, watch?v=CdZQJms6qjY

We can blow the lid on the Democratic Party of Florida's dirty games if we coordinate our efforts.

[VoteLiberty]

Folks, I, Frank Gonzalez, 2006 Democrat for US House District 21, earned 41% of the vote with just $16,000. See here how I challenged Thurman's local apologist, Joe Garcia, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Miami-Dade County.

Here's the link: Triple "w", youtube, dot com, watch?v=CdZQJms6qjY

[ZapDuff]

Since then, I have also learned she accepted a "personal (off the FEC record books) consultation fee" from the Bilirakis camp. So, what did Chuck's opponent get from Ms Thurman? During her own campaign, at nearly every one of her speaking engagements, she claimed to demonstrate her own "bi-partisan" spirit by reminding voters in her (FL5) district tell their friends and relatives in the (adjacent) 9th district to vote for her ***GOP*** colleague!

[johnrussellCD5]

Yes, I remember that... How could I forget. "United We Stand" ehhhh? Time to "Clean House" in Fla. nad KT is merely the tip of the iceberg!

[ZapDuff]

It's time this clown went to jail for bribery and extortion schemes!

Let us not forget her shenanigans in the 2004 elections. She refused to support democrat Chuck Kalogianis' run for Congress in Florida's 9th District, confiding to a third party that she had a "gentlemans agreement" with FL9 incumbent GOP Rep. Mike Bilirakis to not hurt each other's bid to stay in office.

[ZapDuff]

sorry... I mistyped. Chuck ran in 2002..

[johnrussellCD5]

Yes, would people like to see that done. This is a completely unedited video/audio. It is authentic. For purposes of clarity, I can look into decreasing the background noise and increasing the clarity f the conversation. This tape is not going nywhere folks. J R

[Liberty7802]

We hired her to do a job and we need her there through the 2008 presidential elections. If any of you think you can do it better go ahead give it a shot in 2009 at least you won't ruin our chance of a democratic president in 2008. She is the only chance that Democrats have of taking back Florida in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!! Leave her alone.

[johnrussellCD5]

Thanks Liberty for your prescient commentary.  Any duplication of the 2006 GOTV and Absentee effort by FDP will likely do the trick for Dems in '08 I would guess... according to your in-depth analysis. Thanks! J R

[VoteLiberty]

She's a criminal, and you demonstrate that you defends criminals. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Ron Paul 2008 is the ONLY rational, sane and educated choice for President. The rest are liars, thieves and murderers who deserve impeachment.

You even fail to defend your own principled candidates, even though I disagree with them personally on other issues: Kucinich and Gravel.

[Liberty7802]

She has raised millions of dollars for the Dem. party and this past election cycle she was able to assist in getting Alex Sink and Bill Nelson elected and taking back 7 republican house seats, 1 state senate seat, 2 congressional seats and in a special election picked up a republican seat that has not been done since 1990.

[johnrussellCD5]

The devil is in the details... The "successes" you mention represent somewhat of an embellishment as Karen has been providing across the state regarding 2006 results.

[VoteLiberty]

Bill Nelson...the guy who voted for the PATRIOT Act and the Bankruptcy reform law.

[VoteLiberty]

So long as she holds such a position in a political party, she relinquishes her privacy rights. She is the face of the backroom dealers of government. Therefore, she is a target for all free-minded citizens' scrutiny and skepticism. She is a LIAR and a THIEF and YOU should be ashamed of yourself for looking the other way just like the neocons who defended Bush!

[Liberty7802]

You are forgetting she is a private citizen that does not work for the government anymore. Which is a shame because she was and always will be the best representative that district 5 ever had.

[johnrussellCD5]

Karen Thurman's Record sponsoring bills just search google... Statistics: Karen Thurman has sponsored 38 bills since Jan 7, 1997, of which 35 haven't made it out of committee (Average) and 0 were successfully enacted. Quite a "lawmaker." Co-sponsored quite a few but not much work in doing that. If she's the best? Voted for the Patriot Act, Iraq and more. Just Fabulous... J R

[devilraydem]

That's exactly what I did, John. Now I'm thinking about a Draft Thurman for District 5 campaign so she can crush you in the primary and put you out of your misery. I don't think she'll do it because she's committed to the party, but maybe we can find somebody else. Can't do much worse than John Russell.

[devilraydem]

Russell's mudslinging on Daily Kos, be sure to read the comments at dailykos's story/2007/7/19/184834/118 (youtube wont allow a link here). This guy is certifiable, and just plain wrong. Also, check out his posts referring to Obama as Osama.

