Black Democrat Alvin Brown scored a come from behind upset victory in Jacksonville’s mayor’s race over establishment Republican Mike Hogan. Thumbs down to Republican Mike Hogan’s campaign for letting the Brown   take Republican issues and beat the GOP at its own game in one of Florida’s most Republican strongholds.  Mr. Brown won by a very slim margin, just over 1600 votes, and had the support of many Republican moderates and business leaders. He ran as a centrist and hence was able to attract moderate Republicans and conservative Democrats—a key combination in the conservative stronghold of Jacksonville.  His advisers obviously knew that the only way to win, especially as a Black Democrat in conservative Duval County, was to wrap him in a centrist-moderate “blanket.”

First, he positioned himself as a “conservative Democrat.”  It is respectable to say you are a “conservative Democrat” but not so if one says he or she is a “conservative Republican.” The media and liberals seem to find the former much more appealing because of the “Democrat” label. Most revealing to that strategy was his comment in a March 28 interview with the Florida Times Union when he responded to an interviewer’s comment that his base “has been black liberals.”  His answer: ‘I don’t think that’s my base.” If a white or Black Republican candidate had said that, there would have been hell to pay. There was no response from his Republican opponent. Even if Mr. Hogan chose not to respond, his campaign apparently had no Black surrogates to challenge Brown on the comment. This would surely have been the case if the shoe were on the other foot.  An immediate response would have put Brown on the defensive right out of the Primary box and taken him off message.

Second, he chose the right issues. While the state Democrat Party and its minority voices in the Legislature and elsewhere were blasting Governor Rick Scott, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll and the Republican controlled Legislature for their programs for job creation and educational reform, Brown took a page from the GOP agenda. His message was “jobs, putting Jacksonville back to work, public safety, education and fiscal responsibility.” Sounds like the Scott-Carroll campaign theme last fall. In other words, Brown made GOP issues his vision and used them against his Republican opponent. That made it easier for moderate Republicans and conservative Democrats to rally behind him.

A major failure of the Hogan campaign was not reaching out to the 5,000 plus Black Republicans and over 13,000 Black Independents in Duval County. Brown’s slim victory, as was the case with the Governor’s race last fall, shows again that “every vote counts.”  If you add Asian and Hispanic Republican and Independent voters in Duval, there were over 39,000 potential votes to go after in these groups alone.

As for the typical GOP argument that all Blacks are going to go with the Democrat, especially if the candidate is Black, even the Black press in Jacksonville stated that Brown had to go after the Black vote. As the Jacksonville Free Press prophetically stated after the Primary: “Only 39, 060 voters of color cast a ballot. But, if Brown finds a way to energize the community the same way they were moved in 2008 – he stands a big chance of moving into the top floor of City Hall. The best analogy about the statistics is that it can be done in Jacksonville. The reality is Black voters collectively along with a handful of their democratic colleagues can elect Alvin Brown as Mayor.” The paper sent an even stronger message to Hogan: “Thus far Hogan has kept a firm distance from Black Jacksonville. He has refused to appear at diverse forums and has done no marketing to the urban community… ‘It almost seems like he thinks he doesn’t need our vote’, said Callis Fordham.”

Obviously the Hogan camp never got the message. It is ironic is that Brown did reach out to Sam Newby who is not only the former Vice Chairman of the Duval county GOP, but also is Chairman of the Florida Assembly of Black Republicans. Hogan did not–despite the significant number of Black Republicans and Independents in the potential voter pool. This is especially short sighted given the fact that Duval has probably the best GOP minority outreach and inclusion effort in the state led by County Chairman Lenny Curry and Newby. Hogan should have sought—and heeded—the advice of its homegrown Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll. I am sure her thoughts and ideas on issues and voter group inclusion would have been beneficial. It’s her county and she obviously knows how to get votes.

As mentioned above, Brown co-opted Hogan on key Republican issues. What should Hogan have done to reach out to Black voters?

In education, Duval county has a Black male graduate rate of only 23%–16% below the state’s own poor rate of 39%. Closely rated is the “school to prison” pipeline where a disproportionate number of minority students are sent to the juvenile justice system for petty offenses and misdemeanors. It is not just “education”.  Education has many components including “quality”, parental choice, vouchers, and teacher accountability and adhering to the new Zero Tolerance law refinements which were authored by the Lt. Governor and Senator Stephen Wise a few years ago.  In most cases Democrats, due to allegiance to teachers’ union bosses, keep those discussions in the closet.

As to jobs and business development, the Hogan campaign should have taken a page from the recent standing room only meeting for Governor Rick Scott and Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll with minority business leaders, Black press and clergy arranged by the Newby and the Assembly. Hogan should have courted and met with such a group to discuss their issues. Of course, he could not take the page if he never opened the book of outreach in the first place.

For over thirty years, Black Republicans have been trying to make the GOP understand that most white moderate and conservative Republicans appreciate their candidates showing that they want to be inclusive. They do not relish when their Democrat friends—and the media– tell them that the Party does not care about minorities. They are given no ammunition to return the fire. When Republicans show they care, there is usually a positive response. This was evidenced a few weeks ago at the Republican party of Florida’s Quarterly meeting  when an Assembly representative received a  standing ovation when she outlined how the Assembly and  Party could and should work together  to elect Republican candidates.

Finally, as to allegations that the Hogan campaign catered too much to the Tea Party which hurt it with Blacks, this is “straw man” which Democrats use to divide Republicans. The GOP needs to work with both groups. Tea Party members were instrumental in the victory of Angie Boyton in Marion County, Alan West in South Florida and Tim Scott in South Carolina—all Blck Republicans. They also are big supporters of Herman Cain, a Black Republican, who won a live straw poll at an Arizona Tea Party Summit in February. So the argument that courting the Tea Party and reaching out to Black, Hispanic, Asian Republicans and Independents is inconsistent does not hold water.

Only time will tell if Republican candidates will learn the lesson. All they have to do is take a look at the 2010 Census to see how our state’s demographics are changing. It is up to the local, state and national Republican candidates, whether they will be waving a “white” flag of defeat and exclusions; or, a “white, Black and Brown” flag of victory and inclusion after votes are counted in 2012.

 

 

BLACK REPUBLICANS: PARTICPATE

One thing was made very clear at yesterday’s Republican Party meeting in Lake Buena Vista: Black Republicans cannot and should not expect Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll and RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day to “carry their water” and not give them a “bucket” to carry it in. That bucket is involvement and participation at all levels of the Party. It means taking part in local Executive Committees as has been the case with many recently elected Black Republicans in Lakeland, Ocala Jacksonville and other areas where they actively participated in the Party and ran for Office. It also means that those who are engaged should be attending the Party’s Quarterly meetings so that they can be seen and appreciated.

The failure to participate was on clear display yesterday. As Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, or anyone, looked out over 300 people at the meeting to elect new officers, the number of Blacks could be counted almost on one hand. This includes Governor Scott’s newly appointed Executive Committee Member John Colon–who has regularly attended such meetings for years–fellow Exec Committee Members Robert Woody from Alachua County, Aderibigbe Adeniyi  from Lafayette county and a forth Black Committee Member as well as  Eddie Adams, who ran for Congress in Hillsborough County and is a regular at such meetings. Including this writer and the Lt, Governor, that made seven the number of blacks out of 300 plus people.

