Having already won the state AFL-CIO's endorsement for commissioner of agriculture, Scott Maddox could breathe a sigh of relief. So, with the heat off, the former Tallahassee mayor offered the union convention a high-octane speech Saturday, tearing full force into Florida Republicans.
Maddox had won the backing of the state AFL-CIO in March for the primary and general elections.
Theres only one statewide candidate whos been endorsed, said Florida AFL-CIO President Mike Williams. Thats how good a friend Scott Maddox is.
This race is very important, said Maddox. Its the most important seat youve never heard of.
Maddox attacked the Republicans for standing against the interests of working Floridians.
This race is whether or not Washington D.C. and the right-wing element inside the Beltway, whether or not they will take over the state, said Maddox.
Maddox singled out specific Republicans who opposed the interests of working Floridians, including U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio, gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Bill McCollum and Congressman Adam Putnam, the leading Republican candidate for the agriculture and consumer services position.
I dont think that brand of leadership will work here, said Maddox. They represent Enron and Halliburton and Goldman Sachs and BP. I represent working people, teachers and state employees
What have they given us? he asked the warmly receptive crowd. Two wars, corruption, the worst economy since the Great Depression.
During the union endorsement of Maddox in June, Williams said, Scott Maddox comes from a family with deep union roots and has always been an advocate for the issues faced by the working families of Florida. We look forward to having a commissioner of agriculture and consumer services who actually stands up for consumers rather than cow-towing to special interests.
This is Maddox's third run at state office. He ran for attorney general in 2002 and made a brief run at the Democratic nomination for governor in 2005. Maddox also served as chairman of the Florida Democratic Party during which time the party was embroiled in problems, including not paying payroll taxes and Social Security.
Maddox leads a Democratic primary field which also includes former Suwannee County Commissioner Randy Hatch, former state representative Rick Minton and Thad Hamilton, who serves on the Broward Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
