Dan Gelber for Attorney General

Lawmaker Proposes Hiring Preference For Floridians

Mar 10, 2010

The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, told the Commerce Committee that he's drafted some proposals designed to give Florida residents preference for such jobs if their qualifications are "substantially equal" to those of out-of-state workers.

"They're people who don't live here, don't pay taxes here, are going to leave right after they've finished their project," said Gelber, a lawyer also running for the Democratic attorney general nomination. "Out-of-work construction workers or tradesmen in Florida are being denied jobs that often are being paid for with money from Floridians, tax money."

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New State Bills Introduced To Fight Back Phony Veterans

Mar 5, 2010

Jerome Burdi

Sun Sentinel

State lawmakers got together Friday morning at the VA Primary Care Clinic here with a message to the public: Beware the phony veterans.

"Having non-veterans wear [uniforms] to mislead the public into giving up their hard-earned money is unconscionable," State Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach said. "Americans who donate charitably deserve to know that their money is going to veterans."

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Democratic Hopefuls Tout Campaign Ideas

Feb 28, 2010

William March

The Tampa Tribune

In a town hall meeting at the caucus, Gelber pitched his longer resume and experience as a federal prosecutor in Miami.

"I'm the only person running for attorney general who actually has tried hate crime cases and civil rights cases," as well as public corruption cases, he said.

Gelber received an early endorsement from Equality Florida, the state's best-known gay rights group.
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Wasserman-Schultz endorses Gelber for Attorney General

Feb 26, 2010

John Frank

Miami Herald

Miami State Sen. Dan Gelber hauled in the biggest endorsement so far in the competitive Democratic primary for Attorney General as Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced Friday her support for his campaign.

In a letter to Gelber's supporters, the Weston Democrat and DNC vice-chairwoman said he "has the experience the job demands."

"I know you want Florida to finally obtain the change that has eluded it," Wasserman Schultz's fundraising letter states. "Dan's experience, passion and integrity is precisely what we need."

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Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz endorses Gelber for Attorney General

Feb 26, 2010

John Frank

St. Petersburg Times

Miami State Sen. Dan Gelber hauled in the biggest endorsement so far in the competitive Democratic primary for Attorney General as Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced Friday her support for his campaign.

"Dan has the experience the job demands - he's prosecuted every type of criminal, managed hundreds of lawyers and investigators, and is rated as one of Florida and America's best attorneys. And while he has shown toughness, he has also shown compassion - Dan has been a life-time volunteer in the Big Brothers program.

Like me, I know you want Florida to finally obtain the change that has eluded it. Dan's experience, passion and integrity is precisely what we need. Friends, we really need to get this one right.

My choice for Attorney General is Dan Gelber."
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Debbie Wasserman-Schultz endorses Dan Gelber as Democratic nominee for Attorney General

Feb 26, 2010

Mitch Perry

Creative Loafing

In one of the first big endorsements in the Democratic race for Attorney General, South Florida Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz today announced her support for Dan Gelber in the Democratic primary for Attorney General.

...Wasserman-Schultz called Gelber, a former Federal Prosecutor and now a state senator representing Miami Beach, "as cut from the same cloth as Bob Butterworth."

Gelber is a former federal prosecutor who began serving in the Florida House in 2000. Wasserman-Schultz today also gave him props for his help in getting nine Democrats elected to the house in 2006, which the Congresswoman called "incredibly important."

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AG cand. Gelber gets Wasserman-Shultz Dem. primary backing

Feb 26, 2010

Orlando Sentinel

The South Florida congresswoman said Gelber's experience as an attorney was the crucial factor in the race, noting that she doesn't often inject herself into party primaries.

"Dan's experience is what separates these fine Democrats," she said.

The Miami Beach Democrat has recently rounded up support from South Florida's elected prosecutors, and before that, Gelber won Democratic backing from the likes of Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

Locally, Democratic Orange-Osceola State Attorney Lawson Lamar has come out for Gelber...
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Major pain clinic legislation filed to combat Florida pill mills

Feb 25, 2010

Bob LaMendola

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Last year in Tallahassee, after seven years of inaction, Florida legislators approved creating a database to track every narcotic prescription, to weed out patients getting pills from multiple doctors at once. They also forced clinics to register — more than 900 have so far — and to be inspected in the future.

"Last year the Legislature pulled its punches," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami, who wrote part of the new bill. "We've got to get these guys out of town."

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AG Could Be Dropped From Florida Board Under Proposal

Feb 24, 2010

Barry B. Burr

Pensions & Investments

A Florida legislative proposal would drop the attorney general as a trustee of the $136 billion Florida State Board of Administration, Tallahassee, and add the commissioner of agriculture and consumer services.

"The attorney general should have more of an oversight responsibility and scrutinizing (the FSBA), putting him at arm's length" and allowing him to be more objective than when he is involved in decision-making as a trustee, state Sen. Dan Gelber, the sponsor of the bill, said.