Most will rightly point to a problem of the lack of a meaningful–if any–”outreach” by local parties and the RPOF to the nearly 60,000 Black Republicans and approximately 163,000 Black Independents in our state. To a large degree that is true. However, the reality is that it is difficult to carry the bucket in the Party or even criticize Black Democrats for their “all eggs in one basket” politics when so many Black Republicans and local Party members, for whatever reason, do not show up for such statewide meetings. This was not the case at the September meeting when Black Republican Press held a press Conference celebrating Carroll’s candidacy drew a significant number of Black Republicans, who also attended subsequent Party meetings and events–a fact that did not go unnoticed by Party Officials or the Black press. In fact, the Press Conference drew the attention of then Party Chair John Thrasher, Senate President and now U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Haridopolos, RNC-Co-Chair Sharon Day and SayfieReview Publisher and FOX NEWS CHANNEL commentator Justin Sayfie. In this case, it is not a matter   of “build it, and they will come;” it is “participate and they will come.” Just take a look at how Hispanics are being courted by the Party. Why? The answer is easy: Because they participate and are involved in significant and often swing voter numbers in the Republican Party.

And what is the result of this lack of participation by Black Republicans? We saw yesterday. Not one of the five candidates for Party Chair mentioned or pledged any commitment to outreach or diversity.  Only Lt. Governor Carroll, RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day and out-going Chair Senator John Thrasher made reference to the subject.  Carroll, in her nomination speech for the new Party Vice Chair Larry Curry, praised Curry’s work as Chairman of the Duval Party in Jacksonville which has excellent Black participation; Day told delegates that Florida’s election of Jennifer Carroll, Pam Bondi and Allen West was one of the reasons she was elected to the powerful number two position in the national Party; and, Senator Thrasher urged the group to reach out to “Hispanic” voters (more on that subject some other time).  Even before the election, only one candidate, Deborah Cox-Roush, responded to Florida Assembly of Black Republicans’ Chairman Sam Newby’s request for views and plans on diversity and outreach.

To be heard and courted, Black Republicans must do more than only attend the “big events” or   every election  cycle, as do many non-Black Republicans, and ask for support for  their candidacies or for some political appointment–and then complain if there is no response. It takes involvement and consistent participation—just ask Congressman Allen West, Lt. Governor Carroll, Commissioner Phillip Walker in Lakeland, School Board Member Angie Boynton in Marion County, Jacksonville Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Chelsi Henry, or Broward’s Carolyn Kennedy, who almost won the Vice Chairmanship of the local Party on her first bid.  All of them have been involved and participate.  Lesson learned? We shall see.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SHARON DAY—OUR NEW RNC CO-CHAIR!!!!!

This is a great DAY for Broward County,  our state of Florida and Republicans throughout the nation. Sharon is deeply committed to the inclusion and involvement of Blacks, Hispanics and Women in the Republican Party and has been a tireless fighter for diversity throughout her political career. She was a major force in bringing the 2012 National Convention to Tampa and will  be a fantastic partner to Al Austin and Dick Beard who led the local business effort to bring the Convention to Tampa Bay.

BE PROUD FLORIDA—WE HAVE  TWO GREAT WOMEN LEADERS—LT. GOVERNOR JENNIFER CARROLL HERE IN FLORIDA AND RNC CO-CHAIR  SHARON DAY IN WASHINGTON!!!  Stay tuned for developments  on this and on the outcome of the election for Chair of the Republican Party of Florida tomorrow  here in Orlando in the McKee Report (www.mckeecommunications.com).

SCOTT APPOINTS LONG TIME CARROLL AND SCOTT ALLY  JOHN COLON TO POWERFUL REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

John Colon, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Advisors in Sarasota, Chairman of the Sarasota Housing Authority, Member of the Board of the Florida Black Business Investment Board, Co-Chairman of United Negro College Fund-Sarasota-Manatee Counties, Member of the Sarasota County Republican  Executive Committee, Republican Party of Florida’s African-American Leadership Council, has been appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the powerful Republican Party of Florida Executive Committee. It was Colon who received much public attention when he told those who would attack then Lt. Governor Candidate Jennifer Carroll at a September  11 news conference commending Scott’s appointment of Carroll—“Go Ahead, make  our day.”

Joining Colon as new appointees are former Scot-Carroll Campaign Manager Susie Wiles, and former Broward Health/North Broward Hospital CEO, Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary and Head of the Scott-Carroll Health Care Transition Team Alan Levine. See  below story by renown St. Petersburg Times journalists Marc Caputo. Note that John is described as a “FOR”-Friend of Rick. Not many Black Floridians in that category—YET!!. But we will get there! Thank you Governor— A SPECIAL THANKS TO LT. GOVERNOR JENNIFER CARROL!!!!

John’s and the other appointees are listed below in Marc’s blog.

JANUARY 12, 2011

Rick Scott names Fla GOP appointees for chair election

Gov. Rick Scott has made his long-awaited appointees to the Republican Executive Committee, and it’s quite a hodge-podge. Heavy on healthcare types, North Florida folks and FORs (Friends of Rick), the appointees have the unenviable task of voting in the increasingly nasty Republican Party of Florida chairman’s race. The appointees are in alphabetical order:

1) John Colon, longtime Sarasota party activist and FOR, as well as Jennifer Carroll supporter.

2) Tom Grady, former Naples state Rep.

3) Mike Hightower, major Republican money man and Blue Cross lobbyist

4) Adam Hollingsworth, Scott campaign/transition hand and Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton aide.

5) Scott Hopes, 25-year FOR and healthcare lobbyist

6) Alan Levine, healthcare wiz/consultant and former HCA employee/Jeb Bush appointee/Bobby Jindal appointee

7) Manny Morono, Sweetwater mayor and early Scott supporter

Bo Rivard, lawyer-lobbyist from the Panhandle and FOR

9) John Rood, Republican party elder statesman and former ambassador

10) Susie Wiles, Scott campaign manager.

In a few not-for-attribution interviews with the Scott appointees, they’ve said Scott has given them no direction. He has met with all the candidates. He likes some more than others. The Scott appointees also say it’s clear what we’ve said before: The race right now looks like a struggle between Hillsborough County Chair Debbie Cox-Roush and Jefferson State Committeeman Dave Bitner
…On the first round of voting Saturday (and there could be multiple rounds), Cox-Roush seems likely to come in first, with Bitner in second. Note the “seems” here. Anything can happen. Still, if the likely scenario plays out, then the big question is where do the supporters of Sarasota Chairman Joe Gruters, Pinellas Committeeman Tony DiMatteo and Palm Beach Chairman Sid Dinerstein go? And what about the House appointees of Speaker Cannon? A few say they’re undecided.

That makes Friday and Saturday all the more crucial for the five candidates before the Saturday vote.