[johnrussellCD5]

Thank you Ms. DRDem... Your astute comments only enhance the case made here and elsewhere in support of Cleaning House throughout Florida's Democratic Party. Congrats are in order as well for your Republican-like misrepresentation of facts on so many issues. I encourage the those of sound mind and sobriety to read my Obama post on KOS. Your hatred clouds your vision Theresa. J R

[devilraydem]

their not my comments at KOS. sorry (landslide) loser, but you're old news and you're just plain wrong.

[johnrussellCD5]

Thank you for your thoughts DRD. Again, please watch the tape, and read the transcript... Karen speaks quite clearly for herself... in spite of her lack of veracity. No one can ask for any more than that. J R

[johnrussellCD5]

Links to article son this story are to the right of the video in the description section... J R

[masterdebator4200]

everyone check out the truth information network by going to truthinformationnetwork(dot)co­m and check out my myspace by going to myspace(dot)com/emergeunited_m­ovies

[dstdd01]

I know that as a Domino's employee, I am not allowed to work at Papa John's on my days off. And, I never even question it. It makes sense without really having to think about it. It certainly does appear as though this lady is doing basically the same thing. I'd get fired in a fraction of a second of being caught doing something like this. And, I would understand. Karen L. Thurman

did something that I would get fired for. Wouldn't you?

[VoteLiberty]

ds, great point! However, you see, they are "special". They are more "important" than we are. We must not question them and sacrifice our principles for them because it is not for us to question! Just contribute MORE money to them and be glad they're "representing" us! ds, I'm just being cynical, of course. I agree with your comments. These people are disgusting. They have no honor. There is no honor among thieves.

[ufcivil]

Right on!

[johnrussellCD5]

Another forthright and accurate analysis. It IS really soooooo simple ehh? J R

[johnrussellCD5]

Well constructed REAL WORLD ANALOGY. Thank you for explaing this to those who are having a tough time w/ the Pepsi Coke example. JR

[VoteLiberty]

Amen. This is an outrage. As a Democrat who received 41% in 2006, I could not agree more. This is the reason I left this corrupt Party, and I encourage all independent thinkers to consider voting for Ron Paul, the ONLY candidate who will respect your body and your income.

[chellawellabella]

VOTELIBERTY: People like you falling for Ron Paul because he's a libertarian/Republican who appears to speak his mind but leaves out important details. Pay attention. You say special interests violate our individual rights, what do you think will happen with his agenda of more privitazation of health care, social security and probably even the military. You think Pharmaceuticals, Haliburten and Blackwater care about our rights? Your sleazy name calling doesn't serve anything or anyone.

[VoteLiberty]

I'm not falling for Ron Paul. I am a libertarian no different than he is. Ron Paul and I defend the US Constitution which says very clearly that your issue of healthcare is NOT the function of the federal government. THAT is what it means to have a federal government that follows the Constitution. There's nothing sleazy about opposing government intervention in yet another aspect of our lives. You see its wars on terrorism, poverty, illiteracy and drugs, yet you advocate MORE government!

[devilraydem]

you're just idiotic. Jennings, Busansky, Klein, Mahoney and Stuart all got help from FDP and DCCC. Funny how the candidates with credentials who raised their own money got help and the candidates on the fringe with next to no credentials who couldn't garner any financial support didn't get help. Also, perhaps you didn't get any money because 9 out of 10 people who meet you think you are creepy as hell.

[VoteLiberty]

I didn't get help from anyone. I got 41% of the vote with only $16,000 against my Republican opponent's $1 million.  I was outspent 58-1 yet was the only general election challenger in south Florida to finish with NO debt.

[devilraydem]

and Chyrisse T, cattiness is not necessarily a female quality. Just as John Russell.

[ChyrisseT]

Miss Devilraydem...I really do not have time for this tit for tat. Pls. enjoy a martini w/Karen Thurman...I hear she enjoys them very much...LOL. No Congressional Dems running for Congress received money..Frank Gonzalez, Dave Bruderly, Clint Curtis,Samm Simpson, Bob Bowman, etc.

[johnrussellCD5]

Correction for clarity... Bruderly got from the DCCC. JR

[johnrussellCD5]

OOOPS  $500 from the DCCC!

[chellawellabella]

$500??? What? the son? Maybe you should have just got right to the point with her and is the issue that she is making money working for?/with? Republicans on port security (why is that necessarily conflict of interest? OR are you just concerned that she is too busy for FDP & not giving enough attention to the CORRUPT voting machines? So why not focus on that?

[VoteLiberty]

You are a SHILL. I hope other Democrats read your apologist comments. You are excusing the FACT, as you can see from this video, that Thurman, a political whore who fronts as a Democrat, is on the Republican payroll to represent their interests in the very County where I ran as a Democrat! I was not just running against my opponent, but also the state Democratic Party! SHAME on you for excusing this!

