Rod Smith Rallies House Democrats

Newly elected Chairman Rod Smith of the Florida Democratic Party spoke to the House Democratic caucus on Tuesday to outline his vision of where the party is headed.

Smith, a former state senator who ran for his partys gubernatorial nomination in 2006 and as defeated Democratic gubernatorial nominee Alex Sinks running mate in November, addressed the 39 House Democrats. While the Democrats got their clock cleaned on Election Day, losing every statewide race and losing four congressional incumbents and five House incumbents, Smith expressed optimism for the future.

Weve got nowhere to go but up, said Smith. We are going to do that.

Just as he did in remarks in Orlando on Saturday, when he was chosen to replace former U.S. Rep. Karen Thuman in leading the party, Smith said he planned to focus on three core areas -- redistricting, helping President Barack Obama carry Florida, and helping U.S. Sen. Bill Nelsons re-election bid in 2012.

Smith praised the returning members who survived what he called an enormously difficult election cycle.

I wish the room were way more crowded, said Smith.

One of the representatives called back, So do we.

Were going to work on that, promised Smith.