Marc Caputo

BLACKS FACE POLITICAL IRRELEVANCE FOR UNSWERVING DEMOCRATIC LOYALTY

Jennifer Carroll’s historic election should send a message to all black voters and black elected officials. The first black person to be elected lieutenant-governor in the Deep South since Reconstruction, she is one of the highest-ranking black Republicans and state-wide elected officials — black or white — in the United States.

In addition to the historical aspects of her election, the Trinidad-born immigrant epitomizes the American Dream: an adopted child who rose to become a decorated naval officer, businesswoman, legislator and now number two in state government. Her accomplishments are something every young black child, especially girls, should strive to emulate.

When in the House leadership, Carroll gladly assisted many members of the Florida Black Caucus. When she ran for lieutenant-governor, not one of them supported her, even though three endorsed Charlie Crist over Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senator. Now that she will be Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s partner in governing the state, they no longer refer to her as the “Black Republican;” she is now “Our Sister.”

Black Republicans understood the historical implications of this election. Unlike the Jewish community and voters who never forget the horrors perpetrated against them, black voters seem to have foggy memories. Such was the case on Nov. 2.

Throughout most of the 20th century, Florida, controlled by Democrats, was a stronghold of the Ku Klux Klan. From 1900 to 1930, Florida had the highest per-capita lynching rate of any Deep South state. On Christmas day 59 years ago this month, Harry T. Moore, the founder of the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, was murdered when his house was bombed. Although Moore might not have been proud of how blacks have become pawns in the hands of the Democratic Party that historically enslaved and brutalized them, I am sure he would be very pleased with Jennifer Carroll’s election. On Nov. 2, while black Democrats apparently forgot that history, black Republicans rallied to her side.

Blacks remain the only voter group that  consistently gives 90 percent of  its vote to virtually any Democrat and demands and receives little, if anything, in return. Bill Clinton, once called by many Blacks the “first black president,”  tried to convince Kendrick Meek to drop out of the Senate race and not try to become Florida’s “first black U.S. Senator.” Would Clinton have urged a Jewish or Hispanic candidate to drop out in favor of a non-Jew or non-Hispanic?
Probably not. Both are respected and feared voting blocks. Blacks, however, in a turn-the-other-cheek gesture of political masochism, gave Democrats an estimated 92 percent of their votes.

On Sunday, many blacks go to church, praise God, say “Amen” to messages of faith, family, sanctity of life and individual responsibility. On Tuesday, they go to the polls and vote for the political party which, in most cases, represents the polar opposite of what they said “Amen” to on Sunday.

Blacks constitute 26 percent of registered Florida Democrats — over 1.2 million strong — yet they and their elected leaders are rarely consulted on party and campaign strategies. They typically have low turnout, especially in mid-term and local elections. Consequently, they are fast becoming politically irrelevant.

Majority black cities and districts, solidly behind the entire Democratic slate, are now faced with a Republican house, senate, cabinet, governor and lieutenant-governor. They will find it even more difficult to plead their case in Tallahassee.

So, who were the big losers in this election? Black voters. This must be very disturbing to the spirits of Harry T. Moore and many others in Florida who gave their lives for freedom and the right to vote.

Are there lessons to be learned? The Florida Black Caucus could shake up the Democrat party by making its voice a bullhorn. It is time black Democratic leaders demand respect. They need to put their party on notice that the days of taking the black vote for granted are over.  The black press and black clergy should support them in that regard.

It is time to rethink the one-party strategy that has left them in the political outhouse. All politics is local, regardless of the color or Party of the occupant of the White House.

Jennifer Carroll was not the only big winner in the election. Other black Republicans also scored. They are often called “Uncle Toms,” “turncoats” and worse by black Democrats, journalists and white liberals for exercising the rights for which Moore and many others died.  Black and white Republicans rallied to support Carroll, while most of those who talk about “black empowerment” deserted her.

They also worked hard to elect black Republican women to the Marion County School Board and the Duval County Soil and Water Conservation District.  In Broward County, Rick Scott named Levi Williams his county campaign chairman.

Furthermore, just recently, longtime loyal Republican worker Carolyn Kennedy, in her initial bid for party executive office, came within 43 votes of becoming the first black vice chairwoman of the Broward GOP — the second largest in the state.

The message: Black Democrats appear to be in the twilight of political influence in Florida; Black Republicans appear to be in the dawn. For that, they will be respected in the morning.

Clarence V.  McKee, an attorney, is president of McKee Communications Inc., a government, political and media relations consulting firm in Coral Springs that coordinated black media outreach for the Scott-Carroll gubernatorial campaign.

SOUTH FLORIDA TIMES BLACKS FACE POLITICAL IRRELEVANCE FOR UNSWERVING DEMOCRATIC LOYALTY

Written by CLARENCE V. MCKEE

Jennifer Carroll’s historic election should send a message to all black voters and black elected officials. The first black person to be elected lieutenant-governor in the Deep South since Reconstruction, she is one of the highest-ranking black Republicans and state-wide elected officials — black or white — in the United States.In addition to the historical aspects of her election, the Trinidad-born immigrant epitomizes the American Dream: an adopted child who rose to become a decorated naval officer, businesswoman, legislator and now number two in state government. Her accomplishments are something every young black child, especially girls, should strive to emulate. When in the House leadership, Carroll gladly assisted many members of the Florida Black Caucus. When she ran for lieutenant-governor, not one of them supported her, even though three endorsed Charlie Crist over Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senator. Now that she will be Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s partner in governing the state, they no longer refer to her as the “Black Republican;” she is now “Our Sister.” Black Republicans understood the historical implications of this election. Unlike the Jewish community and voters who never forget the horrors perpetrated against them, black voters seem to have foggy memories. Such was the case on Nov. 2. Throughout most of the 20th century, Florida, controlled by Democrats, was a stronghold of the Ku Klux Klan. From 1900 to 1930, Florida had the highest per-capita lynching rate of any Deep South state. On Christmas day 59 years ago this month, Harry T. Moore, the founder of the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, was murdered when his house was bombed. Although Moore might not have been proud of how blacks have become pawns in the hands of the Democratic Party that historically enslaved and brutalized them, I am sure he would be very pleased with Jennifer Carroll’s election. On Nov. 2, while black Democrats apparently forgot that history, black Republicans rallied to her side. Blacks remain the only voter group that  consistently gives 90 percent of  its vote to virtually any Democrat and demands and receives little, if anything, in return. Bill Clinton, once called by many Blacks the “first black president,”  tried to convince Kendrick Meek to drop out of the Senate race and not try to become Florida’s “first black U.S. Senator.” Would Clinton have urged a Jewish or Hispanic candidate to drop out in favor of a non-Jew or non-Hispanic? Probably not. Both are respected and feared voting blocks. Blacks, however, in a turn-the-other-cheek gesture of political masochism, gave Democrats an estimated 92 percent of their votes. On Sunday, many blacks go to church, praise God, say “Amen” to messages of faith, family, sanctity of life and individual responsibility. On Tuesday, they go to the polls and vote for the political party which, in most cases, represents the polar opposite of what they said “Amen” to on Sunday. Blacks constitute 26 percent of registered Florida Democrats — over 1.2 million strong — yet they and their elected leaders are rarely consulted on party and campaign strategies. They typically have low turnout, especially in mid-term and local elections. Consequently, they are fast becoming politically irrelevant. Majority black cities and districts, solidly behind the entire Democratic slate, are now faced with a Republican house, senate, cabinet, governor and lieutenant-governor. They will find it even more difficult to plead their case in Tallahassee. So, who were the big losers in this election? Black voters. This must be very disturbing to the spirits of Harry T. Moore and many others in Florida who gave their lives for freedom and the right to vote. Are there lessons to be learned? The Florida Black Caucus could shake up the Democrat party by making its voice a bullhorn. It is time black Democratic leaders demand respect. They need to put their party on notice that the days of taking the black vote for granted are over.  The black press and black clergy should support them in that regard. It is time to rethink the one-party strategy that has left them in the political outhouse. All politics is local, regardless of the color or Party of the occupant of the White House. Jennifer Carroll was not the only big winner in the election. Other black Republicans also scored. They are often called “Uncle Toms,” “turncoats” and worse by black Democrats, journalists and white liberals for exercising the rights for which Moore and many others died.  Black and white Republicans rallied to support Carroll, while most of those who talk about “black empowerment” deserted her. They also worked hard to elect black Republican women to the Marion County School Board and the Duval County Soil and Water Conservation District.  In Broward County, Rick Scott named Levi Williams his county campaign chairman. Furthermore, just recently, longtime loyal Republican worker Carolyn Kennedy, in her initial bid for party executive office, came within 43 votes of becoming the first black vice chairwoman of the Broward GOP — the second largest in the state. The message: Black Democrats appear to be in the twilight of political influence in Florida; Black Republicans appear to be in the dawn. For that, they will be respected in the morning. Clarence V.  McKee, an attorney, is president of McKee Communications Inc., a government, political and media relations consulting firm in Coral Springs that coordinated black media outreach for the Scott-Carroll gubernatorial campaign.