[VoteLiberty]

Chyrisse, you're absolutely correct. As I pointed out below, I got NOTHING and I STILL got 41% of the vote with just $16,000. Thanks for your defense. Please spread the word about this video. We MUST expose these corrupt scumbags for what they are. I think John Russell did a HERO'S task by exposing this corruption.

[VoteLiberty]

Chyrisse, I got nothing from the Democratic Party. I ran in spite of them. They are very badly disorganized here in Miami-Dade County, though Thurman whores for Republicans anyway, so it doesn't matter.

[promokid1]

Just stopped by to see the responses. Obviously, a couple of Demo. party establishment types have been ordered to give the rebel a hard time.

The number of talented people who have given up trying to change the party from its orientation toward money, insider loyalty and fear of fighting for anything of value is much larger than than number of remaining party loyalists. Thurman is better than some of her predecessors, but not up to what the Fl party will need to significantly improve.

[VoteLiberty]

When do those in power ever cede it back voluntarily? This is the essence of why Bush is getting away with his crimes and these Democrats are too. This is what we get for thinking like collectives instead of as individuals. Of course, I'm not talking about myself or guys like John Russell who performed a hero's task.

[devilraydem]

ok i'm done. good luck on your next campaign. i hope you can raise more money this time so you can pay yourself more on top of your nursing salary. hypocrite.

[devilraydem]

is this the same attorney who thinks they didn't count the votes right in your landslide defeat? it's a crime because you didn't inform in advance of the conversation, hid the camera and lied to her about it.

[VoteLiberty]

John Russell got 40% of the vote. That's no "landslide defeat". It is curious, though, how mean-spirited you are in trying to portray him so badly when only he, in your area, demonstrated the nerve to defy the corrupt leadership of the Democratic Party and effectively sunk its reputation even further. I stand shoulder to shoulder with people like John. You should be ashamed of yourself for apologizing for the establishment.  You unwittingly participate in your own enslavement.

[devilraydem]

i watched it. confirms that you don't understand politics. how's that campaign paycheck? you lied about that too by saying you work for free to thurman.

[devilraydem]

and that's wonderful about your mother. my name is not susan. you don't know me, but i've seen you in person and i hope to never encounter you again. you are a despicable self-promoter. how're your buddies, the max linn staffers? too bad they couldn't get that "real democrat" elected -- oh wait, he wasn't a democrat at all.

[johnrussellCD5]

Watch and listen closely to the tape.. I told her it is on and the people need to hear her. Just listen, that is all that is required of you. Then continue to defend the indefensible. You are alone in your protestations. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. I'm done! REad the transcript and listen to the tape. J R

[VoteLiberty]

Despicable self-promoter? That's what ALL candidates do. That's the only way we spread our message. The despicable one here is he/she who apologizes, as you do, for the establishment when they have, beyond any shadow of a doubt, violated all manner of ethical rules against fraud. THURMAN IS A FRAUD AND A CON ARTIST.

[johnrussellCD5]

Devilraydem cont'd has resided in a wonderful Alzheimers facility 10 minutes from my home since April of 2006. And btw how much political experience did Jeb Bush Michael Bloomberg or many others have? and if your definition of being a jerk is speaking truth to power and standing up for working people like my friends and neighbors, and yes supporters.. for whom I act as a public advocate for our shared concerns... THEN PLEASE, CALL ME A JERK! J R

[devilraydem]

speaking truth to power? how about speaking insanity to take people down who you don't like?

[johnrussellCD5]

Please keep defending the indefensible.

[johnrussellCD5]

This has nothing to do with liking or disliking anyone. This is about setting examples as a leader, job performance in a management position and about the priorities that are appropriate for the leader of the Florida Democratic Party. Liaisons the like of which KT has entered into, in business are called conflicts of interest. Other comments here and elsewhere on this clearly demonstrate most peoples comprehension of this matter.

[VoteLiberty]

If it is "insanity" to demand a basic sense of ethical behavior from people who presume to fancy themselves leaders, let us ALL be guilty. In times of great deceit, telling the truth is considered a revolutionary act.

[devilraydem]

oh i have done my homework, but have you? did you ever stop to think for a minute that a single, middle-aged male with zero political experience who lives with his mother and has a penchant for being a jerk (and a willingness to covert tape someone and lie about it) might not make a model candidate for the U.S. Congress?

[johnrussellCD5]

I think I am acquainted with this writer... Susan? You are indeed personal. Again you are mis-informed. My Mother whom I had cared for with Alzheimers for with help from a kind woman Phyllis in her apartment that I built especially for her when I built my home w/ my own hands since 2002 when she began to show symptoms... cont'd

[ChyrisseT]

OK...Devilraydem...I am sure you are a female because the cattiness is coming through loudly. When people are losing a debate, they use a last resort tactic: personal attacks. For your information, John Russell has been engaged since last December...to me!

