State Sen. Dan Gelber won the Democratic nomination for attorney general Tuesday, handily beating fellow Sen. Dave Aronberg and turning his fire on Republicans.
Im running for this office because the attorney generals office -- like so many in Tallahassee -- has forgotten its purpose," said Gelber, D-Miami Beach.
"Instead of having the back of Floridians, it has become a prop for politicians looking for a political boost."
As Gelber thanked supporters at his Miami campaign headquarters Tuesday evening, it was still unknown which Republican rival would emerge from the GOP primary that pitted Jeff Kottkamp, Pam Bondi and Holly Benson against each other.
In his speech to well-wishers, Gelber stepped up the partisanship, saying, People are mad and frustrated because they feel their government has left them out and behind; that government is looking out for everyone but them. In Florida, one party has been in control and its time that we bring new leadership with fresh ideas and a commitment to accountability.
Tallahassee has become overwhelmed with special interests. Its frustrating that lobbyists control government and as a result, more families are left behind by the failed policies coming from their government. Its time we changed course because our future is in peril and this is the election we can make right the many wrongs."
Among other issues, Gelber has questioned Attorney General Bill McCollum's lawsuit against the U.S. government over the federal health-care law. That suit has been joined by 20 other states.
Gelber, a former prosecutor, pledged to fight fraud in and out of the political arena.
I have one simple message tonight," Gelber said. "Those who aim to prey on our vulnerable populations, those who aim to defraud our government and the trust of Floridians, there is a new sheriff in town.
"There will be no get-out-of-jail cards when I am attorney general, no wink and nods and no cozy relationships.You do the crime -- you do the time; you prey on Floridians, you will pay for it.
As a federal prosecutor for nearly a decade, I took on violent gangs, drug dealers, corrupt public officials and I will do so as Floridas next attorney general," he said.
Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 559-4719.