Republican dominance creates hurdle for Broward Democrats

MEMORANDUM

To:            Florida Assembly of Black Republicans, African-American Leadership Council

From:            Clarence V. McKee, Esq., Political/Media Consultant-McKee Communications, Inc.

Subject: Election Perspectives and Observations

Cc:            Florida Black Media Owners; Selected Recipients

Date:             December 3, 2010

INTRODUCTION

It has been just over a month since Florida voters elected Rick Scott and Jennifer Carroll to be our next Governor and Lt. Governor respectively. McKee Communications had the honor and privilege of working with the Scott-Carroll Campaign in the design and implementation of its Black Media Outreach efforts.

Since the election, many have asked our opinion on “Winners and Losers” from a black political perspective. Also, many were impressed with the efforts of Florida’s Black Republican leadership and grass roots to educate the public, and particularly black voters, on the accomplishments of Jennifer Carroll in order to assist her and Rick Scott win the election.

Rather than give numerous duplicative responses, I decided to respond in this single communication. It is a three part analysis: Part I, Winners and Losers; Part II, the Black Republican Campaign for Jennifer Carroll; and, Part III, What it All Means to Black Media and the  Democrat and Republican Parties’ relationship with black voters.  Part IV consists of a brief conclusion.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We had the privilege of working with a great group of people. We wanted to express our deep appreciation to all of those in the Black-Owned and programmed media, for their assistance and cooperation in meeting their and our deadlines for placing print and radio ads.  Our only regret is that monthly magazine deadlines and priorities in media type and market selection did not allow us to further assist some of these small businesses. We also want to acknowledge the support of Susie Wiles, Campaign Manager, Tony Fabrizio, Campaign Political Strategist, Kamilah Prince, Deputy Political Director, Rick Scott’s Assistant Rosemarie Cossentino and Cathy Gellatly for their support and assistance. A very particular note and special thanks is in order for Jennifer Carroll who was the prime mover behind the Campaign’s expansive black media outreach effort.

PART I-WINNERS AND LOSERS

The major media have outlined major winners and losers from its perspective. However, not much was written about how the elections impacted the black community from a Black Republican vantage point.  So, here are our thoughts. These assessments should not be construed to reflect those of Rick Scott, Jennifer Carroll, or all Black Republicans.

A.      THE WINNERS

1-Lt. Governor-Elect Jennifer Carroll

Elected the first Black Lt. Governor in Florida history, she is one of the highest-ranking Black Republicans, men or women, in the United States. She is the first Black person to be elected Lt. Governor in the Deep South since Reconstruction. She follows Jennette Bradley of Ohio, who was the first black woman ever elected Lt. Governor in the history of the United States in 2003, and fellow Trinidad native Mervyn M. Dymally, who was elected Lt. Governor of California in 1974.

2-Scott-Carroll Black Media Campaign

Jennifer Carroll has always been an advocate for the black press as pointed out below. At her urging, the Scott-Carroll campaign developed an aggressive Black Media Advertising effort focusing on black-owned media.  It purchased political ads in 30 of the state’s major Black-owned media –15 newspapers and 15 radio stations– in key markets throughout the state.  In the last week before the election, when the weekly black papers were going to press, the Sink Campaign was scrambling to place their ads to compete. The goal of this effort was not so much to gain significant overall black support for our ticket; this would be highly unlikely given black voter’s umbilical cord attachment to the Democratic Party. Rather, the goal was to reach the 60,000 Black Republicans in key markets, as well as Independents, and make them aware of Jennifer’s record and the need to support her and Rick Scott.  In addition, many Black Democrats said that they “crossed over” and “voted for Jennifer”. They, and Black Republicans, were pleased to see the Campaign reach out. As stated below, every vote was going to count.  Even if only 6% (unofficial calculation) of blacks voted for our Team, that’s 6% Sink did not get.  With less than a 60,000 vote margin between victory and defeat, every dollar spent was worth the effort.

3-Florida Black Republicans

Only 59,000 strong, usually ignored by the general media and Party leadership, and frequently viciously attacked by Black Democrats and some black media, they were the real target of the Scott-Carroll black media outreach campaign. This core group had to get out and vote. They also had to play a key role in educating friends and Independents on Jennifer Carroll’s record of accomplishment, the many positives she brought to the Ticket and how she and Rick would be a great partnership in Tallahassee.

4-Florida Hispanic Voters

The big winners last month were Florida Hispanic voters. According to the Pew Hispanic Center’s Report on The Latino Vote in the 2010 Elections, Hispanics gave 50% of their votes to Scott-Carroll and 55% to Marco Rubio. From a political balance perspective, the Department of State’s Division of Elections October Book Closing numbers shows that there are 445,000 registered Hispanic Republicans and 550,000 Hispanic Democrats. Hence, Hispanics (unlike blacks discussed below) have a real place at the table and their votes and opinions will be sought after by both Parties in 2012.