[devilraydem]

actually i am male. and man, i bet you are a TREAT. and i wasn't judging - just pointing out the reality that john russell has never really done anything to make the average voter think he should be in congress. now you can get away with minimal credentials if you can convince people to give you money, but he couldn't do that either

[johnrussellCD5]

Devilraydem, Next time we are in the same room please introduce yourself. I am more than happy to debate any topic you care to, including my personal and professional background that in the opinion of many, qualified me as a candidate for Congress... I won my primary in order to compete against the incumbent btw. So... Look forward to making your personal acquaintance. Please call if you'd like as well. Best Wishes, J R

[VoteLiberty]

Only a fool would equate fundraising ability to ethics. Only a schemer would perpetuate that lie. Which are you? 40% of the vote, as John Russell received, despite his disadvantages, is proof that many people WERE listening to his message. That bugs you, doesn't it?

[VoteLiberty]

You are such a fool and government apologist. The US Constitution requires that you be only 25 years old, a citizen of the country for at least 7 years, and that you reside in the state where you will run. It's that way so that YOU can defy your government when they get out of hand as they are now, yet you CONDEMN this! You IGNORANT AMERICAN!

[VoteLiberty]

"Zero political experience"? By merely replying to you, one has the experience of seeing seemingly rational, grown adults, willing to lie to promote a giant deception. Thurman is a lying, conniving and thieving political whore, and you just stay there trying to defend her nonetheless. Some people will do ANYTHING for money or a sense of "belonging". How pathetic.

[devilraydem]

and some people will do anything to take down someone else, including blowing something completely out of proportion for personal gain. How pathetic.

[VoteLiberty]

It's IMPOSSIBLE to blow out of proportion a FACT. In this case, it's the FACT that Karen Thurman, a Democrat "leader" (forget what it says about the followers for a moment), is whoring for Republican Party interests in Miami-Dade County, where I ran for US House as a Democrat, WITHOUT Party help, and STILL got 41% of the vote!

This is because I have a SANE message of INTEGRITY and adequate understandings of economics, history and politics.

[johnrussellCD5]

To demoron and devilraydem... Links are provided to in the column to the right of the comments for your study. Please take a moment to read them and watch the video. Please comment then. Cognitive dissonance is a hard condition to overcome, but perhaps you will learn something. That is all that I can ask of anyone. Best Wishes, J R

[johnrussellCD5]

LINKS TO ARTICLES ARE NOTED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE IN THE DESCRIPTION AREA ABOVE... Thanks, John R.

[demoron]

This is disgusting you should be reporting on Fox News

all hot air and no Substance

[devilraydem]

i second

[johnrussellCD5]

demoron... (Quite fitting)... Clearly you have not mustered the energy to listen for nine minutes or so to the discussion provided in the material above. Would you take an exam w/o studying? You have flunked this one because you have not done your HOMEWORK. J R

[VoteLiberty]

"No substance"? You don't think the stories exposing these lies are "substance"? Ha ha! Amazing! The truth urinates in your face and you act like it's a breeze. You are delusional. You can't face the ugly fact that your leaders are liars and thieves.

[devilraydem]

but russell will probably delete my comment like he did with the other sensible one i wrote. screw free speech, only the loonies should be able to post comments, right, john??

[johnrussellCD5]

See below my friend... Read the material and listen to Karen before you preach. If you think that Karen's example is the kind of activity that persuades people to vote for ANY Democrat, your naivete is indeed profound. JR

[devilraydem]

my naivete? aren't you the one challenging the results of an election you lost by 20 points? that's beyond naive, it's downright stupid.

[johnrussellCD5]

You clearly are completely knowledge-free when it comes to election fraud issues. I never said that I won... I said that I was verifying the integrity of the vote! There is a difference. Again, speaking before you've done the work. J R

[VoteLiberty]

And you're a "real" Democrat, right? One who thinks the elections are fair, right? There's NO tampering of the results, right? God, you are really delusional.

[devilraydem]

no there definitely has been tampering. but john russell LOST and he makes other Democrats look bad because he's so creepy and such a loser.

[chellawellabella]

D - I just looked at his website and agree with so much so it is sad to see his concern 4 election tampering appear to be a personal issue instead of the bigger issue that it truly is.

[VoteLiberty]

If you want to know to whom I've replied, click on the bottom total messages to get the reply chain in its proper order.

