Primary Election Date: 08/14/2012
General Election Date: 11/06/2012

Who Am I?

I was born and raised in New York, educated at Boston University and Georgetown University Law School. I moved to South Florida in 1974 where I started my law career and family. I served four years as an assistant public defender and then entered private law practice. In 1974 I founded our local chapter of NOW and was one of the founders of our first local domestic abuse shelter. In 1986 I was elected to the Florida State House of Representatives where I served for 14 years. I devoted much of my legislative career to improving the lives of children. I took on the tobacco and insurance industries. I stood up for seniors and workers and a woman's right to choose. I was the first woman in Florida’s history to be elected the Democratic Leader of the House by my colleagues. My experience in the legislature and contacts I made prepared me for my next great challenge: revitalizing my adopted hometown of West Palm Beach. When I became Mayor in 2003, the city was in a malaise. Road construction had paralyzed the city and crime was daunting. Working collaboratively with my City Commissioners and civic and business leaders, I rolled up my sleeves and oversaw the revitalization of the downtown and other blighted areas. Despite the economic recession of the past few years, West Palm Beach has a new economic vibrancy with major projects underway, which are projected to bring hundreds of new jobs with positive economic impact over the next decade.

My greatest accomplishment is my son Ben. Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Ben attended public school and the University of Florida. Upon graduation he entered the US Marines and I watched him go to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. I am blessed that he returned home safely, but I know what it’s like for military families to sacrifice.

Why Am I Running?

I am running for Congress because I believe that I have the know how and experience to make government work for the people it serves. My opponent is an extreme right wing Tea Party darling who believes that Medicare needs to be privatized. Our community deserves better. I will bring a "roll up my sleeves" collaborative attitude to tackling problems.

Hold Me Accountable!

1) Loss of jobs and stagnant wages. I support President Obama's jobs plan. For the long term I support investment in education, research and development especially in cheaper cleaner energy, and infrastructure. That's how we will compete in a global economy.

2) Social Security and Medicare - I will vote against attempts to weaken these programs.

My DFA values:

As a lifelong Democrat I have established a proud progressive record of fighting for those without a voice. In the state legislature I was a strong advocate for worker's rights, protecting a woman’s right to choose, and a strong middle class. As a mayor I fought for many of the same values. In Congress I will always be a staunch supporter of Progressive values and issues. I will always fight to hold people accountable. I am the only candidate in the race who has pledged to join the progressive Caucus when I am elected.

My Campaign is People-Powered!

1) Our campaign has full time staff and volunteers creating a grassroots on line campaign. We intend to use social media and the power of online organizing to listen to people's concerns and ideas. This campaign has always been about listening- listening to those who Washington Republicans have been ignoring.

2) The campaign has created a fellows program for recently graduated college students who are given free board and a small stipend and the opportunity to work in a major congressional campaign.