5-Florida Assembly of Black Republicans (FABR) and the African-American Leadership Council of RPOF (AALC)

Under the leadership of FABR Chairman Samuel Newby of Jacksonville, the Assembly, working with Members of the AALC, conducted its own independent and unprecedented effort to educate Black Republicans, the black community in general, and others, on Jennifer Carroll’s record of accomplishment. To list all of the people from these organizations who played key roles in this effort would consume much of this Memo. However, there are a few who deserve special note:

Honorable Phillip Walker, Lakeland City Commissioner; Honorable Angie Boynton, a Member of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee, (REC) elected to the Marion County School Board with endorsements from the Legislative leaders, community activists and Jeb Bush; Honorable Chelsi Henry, elected to the Jacksonville Soil and Water Conservation District 5;  CeCe Cole, Seminole County REC Member, Communications Director of the Assembly who developed the Assembly’s literature highlighting Carroll’s accomplishments which was distributed statewide; assisted McKee Communications in its Black Media Ad efforts; John Colon,  Chairman of the Sarasota Housing Authority and Member of the Florida Black Business Investment Board and REC; Barbara Howard, columnist for the South Florida Times Newspaper who was one of the first in the media to highlight Carroll; , Gray Johnson who coordinated efforts with black pastors in Miami; Carolyn Kennedy, Broward County REC Member who coordinated Caribbean and Asian outreach efforts in South Florida; Doug Lyons, Editorial Writer for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel who was the only major newspaper columnist to urge the GOP to consider Carroll as the logical choice for first, the U.S. Senate vacancy, and later for Lt. Governor; Dr. Francis Rice, President of the National Black Republican Organization and Member of the Sarasota REC who provided research on the Democrat Party’s historical opposition to black advancement for forums and responses to attacks on Black Republicans, the Republican Party and the Scott-Carroll Ticket; Dwight Spence of Palm Beach County who coordinated Palm Beach outreach efforts; Vibert White who coordinated Central Florida; and, South Florida Tea Party Members Alfred Davis, James Littlejohn, Mack Wells and Maurice Woodside who assisted in Broward “Meet and Greet” events for Jennifer Carroll and helped make the Fort Lauderdale and Davie Bus Tour a success.

6-The Florida Courier Newspaper.

The Courier broke the story on Sink’s failure to appear at the Miami NAACP Political Forum and reported on Bishop Victor Curry’s scathing attack on his WMBM radio show on the Democratic Party and Sink for not appearing. The Courier story was picked up by the Palm Beach Post and went statewide on the Sayfie Review. It caught the Sink Campaign totally off guard and took them off message for at least a week (more below). Also, unlike most of the black and general media, it refused to endorse in the Governor’s race calling it a “Jump Ball.” Of particular note was their very positive comments regarding Jennifer Carroll’s qualifications and praise for Rick Scott for his business ability and selection of Carroll.

7-The Tea Party Movement

Condemned by the national media, Democrats and the national NAACP as being “racist”, it was a main force behind the victories of “Black” Congressmen-elect Allen West in Florida and Tim Scott in South Carolina and was instrumental in the elections of Angie Boynton and Chelsi Henry in Jacksonville. The Tea Party is issue oriented –less taxes, less government and more accountability from elected officials. That’s not racist, its common sense.

8-Chip LaMarca, former Broward GOP Chairman and recently elected to the Broward County Commission who was early supporter  of Jennifer Carroll having been a sponsor of her African-American Scholarship Essay Writing Contest Banquet and introduced her to Broward GOP well before other GOP groups had recognized her potential as a Party Leader. This makes “Chip” (like Commissioner Walker) a “go to” guy when the new Administration seeks advice on urban revitalization and economic development.

9-Sharon Day, State and National Committee Woman and Secretary of the Republican National Committee, Co-Chair of the Scott-Carroll Campaign; longtime supporter of diversity and outreach in the state and national GOP; early backer of Florida Assembly of Black Republicans’ efforts for more minority inclusion at all levels of the Party; attended the Assembly’s Orlando Press Conference supporting Jennifer Carroll for all advanced levels in the Party.

B.            THE LOSERS

1-The Liberal Democratic Party Establishment

Its worst nightmare came true—Conservative Hispanic Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate; Conservative Black Republicans Allen West and Tim Scott in the U.S. House of Representatives; and, Conservative Black female Jennifer Carroll elected Lt. Governor of Florida.  The result: Discussion of new options and alternatives on solving some of the issues impacting the black community in education, job creation, children and families and economic development.

2-Black Democrats

According to unofficial CNN exit polls, blacks gave Alex Sink 92% of their votes even though she had avoided being seen with President Obama and Kendrick Meek. Moreover, she was not publicly enthusiastic over his candidacy and took every opportunity, including national television, to praise Charlie Crist. She also blamed Obama for her defeat. Blacks  remain the only voter group which  consistently gives 90%  of  their votes to virtually any Democrat and demand and receive little if anything in return. In Florida and nationally, Black Democrats are fast becoming “politically irrelevant.” They constitute 26% of registered Florida Democrats–over 1.2 million strong.  Despite these numbers, they and their elected leaders are rarely, if at all, consulted on Party and campaign strategies (see 6 below). Furthermore, they typically have low turnout especially in mid-term and local elections. Before the campaign game even begins, the Party knows what the black vote score will be. A result: Party game (election) day preparations are based upon putting the assumed 90% vote on the bench leaving the goal to get as many of the 550,000 (12%) Hispanic registered Democrats in the game scoring touchdowns (votes) as possible.  This must be very disturbing to Florida Civil Rights heroes like Harry T. Moore, discussed below, and all of those who gave their lives for freedom and the right to vote in our state.

3-Black State and Congressional Elected Representatives; Majority-Minority Districts

With the passage of Amendments 5 and 6, the positions of several black House, Senate and Congressional office holders may be in jeopardy.  Five and Six require   state and congressional legislative districts, respectively, to be compact, relatively uniform and adhere to city and county boundaries when possible. Currently, districts in Florida are drawn to include or exclude certain groups of the population. Known as gerrymandering to some, others have called it legislative “apartheid.” A potential Result: white representatives might have to respond to needs of blacks and other minorities in new Districts and black representatives, who survive, might have to moderate extreme liberal views to accommodate non-minority constituents.

4-Major Newspapers

Rick Scott won the election without the endorsement of any major newspapers.

5-Majority Black Cities

Majority black cities and districts, now faced with a veto proof Republican House and Senate, solidly Republican Cabinet and a Republican Governor and Lt. Governor, will find it even more difficult to plead their case in Tallahassee since their voters and black representatives were solidly behind Alex Sink and the entire Democrat slate. You can bet that they will do their best to enlist the support of Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, whom they did not support and sometimes disparaged, to support some of their issues.

6-The Florida Black Caucus

Already a “minority within a minority” in the Legislature, the Caucus will be even more outnumbered with Republican gains in both Chambers. There will be few opportunities for the Caucus—and Democrats–to block GOP legislation. Before the election, many of the Caucus considered Jennifer Carroll a “Black Republican”. Now that she will be Lt. Governor and Rick Scott’s partner in Governing the state, she has become “Our Sister”. When she was in the House Leadership and Chaired powerful committees, she gladly assisted many Caucus Members in moving their legislation through the House. But, when she ran for Lt. Governor, not one of them supported her even though three endorsed Charlie Crist against Kendrick Meek.