The commissioner of agriculture "has a consumer mission," Mr. Gelber said, noting it is more of the role needed on the board. But he said the make up of the FSBA "is a sort of quirky system, having the Cabinet as trustees. I think you want experts in asset management … Elected officials don't necessarily have that background."

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Protections proposed for renters

Feb 20, 2010

WTSP St. Petersburg

"When times are tough in the midst of a recession, which we have right here and in some areas it's much worse than simply a recession, people really are preyed on. People are really exploited and it's very important that people up here in Tallahassee have their backs," said Gelber

The plan would prohibit renters from getting kicked out of their residences when an owner's property goes into foreclosure.There are an estimated 4.5 million residential renters in Florida. One study finds more than 20 percent of the properties facing foreclosure nationwide are rentals.

Sen. Dan Gelber's bill would make sure renters get at least 90 days to find another place to stay.

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Questions about GOP credit card use get louder

Feb 20, 2010

William March

Tampa Tribune

Gleeful Democrats as well as some 2010 GOP candidates, are calling for full release of records...

If such a card were used for anything other than legitimate party activity, Gelber said, it could amount to a contribution from the party to the legislator's own campaign, which legally must be reported.

"Bill McCollum refuses to investigate, even as the evidence of serious misuse of funds mounts," said a news release Friday from his Democratic opponent, Alex Sink.

McCollum, in response, said he hasn't seen evidence that a crime has been committed, and accuses the Democrats of playing politics. He says he wants to wait until the new party chairman takes over and audits the party's books.
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Foreclosure Protection For Renters?

Feb 20, 2010

Kristin Wright

My Fox Tampa Bay

A new bill in Tallahassee proposes protections for renters when landlords and management companies fall into foreclosure. Twenty percent of foreclosures are rental properties.

"People really are preyed on. People are really exploited and it's very important that people up here in Tallahassee have their backs," said Sen. Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach).

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Bring Us Your Renters, Borrowers, and Unemployed

Feb 17, 2010

Whitney Ray

Capitol News Service

State Senator Dan Gelber and Representative Ronald Brise announced the legislative plans today at the state Capitol. The plans would give renters whose landlords were being foreclosed upon more time to find a new place. They would also expand unemployment benefits to more Floridians. Gelber says the economy is creating more opportunities for predators to take advantage of the suffering.

"This is a moment when there are people who are exploiting and preying on everyday Floridians, and if you don't step up your efforts to protect them and become even more vigilant then you are doing them a disservice," said Gelber.
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GELBER, MCCOLLUM LOCK HORNS ON WHISTLEBLOWER SUIT

Feb 17, 2010

News Service of Florida

State Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democratic candidate for attorney general, called on Attorney General Bill McCollum to join several states and local governments in a whistleblower lawsuit against JM Eagle over substandard polyvinyl chloride pipes.

"Florida's consumers deserve that this complaint be fully investigated to determine if wrongdoing was committed," Gelber, D-Miami Beach, wrote in his letter to McCollum.
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Legislators Hope To Take On Pill Mills

Feb 16, 2010

Michael J. Mooney

New Times-Broward Palm Beach

Prescription pills kill more than three times the number of people who die from all illegal drugs combined. On top of that, a BSO report from last year showed that drugs sold in South Florida pill mills are smuggled across the country and resold. One estimate has about half of the illegal prescription drugs in the country originate in South Florida.

Senator Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, who's running against Aronberg in the Democratic state attorney general primary, is proposing a bill that would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony from owning or operating a clinic.
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Gelber Accuses AG McCollum Of Dragging His Feet On Faulty Pipes

Feb 16, 2010

Dara Kam

Post On Politics- Palm Beach Post

Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democrat running for attorney general in a primary against Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres, asked McCollum to join other state attorneys general in a whistleblower lawsuit that Florida was initially involved in.

"These are not allegations that should be sat on," Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said. "If something improper happened, people have a right to know and seek a remedy and it's the attorney general's obligation to make a decision ASAP. If there is a righteous cause of action for consumers, the last thing we want to be is late to the battle."
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Our Opinion: State should tighten rules to snare corrupt officials

Feb 15, 2010

Editorial Board

Miami Herald

Mr. Satz's proposal is supported by state Rep. Ari Porth and state Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democratic candidate for attorney general. They should enlist other state attorneys and push for passage. As Broward has learned to its chagrin, no county is immune from public corruption, and state attorneys need all the resources they can muster to combat it.
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Lawmakers Seek Tighter Control of Pain Clinics

Feb 13, 2010

Dara Kam

Palm Beach Post

At least four legislators are proposing bills that would toughen pain clinic laws passed last year. Those laws require the clinics to register with the state Department of Health and require the state to create a database of all prescriptions of addictive drugs so it can track those prescriptions. Neither registry is running yet, but once they are, they will do little to regulate who can own or operate a clinic or to allow the state to shut down clinics.