[johnrussellCD5]

See above reply to DRD. My effort is purely strategic. But the protagonists would rather get on board w/ the right wingers and call me names. Do you really expect the winner of an election to stand up for election integrity? "Oh My God!" Ha

[devilraydem]

I supported and continue to support Christine Jennings. She had a legitimate, salient complaint that could have affected the outcome of the election. In your case, you were such a horrible candidate that you would have gotten creamed even if the machines were rigged in your favor. i think the state should investigate how you got the votes you did. i guess you never did a TV ad and didn't campaign that hard, so people were probably just voting for the D next to your name.

[VoteLiberty]

"Creepy and such a loser"! More ad hominem attacks against a rebel whose cause is JUST, just like mine. We are here to expose your hypocrisy. We are here to make sure you are fully discredited on election day. Not only is THURMAN guilty, bu so is Joe Garcia, Miami-Dade County Chair, by association. SHAME on you!

[chellawellabella]

FUI, I didn't know about Karen or John before today because I normally pay attention to world politics and avoid local for reasons of what is happening tonight. My experience with DP people I meet don't work together as community, create meaningful solid relationships or want to hear what I have to say. "Truth" not so absolute as you make it. You probably say I'm uninformed flip flop but I feel we all must have strength to be open grow & change as we have new understanding.

[johnrussellCD5]

Yes Ms DRD I have lost but I have used my candidacy to hold the system accountable. we are working to ensure that if the need ever arises, a candidate will still be able to challenge election results in state court. Without our follow through that will not be the case. Sparing you the legalities.

[chellawellabella]

VL: It's hard to tell who your last three comments are directed to but I certainly believe that the elections have been tampered with and it is unfortunate that all this in-fighting seems to keep people from directing their energy to come up with solutions. This is exactly why I don't normally get that involved.

[VoteLiberty]

"SOLUTIONS"! What the hell do you think John Russell and I are doing? WE are the solution! WE are the adults! WE are the ones who will expose your lies and your hypocrisy, defending the indefensible. Karen Thurman is a political whore and you are CONDONING her actions by defending her.

[johnrussellCD5]

Solutions are available on the Election Reform Document on my website. Read it in its entirety.

[devilraydem]

also, you DID delete the earlier comment i wrote AND you should be arrested for breaking the law and recording a conversation without the other's person consent -- and then lying about it. you're pathetic.

[johnrussellCD5]

Again, listen to the tape. I told her that it was on and she continued to speak. The tape is ENTIRELY UNEDITED from beginning to END.  She consented by continuing to talk. I never hid the camera. It was in my hand the entire time. So please criticize the messenger. Your company is scarce. J R

[devilraydem]

you have to tell someone in advance. and when she says "is that on?" you say "i don't know" -- a flat out lie and a crime.

[johnrussellCD5]

Watch the tape.............

[johnrussellCD5]

I have checked this matter out w/ my attorney and it is not a crime of any sort... It is perfectly legal and she knew about the camera because I filmed her entire speech earlier. So as Karen said "Oh... My... god!

[chellawellabella]

John, I did listen to the tape and you have to hear her tone when she said, "Oh, my God" Reads differently than when you hear her.

[chellawellabella]

I have to agree with you. He should have told her in advance that he wanted to interview her...there was no picture so the camera was probably not in view. Then he could have just got to his point because he seemed to be beating around the bush about what he wanted to say and what he wanted to hear from her. Was it the money, conflict of interest or that she is not focussing on voting machines?

[VoteLiberty]

There's nothing criminal about exposing those who desire to be power brokers. Privacy laws are for the benefit of the PEOPLE, NOT for the benefit of lying, thieving schemers like Thurman, who influences our government! His "I don't know" comment was a nervous reaction that ANY HERO would have when realizing he's catching "leaders" in huge LIES.

[devilraydem]

Successful politicians are power brokers by definition. It's bad politicians like John Russell who are dying for power but have never won an election in their lives so they get frustrated (not to mention the sexual frustration) and lash out and do crazy things like covertly video tape someone (illegal in FL).

[chellawellabella]

Everyone's being taped these days so I would think it is a fine line as to whether what he did was actually illegal but the way he did it by not being upfront from the beginning does appear unethical and unfortunately the result is everyone ends up looking bad and then what is accomplished?

[johnrussellCD5]

Watch the tape... I told her it was on after my verbal hiccup... It was on the entire night. She continued to talk after I said that it was on. She would not talk from the get go, if I said this was a deposition. I am not as ambitious as ya'll think, but I am deadly serious about cleaning up the FDP. An aside, if someone is being truthful should ANYONE care if they are caught on tape? J R

[chellawellabella]

John, "Verbal hiccup?" I listened and You clearly said, "I don't know." Your digging yourself deeper into a hole.