In spite of the above, there were individual Caucus “winners.” Although the Party’s candidates did not do well with black voters, in the Senate President Mike Haridopolos reached out  and appointed several Caucus Members to key positions: Gary Siplin, Chair of the Agriculture Committee and Vice Chair of the Higher Education and  Government Oversight and Accountability Committees; Lucienia Bullard, Vice Chair of the Agriculture and Education and Pre-K-12 Committees; Tony Hill, Vice Chair of the Children, Family and Elder Affairs Committee; Arthenia Joyner, Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee; and, Christopher Smith Vice Chair of the Communications, Energy and Public Utilities and Banking and Insurance Committees. In the House, Representative Joe Gibbons was appointed Democratic Leader Pro Tem. Notwithstanding these appointments, they will be vastly outnumbered in the Legislature and will have to rely upon the good will of Republicans if they are to have any success with their legislative agendas.

Now that Carroll has been elected, there will be the usual flurry and scurry by many of the groups listed above, including many black organizations, to plan receptions, dinners, and other events in her honor to curry favor.  The question Black Republicans will be asking is: “Where were you during the Campaign.”

Finally, all is not doom and gloom for the Caucus. It is still the political voice of most black voters and potentially could shake up the entire Democrat Party by becoming very assertive. Furthermore, only the Caucus has the credibility to make the Party start listening and stop taking them and their constituents for granted. Senator Gary Siplin has taken the lead.  As recently reported, Siplin on behalf of the Caucus, wrote to Senator Bill Nelson raising that very issue. He stated in part:  ”The Party, at this point, should be striving to ensure that our leadership is more ethnically diverse, which is essential to making us more appealing and viable to our Democratic constituency.”

There is no reason that the Caucus should have to use Nelson as an intermediary to the Party. It has more political clout and capital than Nelson–who probably will not be around after 2012! What is needed is one or two press conferences challenging the Party Leadership on the issue. Better yet, the ultimate threat to get the Party to listen would be for one or two Members of the Caucus, who are Term Limited in 2012, to switch to the GOP. After all, who knows what impact Amendments 5 and 6 above will have on making it easier for them to win higher office in a more diverse District. They should note that while it is rare for a Black Democrat to be elected in racially mixed Districts, it is common for Black and Hispanic Republicans to do so with Tea Party support!  Just see the examples of Jennifer Carroll in her House victories, Allen West and Tim Scott in Congress; and, Hispanic governors in New Mexico and Nevada. This is in addition to the first Indian-American Governor in South Carolina, Nikki Haley, who joins the Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who is of the same ancestry. Will any Caucus Members think about it?

PART II-WHY AND HOW BLACK REPUBLICANS RALLIED BEHIND JENIFFER CARROLL

Many have asked why there was an unprecedented effort by Black Republicans to support and educate the community on Jennifer Carroll. They immediately understood the historical implications of her becoming the first black person and the first black female Lt. Governor of Florida. This was virtually ignored by black journalists, politicians, pundits, most Black Democrats and, of course, the general media.

In addition, she was well known to and greatly admired by Black Republicans.

A-WHY

1-The Historical Implications of the Carroll Candidacy

Florida is a great state with much to offer its diverse population. Such was not always the case. Throughout much of the 20^th century, Florida, controlled by Democrats at every level, including the local Sheriff, was a stronghold of the Ku Klux Klan which targeted blacks, Jews and Catholics. While the Klan withered away in most of the nation during the Depression, it flourished in Florida with an estimated 30,000 members. The most powerful Klaverns were in Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa.  Orange County was a particular haven where law enforcement, the business community and elected officials all took pride in membership. From 1900-1930, Florida had the highest per capita lynching rate of any Deep South state. In 1951, the Klan unleashed a series of bombings, cross-burnings and other tactics to intimidate blacks from exercising their rights—especially voting. The northern press called it “The Florida Terror”.

Standing tall fighting for black rights during much of this era was Harry T. Moore, a graduate of Florida Memorial College, a teacher who started the Brevard County NAACP. He later organized the Florida State Conference of the NAACP and eventually became its full-time paid organizer. What did Moore get from his courageous efforts? Fifty-Nine years ago this month, on Christmas day 1951, he was killed by a bomb which had been placed under the floor of his home. His wife died of her injuries a few days later.  Although Moore might not be proud of how blacks have become mere “pawns” in the hands of the Party that historically enslaved and brutalized them, I am sure he would be very pleased over Jennifer Carroll’s election and career.

2-Jennifer Carroll No Stranger to Black Republicans

In addition to the above historical aspects of her selection, Jennifer Carroll has been a role model and leader for Black Republicans for years. In addition to being the former Chair of the Florida Assembly of Black Republicans, she was also Chair of the African American Leadership Council (AALC) of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF).  Under her leadership, the AALC became the most active and productive of the four RPOF’s outreach Councils. The other three were the Women’s, Jewish, and Hispanic Councils. Carroll held a meeting in Tallahassee for black clergy with the Governor and RPOF Chairman which led to her sponsorship and eventual passage of a law to reform the Zero Tolerance law. The ministers had complained that the law was having a disparate impact on referral of black students to the juvenile justice system. She also met with representatives of the state’s black press in Orlando and organized the Council’s state wide essay contest for black students on “The Life of James Wheldon Johnson.” All Florida school districts were invited to participate and have students submit essays on Johnson, the author of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The winning students received scholarships at a banquet in Tampa. In the legislature, she was a champion for small and minority business, economic development and neighborhood revitalization. There was a story to be told.

It is no secret that, prior to the selection of Carroll, many Black Republicans were disenchanted over the lack of involvement of blacks in the RPOF and the campaigns of state wide GOP candidates–except for Scott who had hired veteran GOP political operative Kamilah Prince as Deputy Political Director. Kamilah is a political veteran who worked for Jeb Bush, Charlie Crist and John McCain. That immediately sent a positive signal to many Black Republicans that at least Rick Scott saw the light.  Even so, many had decided to sit out the campaign and just vote. Carroll’s selection changed all of that. It energized the leadership of the state’s Black Republicans who, on their own initiative, immediately sprang into action on an unprecedented basis to rally behind Carroll and spread the word.

B.            HOW

1-The Team and the Goal

A dedicated core group of Carroll supporters, mainly those “Winners” acknowledged above realized that efforts had to be made to offset the negative attack ads against Scott and highlight Carroll and her record of accomplishment.  Shortly after Rick Scott selected her, the group launched its own campaign on her behalf that continued right up to the election to educate voters, particularly black voters, on Carroll’s successful career and why she would be a good “Partner” with Rick Scott. If they did not have a comfort level with Rick, they definitely should, would and could have one with her. Similarly, Black Democrats were urged to “cross-over” and support Jennifer. We know that some did.

