If I were running for the state Senate in Broward County and was likely to be runningĀ in a Democratic primary, there is a pretty long list of notables I would want on myĀ announcement news release.
In this dream of mine, I would have one of the top Democrats in the country ā noticeĀ the little ārā stuck in there ā and it would be a major score for her to be the chairwoman of theĀ Democratic National Committee herself, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.
And while I am dreaming, how about the sheriff? Yes, I know, even though he is upĀ himself this year, his name surely wouldnāt hurt. I would also add the very popular mayor of the largest city in the county plus an uber-popular commissioner and toĀ really round things out, I would have the designated leader of the Democrats in theĀ Senate, Oscar Braynon.
That would be MY dream.
That would also be exactly who Lauren Book will be rolling out in herĀ announcement tomorrow. Read āem and enjoy …
āLauren Bookās fearless leadership in advocating on behalf of sexual assault survivorsĀ and children makes her a true asset to our South Florida community,” saidĀ Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the most nationally significant pol in Broward.
But while the DNC chair’s support is a big get – possibly pointing to a political career beyond the Legislature’s upper chamber where DWS served from 2001-2004 – Ā there’s been no lack of support at the local level either.
āLauren Book has been an amazing advocate for children,” said Broward sheriff Scott Israel.
“She has created educational programs that help give kids the tools they need to protect themselvesĀ from sexual predators. Her insight and experience would make Lauren an incredibleĀ advocate for children in Tallahassee.ā
Israel of course refers to her work withĀ Lauren’s Kids, her non-profit child sexual abuse advocacy group she began in 2009.
āLauren Book understands what it means to give back to her community, to work hardĀ for the benefit of others, and to passionately pursue a better tomorrow for those lessĀ fortunate,” said Fort Lauderdale mayor Jack Seiler.
“Lauren has successfully overcome some tremendous obstacles in her ownĀ life and, in the process, positively impacted and improved the lives of many otherĀ victims. With her experience, expertise, work ethic, and big heart, Lauren willĀ certainly be a public servant who listens, who learns, who cares, and who willĀ definitely make a difference,ā the locally popular Seiler said.
Seiler’s endorsement could foreshadow even more statewide significance, as he has been noted as a possible candidate for Attorney General in 2018.
And of course, there’s no endorsement from a legislative candidate quite like that of a caucus leader, like leader designateĀ Oscar Braynon.
āI am excited to have great Democratic candidates like Lauren who have strongĀ backgrounds of service, advocacy and leadership. Democrats like Lauren are what South Floridaās next generation of leaders look like,” said Braynon in an annoucement.
Broward politics is one of the few places in Florida where local offices are more highly-prized than state-level offices. Just ask Marty Kiar, another of Book’s co-signers who finds his way into the paper just as much as his House & Senate brethren.
āI am thrilled to endorse my friend, Lauren Book, to be Broward Countyās next stateĀ senator,” said Kiar, Broward County’s vice mayor.
“Lauren is a strong, wonderful, dedicated and passionate person who has madeĀ a true positive difference in the lives of countless people throughout our country andĀ beyond. I am excited that Lauren is going to take her passion and dedication to theĀ Florida State Senate. I wholeheartedly believe that Lauren will be an exemplary stateĀ senator for Broward County and the great state of Florida.ā
The only way to get a fuller picture of Book’s profile than theĀ above testimonials grant is from Book herself – an articulate advocate besides being a tireless campaigner.
Book is running to replace Sen. Eleanor SobelĀ in the left-leaning SD 33 in Broward. She is currently running unopposed, largely due to theĀ $663,450 herĀ Leadership For BrowardĀ political committee has raised through the July reporting period.