[VoteLiberty]

John Russell is the citizen demanding questions. He's no different than a journalist who demands answers. Thurman is the political whore in authority who has broken the trust that Democrats have with their Party leadership. She is a disgrace and YOU are defending this disgrace. John Russell has ELEVATED himself. It is YOU who are sinking in the quicksand of corruption. SHAME on you.

[chellawellabella]

VL: You said, " John is no different than a journalist who demands answers" I beg to differ because typically, not only do journalists use open mikes, political correctness and fear of retaliation is causing them to NOT demand answers to questions that should be asked. I think John would have been better off being straightforward and upfront about his genuine concerns because now his clumsily method make him look as devious as you are claiming her to be.

[ufcivil]

I agree with you , he's no journalist, just a private citizen trying to expose what many will construe as malfeasance of karen thurman.

[VoteLiberty]

Bullshit. Learn your history! This country was forged by the defiance of citizens who decided to hold the government responsible for their crimes. It IS the DUTY of the private person to watch the government as closely as possible. That was the whole purpose of the US Constitution! That's what is meant by the phrase, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance"!

[VoteLiberty]

It amazes me to read this insanity. You have Karen Thurman, Chairwoman of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF FLORIDA, receiving $100,000 in salary from poor, undeservedly faithful voters who think she's on their side, collecting an ADDITIONAL $3,500 PER MONTH FROM A REPUBLICAN TO DO REPUBLICAN BIDDING IN THE DISTRICT WHERE I RAN, and you're condemning Russell for carrying out a vital duty of freedom? What the hell is the matter with you?

[devilraydem]

umm aren't you the one who's sort of new to the Democratic Party and now you claim to be running for office (and again, will lose) as a Ron Paul Democrat? Ron Paul is a REPUBLICAN. Karen Thurman has been elected a Democrat her whole public life.

[VoteLiberty]

How typical and pathetic of you to attack John Russell's sexuality. How hypocritical of a so-called "Democrat" like you, who defends Thurman's statewide outrage, to resort to personal attacks now that you have run out of anything substantial to say.

You are nothing more than an apologist for a very unethical organization that is NO BETTER than the Republicans its leaders condemn.

[VoteLiberty]

The pathetic one is YOU for refusing to see that leaders like her SHOULD be watched closely by WE, the PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY when it's time to take out the TRASH! Thurman is a fraud. She's GARBAGE. EVERYONE needs to see and hear this.

[devilraydem]

sure, makes sense. let's get rid of the best party chair in years because she has a nonpartisan SIDE job with the FORMER chair of the GOP. why don't we put russell in charge? how many elections do you think we can win with $90,000, after paying russell's salary (on top of his nursing salary)?

[chellawellabella]

Devilraydem: I don't normally get into online talking and finding it hard to follow whose replying to whom...I find this whole thing unfortunate because it's making Democrats look bad with all this infighting and namecalling. Agree what's wrong with nopartisan side job?

[ufcivil]

To record or tape a public servant in a public place where there is no expectation of privacy is not against the law by any stretch of the imagination. That's one of the good things about living in the United States. If you don't like it you're welcomed to leave and go where actions like this are against the law. I'll gladly help you pack.

[devilraydem]

actually you're wrong. in the state of florida, it is illegal. and she's not a public servant, as she holds no office elected by the general public. but good try. either way, russell is a cowardly little man. why didn't he have the balls to just ask her to talk on camera? or tell her the truth when she asked?

[ufcivil]

public place/event = no expectation of privacy

[devilraydem]

it was a PRIVATE fundraiser in a PRIVATE restaurant where admission was charged. Just because russell got in without paying doesn't make it public.

[VoteLiberty]

Hm...I'm curious--did you vote in favor of the smoking ban?

[VoteLiberty]

Your comments are clearly uncensored. It shocks me to see someone apologizing for a criminal establishment. You should feel profoundly ashamed, yet there's no denying that some people with either dance to the puppetmaster or are the puppetmasters themselves.

[devilraydem]

you gotta have money to win (ask Russell how raising no money worked for him). thurman knows how to win, from decades of experience, and she was right not to give a dime to russell. remember, Ginny Brown-Waite defeated Thurman in 02 by 3000 votes. thurman's clearly not running again herself after being chair of the party because it's not a district that values partisanship so dont you think she'd relish the opportunity to help somebody take her out?

[johnrussellCD5]

Devilray, you know not, about that which you speak. Please read the articles first, then comment. Also watch/listen to video here. I worked for KT in '02. It is not easy to raise $ when your party is working for your Republican opponent, e.g. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (see Collins first article for links) and of course Karen who has heretofore done the choosing w/ Rahm, et al.