The goal from the beginning was to familiarize the state’s nearly 60,000 Black Republicans, a reasonable number of the 163,000 Black Independents with Carroll’s record on minority business, economic development, youth and other issues. Scott was not known to black voters as had been Charlie Crist in 2006. This made it important to focus on Carroll and how she would be a Partner with Rick on dealing with issues of concern to the black community. The objective was to get as many Black Republicans in key counties to come out and vote for the Ticket as possible and deprive Sink of getting a winning margin of black votes—even if she received the expected 90%. As was seen in the Republican Primary, every vote counted and would be crucial in a close election. As it turned out, that unofficial 6% of the black vote was precious in the razor thin margin of victory. Every black vote, whether called a vote for Jennifer or Rick and Jennifer was a vote taken away from Alex Sink. We will be analyzing official and final vote statistics when compiled over the next several weeks.

2-Chronology of Key Events

A-September 11 Press Conference.

The effort began on September 11 when a coalition of Black Republicans from around the state including many of the “winners” above, held a Press Conference at the RPOF Quarterly meeting in Orlando. The purpose was to applaud Scott’s selection of Carroll and outline her accomplishments. They also warned potential critics, particularly Black Democrats, that they would defend and support Carroll against any negative attacks. The press conference was attended by RPOF Chairman John Thrasher, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, RPOF State Committeewoman, National Committeewoman  and RNC Secretary Sharon Day, and, Sayfie Review Publisher Justin Sayfie.

B-Defending Carroll

With a few days after the press conference, three Black Democrats, including Kendrick Meek, made unfair and derogatory statements against Carroll at a meeting of the Democratic Black Caucus in Plantation.  There was an immediate response from two prominent Black Republican women who had participated in the press conference: Angie Boynton, Vice Chair of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee (elected last month to the Marion County School Board); and, Dr. Frances Rice, both Members of the AALC. They strongly condemned Meek and Black Democrat Caucus Leaders for their “disgraceful, false and shameful” comments on the selection of Carroll. There were no more such attacks for the duration of the campaign. This same group will be continually vigilant and ready to respond to any attacks on her–from whatever quarter–as she assumes the number two position of Executive power in Florida.

C-Florida Assembly of Black Republicans

During this same period, and concurrent with the Campaign’s black media outreach program, the Florida Assembly of Black Republicans was conducting its own independent effort around the state organizing meetings with black Clergy for Carroll in Orlando, Jacksonville and other areas, distributing literature designed by the Assembly’s Communications Director CeCe Cole which included cover stories and articles on Carroll from Program Success and the Trinidad Express Magazines.

1. 1. Miami NAACP Political Forum

The event which had a major impact on the South Florida, and eventually the state-wide black community, was Sink’s failure to attend a Miami NAACP sponsored Political Forum held at the 10,000 member New Birth Baptist Church. Its Pastor, Bishop Victor Curry, is not only the Miami Branch President, but also is host of a very popular weekly radio show on his gospel station WMBM-1490 Radio. Carroll on the other hand welcomed the opportunity despite some Black Republicans cautioning her about going into a “Lion’s Den.” “Are you sure they asked? Her reply, “I want to be there.”  She attended and went before the nearly 1,000 mostly hostile union crowd, held her own and was praised for attending by the Bishop the next morning on his show, “Tuesday Talk.” Sink and the Democratic Party were blasted for taking blacks for granted and Curry gave examples of other situations where Sink did not appear, including a major Ministers Conference in Orlando and referred to outgoing Democrat Party Chair Karen Thurman’s comments that the Party did take the black vote for granted. Even liberal black journalist, blogger and MSNBC analyst Joy Reid, no fan of Carroll and Republicans, joined in commending her for attending and criticized Sink and Democrats for taking blacks for granted.

The incident was reported widely by the Florida Courier which in turn was picked up by the Palm Beach Post. Both stories were then highlighted in the Sayfie Review on line news website. The result was that Sink appeared on Curry’s radio show the next week, as did Carroll and Scott.   Meek also appeared but spent most of his time praising Sink and condemning Scott. The problem was that, a few hours later, Sink went on MSNBC’s “Hardball” and praised Charlie Crist and made no mention of Meek. As she did with Obama, she had been avoiding him like the plague.  Although she tried to make amends by attending Curry’s NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet the following Saturday, as did Carroll, much damage had been done to her and the campaign. The incident put them on the defensive and took them off message for a week.

1. 2. The Clinton-Meek Fiasco

If the NAACP matter was not enough, it was followed closely by Bill Clinton’s “hand grenade” of allegedly trying to get Meek out of the race in favor of Crist. It exploded in their faces. Many black voters did not believe that Sink was unaware of the Clinton ploy. Carroll’s supporters played this up–big time.

At 10:06 PM on October 28, an email blast was sent to the black press and members of the FABR, AALC and the general media (who basically ignored it) informing them of the just released Clinton story on Politico.com. It raised the question of whether or not Sink knew of and agreed to the deal; and, whether the “First Black President was trying to make sure that Meek would not be Florida’s “First Black Senator” and other questions. From the emails which followed, it hit a responsive chord days before the election. Did this incident help Democrats lose the governor’s race? University of South Florida political analyst Susan MacManus said at the time, “that’s one of the factors I will be looking at.” Who knows how many blacks just stayed home or crossed over and voted for Carroll because of these incidents?  All we needed, and got, was a few more votes than Sink.

The above outlines a few of the efforts of a cadre of Jennifer Carroll supporters who worked to make voters aware of her record and  highlight why  she was a great partner for Rick Scott.  If they were unsure of Scott because of the negative ads and press coverage, they could take comfort that she would be at his side. Furthermore, his selecting her showed volumes about his judgment and philosophy.

PART III.             WHAT IT ALL MEANS

1. To Florida Black Owned Media

This election showed that Florida’s black-owned media do have an impact in the state’s black communities. We have already mentioned the role of the Florida Courier in breaking the Miami NAACP Forum story. In addition, several other black papers, including the South Florida Times, Orlando Times and Jacksonville Free Press ran in-depth stories on Jennifer Carroll, her family and record which resonated, at least among the crucial number of blacks who supported the Scott-Carroll Ticket. Furthermore, the print ads and radio spots forced the Sink Campaign into last minute frenzy to buy black media. What many strategists in both parties do not understand is that black newspapers turn over three to five times in the black community–barbershops, restaurants, clubs, salons, churches and neighborhood stores.

If there is a negative, it is that much of the black press and many of their syndicated columnists from the National Newspaper Association (NNPA) are still virtual mouthpieces for Democrats and the ultra-left. Other than Barbara Howard and Al Calloway of the South Florida Times and the NNPA’s Harry C. Alford, it is rare to see columnists offering a different political perspective. As leaders in the black community they should, at least editorially, be advising their readers of the pitfalls of putting all political eggs in one basket.  They should establish relationships with local and state elected Republican leaders from their areas so that they have a dialogue and access. They should meet regularly with the Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Agriculture regarding issues of importance to their readers. They should not put all of the pressure on the new Lt. Governor just because she is black—and whom most if not all did not support. They could best help her and their readers by also having such a dialogue with Committee Chairs in the Legislature on issues such as education, children and families, juvenile justice, and economic development. If one looks at the Districts of   Committee Chairs in the House and Senate, almost all are within the distribution area of at least one state-wide and many local black papers or media outlets.

