Putting in Paperwork to Run for AG, Gelber Stresses His Experience

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-North Miami, filed his paperwork to run for attorney general this afternoon and is reminding Floridians about his political and legal background.

"Floridians have not had an experienced lawyer as their attorney general since Bob Butterworth, said Gelber's campaign manager Christian Ulvert, taking a swipe at Bill McCollum and Charlie Crist (and Richard Doran -- the Wayne Mixson of Florida attorneys general -- for that matter). Dan's record of accomplishment -- as a top federal prosecutor, a skilled attorney and an effective legislator -- makes him uniquely qualified to win in both August and November. Dan is by far the most experienced candidate running for this office with a proven record of always standing up for Floridians."

As a federal prosecutor, I put drug dealers, violent gang members and corrupt public officials in jail, said Gelber. As the chief counsel and staff director to the U.S. Senates Investigations Committee, I led counterterrorism investigations and worked on ways to enhance our law enforcement and emergency response efforts during times of crisis. And as the Democratic leader in the Florida House, I stood up for consumers and fought to protect our children and seniors. As attorney general, I will continue to lead with the same passion that guided me long before I ran for public office. I look forward to an exciting and healthy campaign cycle that will bring fresh ideas and a new direction for our state.

Gelber faces Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, for the Democratic nomination. Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, who filed his paperwork this morning, faces Holly Benson and Pam Bondi for the Republican nod. Both primary battles appear to be close races.