[devilraydem]

John, I've read the articles. Thurman has pulled the FDP out of almost $1 million in debt and countless losses by raising funds and spending wisely on candidates who had shot at winning.

She was smart not to spend any of the Party's money on your race. You proved yourself to be a disaster of a candidate, embarrassing to Democrats everywhere.

[VoteLiberty]

Bullshit. He was inspirational as hell, just as in my race. We both got over 40% WITHOUT help. The only candidate before me got 25%. I got 41%. I did it with only HALF of my predecessor's money. And I finished DEBT FREE.

The embarrassment here is YOU. YOU disgrace the Party.

[johnrussellCD5]

I have a story about Rahm from another candidate in a Democratic gerrymandered district, telling a fundraiser not to contribute to a candidate... because "we" have already decided on our candidate before the primary was decided. Do you agree DRD, w/ this operational philosophy. Is that DEMOCRATIC? BTW Ms. DRD, I am never embarrassed about telling the truth!

[VoteLiberty]

Incidentally, John, Rahm Emanuel was my opponent in 2002 in District 5 of Illinois. I got only 4.5%, but I ran as a libertarian in a three-way race.

[devilraydem]

Funny how Rahm ended up in the House leadership and you are posting ridiculous comments on YouTube. Who's smarter???

[johnrussellCD5]

KT gave $2,000 to Whittel in 2004 when there was NO WAVE... Whittel who had NEVER BEFORE IN HIS LIFE CAST ONE VOTE IN AN ELECTION AND WHO WAS, WHEN HE FILED TO RUN... STILL A REPUBLICAN. It is fine not to give a candidate money, but do not work against that candidate if you purport to be on the same team.

[ChyrisseT]

The newspapers ("Miami Herald" and "St. Petersburg Times") broke the story about the corruption of Karen Thurman in early July. John Russell took the effort to confirm the information. Please GOOGLE Karen Thurman and Al Cardenas to read more.

[VoteLiberty]

Be careful. You're introducing REASON and LOGIC to those who cannot understand it.  The facts are screaming in her face, but she refuses to see them. This is a classic example of how so-called "true" Democrats are as brainwashed as fascist neocon Republicans. Neithe side has ANY integrity.

[chellawellabella]

VoteL: Unfair to characterize entire party by one person's actions and you sound like an overzealous nutcase so should I assume you are representative of all independents or however you label yourself. What's your goal here? Because you are just making everyone including yourself look bad. John's biggest mistake was to neglect to inform Karen at beginning of interview and then feigning ignorance with, "I don't know."

[VoteLiberty]

There you go again with the "nutcase" label whenever those who don't believe YOUR lies decide to defy you directly. Who has the experience running for office? John and I or YOU? No, it's John and I. WE know what we've had to do IN SPITE of you apologists. SHAME on YOU, not on US. YOU are the one enabling this culture of corruption in the Democratic Party.

[chellawellabella]

VL: I apologize for the "nutcase" label because name-calling diminishes communication. All this in-fighting distracts from discussing solutions 2 important issues. I'm sure the voting process is screwed and maybe John didn't want to appear to be a sore loser by bringing it up directly. U defend Constitution, privacy, free speech then attack and accuse anyone who has a different opinion of what occurred on the video...I just didn't like his methods.  Sorry!

[ufcivil]

Weather you like his methods or not is irelevent. The point of this video is that a public servant possibly acted in an unethical manner, and a private citizen is trying to expose that to the other private citizens that the unethical behaviour affects. You disagreeing with his methods is as silly and useless to the conversation as an armchair quarterback's comments are on the superbowl.

[VoteLiberty]

Amen!

[ChyrisseT]

Looking through the blogs, some of the "go alongers" are defending Karen Thurman and dissing John Russell for taping a conversation. John Russell isn't the one who broke the story open...he simply gathered additional information to CONFIRM the story. We knew this information all along but needed the hard evidence. Karen Thurman has been riding high way too long. Her actions have finally caught up with her and she created the noose.

[VoteLiberty]

Bravo, John! Bravo John's defenders!

[chellawellabella]

I don't follow local politics & I'm not in his district but I hope the biggest lesson the Dems can learn is to run important videos/e-mail by someone who is not afraid to give them honest feedback and that would have prevented John (just like when Clinton lied) from getting in this position where now he has lost some credibility when from what I read on his website sounds like he has a grasp of the important issues and good ideas.

[johnrussellCD5]

How do I lose credibility. I'm not the one telling untruths... so documented. Its amazing the voiciferous minority that is much more concerned about a little cagey taping of a public figure in a public place in order to obtain some "straight" answers... than her "character" as illustrated by her absurdly fictitious answers? UNBELIEVABLE! J R

[chellawellabella]

JR: You said, "if someone is being truthful should ANYONE care if they are caught on tape?"