2. To the Democrat Party’s Relationship with Black Voters

What will the Party’s relationship with black voters be?  The same, nothing will change. Why should it? The lesson from this election to Democrats is that even with 92% of the black vote they still lost. They have the blacks. They need to shore up Hispanics and White Independents. Party leaders know that most of the black press, black leaders and columnists will cry about how they are taken for granted. They also know that, in the end, all of them will wipe their eyes and say, “Vote Democrat all the way.”  Meanwhile Hispanics, according to that same CNN exit poll, gave Scott-Carroll 50% of their votes. So, what voter group would any objective political strategist, of either Party, be going for—not Black Democrats; their votes are already in the mail for 2010!

Party leaders will go ahead and elect Rod Smith as the Florida Party Chair and virtually ignore a black contender for the post, Tallahassee Commissioner Andrew Gillum who recently threw support to Smith. They will most likely make no commitments to the Party’s most loyal base nor seek or heed advice from their own Black Caucus. They know that, unlike other voter groups who vote pocket book and other self-interests, blacks will follow Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, the National NAACP, unions, liberal black journalists and Black Democrat politicians. With the exception of the journalists, most all of them have loyalty to and receive financial support from the Party’s liberal establishment bosses– regardless of the impact on the political relevance of black voters. In fairness to black politicians, it is about time that black voters realized that money talks and they should provide strong financial support to their own black politicians. In most cases, black Democrat elected officials continue in power by getting black votes and white liberal campaign contributions.

1. 3. To the Republican Party’s Relationships with Black Voters

Will the election change the Republican Party’s relationship to black voters? Given the (again, unofficial) 6% black vote, even if important to the outcome, it appears that the Party has virtually no relationship to black voters.  It should. With such a small percentage of the black vote, someone should be asking “what is the problem.”  To use a business analogy, in the broadcasting, newspaper, or any other business, to have only 6% of a market would be of great concern.

The continuing battle Black Republicans and those who want to do more on inclusion and expanding black voter “market share” have is that they continually face the question (and a good one) from donors and strategists: “Why waste the time and money—you know what they are going to do in the end?” Not a way to run a business. With the election of Jennifer Carroll, hopefully Party leaders will change direction and follow the example she has set over the past several years as outlined above—go after it.

In four short years, the black vote (share) for the Republican candidate for Governor went from 18% to 6%. One reason is that black voters were familiar with Charlie Crist and his record regarding blacks and knew virtually nothing about Rick Scott. Another is that, even with Jennifer Carroll on the Ticket, Scott was facing a still lingering Obama  effect “headwind” from initial Democrat Party ads in the black press—“support Obama, vote for the Democrats.” Even if Sink avoided Obama, the Party tried to identify her with him.  Also, there is no doubt that many of the black voters who were driven to come out and support Meek also voted for Sink.

There was no major effort made from 2006-2010 by the Party to maintain the 2006 share. The problem for the Republican leadership and candidates for state wide office in Florida in 2012 is how to build upon that 6% and move it to at least 15% while at the same time maintaining the 50% Hispanic support in this election. To do both will pretty much guarantee election assuming reasonable numbers of White Independents come into the fold. It can be done. In California, Meg Whitman got 21% of the black vote for Governor and Carly Fiorina received 17%.

The RPOF could have been a major vehicle in building on that base, as it endeavored to do under former Chairman Al Cardenas. Notwithstanding  Chairman Jim Greer’s shortcomings, he at least  started out on the right foot by creating the African American Leadership Council, named  Carroll  as Chair and John Davis as  Party Deputy Political Director. Both did their best, but the Party did not put its money where its “inclusion/diversity” mouth was nor give them full backup and support—they did it on their own.  Hopefully, the next RPOF Chair will understand the need for diversity and inclusion and will make it a centerpiece of his or her Administration.

The goal is not to try to convert significant numbers of the 1.2 million Black Democrats—that is probably a waste of time. Rather, it should be focusing on the 163,867 Black Independent voters (NPA’S). This also applies to the   Hispanic NPA’s—404,570. There is potential political “gold in them ‘thar’ hills.” The Party just has to be willing to go mining for it.

In the Executive branch, the situation was not helped by the appointment of mostly Black Democrats to the Cabinet and various Boards and Commissions. Black Republicans constantly hear from Black Democrats: “Why should I become a Republican when Republicans appoint Democrats to key Cabinet posts and, in most cases, give Black Democrats more access than Black Republicans?”  For example, it did the Party little good when the Governor Crist named the President of the Florida NAACP as his “Minority Affairs Advisor” and appointed Black Democrats to the Palm Beach County Commission and the Miami-Dade School Board.   If we look at Charlie Christ’s campaign for the U.S. Senate, only three Black Democrats openly supported him. His other black appointees were nowhere to be seen. Furthermore, other than the three Black Caucus Members who supported him, none of the others, some of whom had designed him the “First Black Governor” (heard that one before?) and to whom he had granted considerable access, came to his aid in his Campaign.   Republicans have to learn that getting praise from Black Democrats is only temporary– until they have the chance to support a Democrat.

How does the Party establish a relationship with black voters? First, the new Chair of the RPOF should make increasing Black Republican registrations to at least 100,000.  This can be done by   building its own “farm team” of talented Black Republicans beginning at local REC’s and through the new Governor’s appointment and hiring process. This group would provide a pool for appointments, make recommendations for same and be consulted on major issues and policy matters. Second, this does not just apply to the Party and Governor’s Office. It also applies to the Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary of Agriculture and Cabinet Secretaries who should work to have blacks in meaningful and visible positions in their offices and agencies.  , Black voters take notice of such actions. It also empowers groups such as the Florida Assembly of Black Republicans and the African-American Leadership Council to be conduits and be valuable resources. Fortunately, Black Republicans have a great advocate in the new Lt. Governor. Diversity and inclusion have been a hall mark of her political career. She will need the backing of Black Republicans when the “vipers” attempt to negate her influence or go around her to the Governor.

Finally, the Party should realize that “Black”, just as “Hispanic”, is not a monolith. Florida’s Black voter population consists of both African AND Caribbean Americans. Caribbean Americans, except for their elected officials, are not tied to the old “Master-Servant” relationship to the Democrat Party as are most African-Americans and their politicians. Caribbean-Americans, as  non-Cuban Hispanics, should be a target for outreach, especially in South Florida where Caribbean, Cuban and South American Hispanic immigrants appreciate the “less government, individual freedom, education and family ” message of the Party. As to African-Americans, the Party must go over the heads of the “leaders” and reach the masses on such values and issues. This should not wait until a few months before elections in 2012–it should start now!

PART IV.            CONCLUSION

This Memorandum has set forth my views and analysis of the election from the perspective of one Black Republican. The comments of recipients would be appreciated.

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