House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders of Key West and Democratic Whip Evan Jenne of Fort Lauderdale named four deputy whips Monday to oversee their caucus.
The Democratic leadership named Rep. Janet Cruz of Tampa, Rep. Mark Pafford of West Palm Beach, Rep. Hazelle Rogers of Lauderhill and Rep. Alan Williams of Tallahassee as deputy whips.
After the 2010 election, Democrats control 39 of the 120 House seats -- giving Republicans an overwhelming majority to pass legislation, forward proposed constitutional amendments to Florida voters, and override gubernatorial vetoes.
Democratic deputy whips work to ensure that there is clear communication throughout our caucus, said Saunders. I am confident that Representative Jenne and the Democratic deputy whips will help our members to be productive legislators and our caucus to be a cohesive and effective team.
First elected in February, right before the session opened, Cruz represents part of Hillsborough County. Saunders promised Cruz a spot on the Government Appropriations Committee if she won and he delivered on it back in March.
Pafford, who represents parts of Palm Beach County, served as a deputy whip in the last session. While Pafford was first elected to the House in 2008, he was no stranger to the Legislature, having served as an aide to Lois Frankel during her time in Tallahassee.
Rogers, who represents parts of Broward County, was first elected to the House in 2008. Rogers was chosen by the Democrats to serve as a deputy whip in February 2010 and will continue to serve in that capacity.
Formerly an aide to Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, Williams was chosen as a deputy whip in December 2008, a month after being elected to the House. Williams represents parts of Gadsden and Leon counties.
While Saunders and Jennes choices of retaining three deputy whips and naming a new one did not prove contentious, two prominent members of the Democratic caucus are seeking to take over as leader after the 2012 elections. With Saunders facing termlimits in 2012, House Democratic Leader Pro Tem Joe Gibbons of Pembroke Park and Rep. Perry Thurston of Plantation are looking to be the next leader. Gibbons and Thurston, who both represent parts of Broward County, filed notice that they were intending to run to head up the Democratic caucus. While Thurston has not designated a running mate yet, Gibbons has teamed up with Rep. Darren Soto of Orlando, who represents parts of Orange and Osceola counties, who will seek to be Democratic leader pro tem.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