Isn't this at the core of the whole CONSTITUTIONAL issue everyone is supposedly outraged with the Bush Administration?

"a little cagey taping" to obtain "straight" answers is like the kettle calling the pot black. Instead of just coming out with straight questions, you were dancing around the issue so like a good politician, she took your lead and followed.

[ufcivil]

you're forgetting that karen's not a private citizen, she works at our pleasure as every other member of government. She, along with any other member of government, isn't due any privacy when it comes to answering questions like these. We have government to ensure the privacy of the citizenry, not the privacy of government.

[VoteLiberty]

ufc, WELL SAID! THAT is how it's supposed to be!  These Democratic Party apparatchik SHILLS are trying to distract everyone from precisely that point! THAT is why John Russell's deed was so heroic! He DID exercise defiance against a government-loving political whore who does anything for power.

[VoteLiberty]

"That would have prevented John from getting in this position"? WHAT "position"? As truth-teller in the face of a bunch of apologist Party apparatchiks who are circling their wagons to defend the same crimes committed by "their own" that they condemn in the opposition? What HYPOCRISY! John Russell and I will both continue exposing this disgusting reality. SHAME on those who ignore the severity of this scandal.

[chellawellabella]

VL "position" of having to defend his method of interviewing when I assume the point he wanted to make is conflict of interest re Karen. All valid points but apparently people knew Karen was working outside with Republicans prior to her election so while I question the ethics and ability to do a good job for either while working for both, is this really a scandal if everyone who elected her knew beforehand? Sounds like the people as usual are getting what they asked for.

[johnrussellCD5]

I was at the "election" in Orlando. KT was appointed... Bill Nelson has publicly taken credit for it in the papers. Maybe the insiders knew she was lobbying, however she was "sold" as a focused individual who would work OT to get the job done. So now she works PT for Dems and gets paid by the Chief architect of the Republican era of dominance in FL. Not pretty.

[ufcivil]

I didn't know beforehand. To say that the people knew beforehand is a completely unreasonable comment at best.

[bigsauceradio]

How could the democratic party condone this treason? No wonder the republican neocon fascist scum are in control - even the supposed 'opposition party' leadership is covertly supporting them!!! A political whore Karen Thurman is not all Karen Thurman is, she is a disgrace to the human race. I'm Dean Santoro running for US House in District 18 Florida and I, long with Frank Gonzalez will bring INTEGRITY back into fashion.

[Itopenedupmyeyes]

Roxanne... you don't have to put on the Red Light...

[VoteLiberty]

You don't have to sell your body to Republicans...

You don't care if it's wrong or if it's right, you political whore. Let's blow the roof off of this Democratic Party scandal. They sicken me with all their lies and their willingness to be shills for leaders who use them and then forget them. How disgusting.

[VoteLiberty]

John, congratulations on a job well done in exposing this slimebucket in Democrat clothing. She's as slimy as the rest of the politicians and you did a good thing for liberty. It's pretty shocking to see some stubborn Democrats still making excuses for this piece of garbage.

[VoteLiberty]

Thurman, I will do my best to expose your lies. You should STEP DOWN from your position. Lobbyists are whores for their special interests. Special interest groups are precisely the groups that violate our individual rights. You are an enemy of the US Constitution!

[VoteLiberty]

Thurman, you're a disgusting political prostitute. You should be FIRED. My name is Frank Gonzalez. I received 41% of the vote in 2006. I was on the ballot in Miami-Dade County against Republican Lincoln Diaz-Balart. You were doing HIS bidding, you $100,000 criminal. It is because of you that I am exposing yet more hypocrisy from you. Let's remember, unions gave over $200,000 to my Republican opponent. I'll be back in 2008 as a Ron Paul independent.

[chellawellabella]

All these people falling for Ron Paul because he SOUNDS good on a few things. Don't you realize he is for privitazation of health care, social security and probably even the military. Ask him what he would do about Halliburten and Blackwater!

[promokid1]

All Dem. candidates are not equal. The essential re-

quirement for establishment candidates is the acceptance of money and it's supporters as the only real criteria for running, and the only reason for activities such as lobbying or running political organiztions. While Karen Thurman has every right to be a lobbyist, it's just foolish for the party to accept a p/t leader with unavoidable conflicts of interests and priorites.

[chellawellabella]

I think what is upsetting to people, especially volunteers who see Karen making all this money and barely food for them and no cash for candidates like Samm Simpson. So I would tend to agree with your comment and find someone who is pretty much FT focussed on the election and not their own political agenda: While Karen Thurman has every right to be a lobbyist, it's just foolish for the party to accept a p/t leader with unavoidable conflicts of interests and priorites.