"The problem with the pill mills is that it's very hard to regulate them unless you decide you're going to put them under the Department of Health and regulate them," said Gelber, D-Miami Beach.

Sen. Dan Gelber, a former prosecutor who is running against Aronberg in the Democratic attorney general primary, is sponsoring a bill (SB 804) that would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony of owning or operating a clinic and would require the Department of Health to revoke the person's registration if he or she has such a record.
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Democrats seek criminal probe of GOP credit-card scandal

Feb 12, 2010

Aaron Deslatte

Orlando Sentinel

Two Democratic candidates for attorney general are asking the current GOP officeholder to press for a state investigation into the use of credit cards at the Republican Party of Florida.

"The attorney general has a responsibility to look at these issues and not simply sidestep them," Gelber said. "This is the attorney general's backyard, and he ought to make sure it's cleaned up."

Gelber said it was common knowledge that some lawmakers carried party-issued credit cards to pay for meals and travel; former House Speaker Ray Sansom rang up $173,000 in charges, including the cost of his family's trip to Europe in 2008. And he noted that both political parties are heavily financed by the same interest groups and corporations that bought meals and gifts directly for legislators prior to the ban in 2005.

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Dem AG candidates: Investigate RPOF credit cards

Feb 11, 2010

Lee Logan

St. Petersburg Times Blog

"As you know over the past several weeks, the allegations of possible criminal activities have rocked the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) and questions about the role elected officials had in these activities have arisen.

As Florida's chief law enforcement officer, it is incumbent on you to formally request an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement into the possible criminal activity and public corruption surrounding the RPOF's secret contracts and credit cards.

To date you have neglected to call for any such investigation. We hope you will reconsider your duty in this matter where it is clear that Floridians deserve to know the truth."
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Legislature's plans to toughen ethics laws overdue

Feb 10, 2010

The bill, dubbed the "Restoring Faith in Public Office Act," would impose tough criminal sanctions on politicians who exhibit a corrupt intent and willfulness to avoid disclosing financial interests or other benefits in the course of their elected duties.

But for this important measure to have any hope of passage in a Republican-led Legislature, the Republican leadership must get on board.
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Clean up Tallahassee, too: Toughen ethics standards for politicians statewide

Feb 7, 2010

Palm Beach Post Editorial Board

The Republican leadership has not allowed Sen. Gelber's past efforts at ethics reform to receive even a hearing. Sen. Gelber is running for attorney general, which could offer the GOP another bad excuse for blocking the bill. The legislation, though, has clear bipartisan appeal
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Broward, Palm Beach county prosecutors want new anti-corruption law

Feb 5, 2010

Anthony Mann

Florida Sun Sentinel

Gelber has introduced ethics measures for much of his career — and often seen the ideas die.

Gelber said the newly heightened concern about government corruption in South Florida means chances for action in Tallahassee are good.

"There's some measure of political will," he said. "There's a bit of shame that has settled in up here. There is almost a sense that to not do something this year is wrong."

Gelber, who prosecuted corrupt officials when he was an assistant U.S. attorney, said enactment of the proposed law wouldn't be a magic bullet.

"Don't think for a second [that if] you pass a statute you're going to eliminate corruption," he said. "You have human frailty everywhere."

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Prosecutors: Give Us Weapons to Fight Corruption

Feb 5, 2010

NBC-6 News

If the "Restoring Faith in Public Office Act" becomes law, it will close a gap that its sponsors say needs to be slammed shut.

"The public is disgusted, and rightly so," said state Rep. Ari Porth. His co-sponsor, Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach agrees.

"It really is time in the state of Florida to get serious about public corruption," he said. Gelber knows how hard the job can be. He is a former federal prosecutor. He says the bill has been carefully written to define public misconduct in a surgical, precise way.

"It takes all that misbehavior, where a public official has to decide between his own personal interest and the interest of the citizens who elected him, and it says if you make the wrong choice, you will go to jail, that's what this does," Gelber told the gathering.

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FBI: Florida leads the nation in corrupt politicians

Feb 5, 2010

NBC-6 Miami

Ari Odzur

Gelber wins another state attorney endorsement

Jan 29, 2010

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, has picked up the endorsement of another veteran state attorney for his campaign for attorney general. Longtime Broward State Attorney Mike Satz issued a statement declaring that "Dan's extensive experience as a federal prosecutor makes him especially suited for this trust. He's handled big investigations and cases, and managed other lawyers. He is ready on day one to make a difference."

The endorsement locks up the elected prosecutors from southern South Florida. Gelber had previous received nods from Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and her Monroe County counterpart, Dennis Ward. Longtime Orange County SA Lawson Lamar has also signed on with Gelber.
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In Democratic race for attorney general, candidates offer contrast in style, experience

Jan 23, 2010

STEVE BOUSQUET

Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau

...real differences separate Dave Aronberg and Dan Gelber, who are fighting for the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Gelber, 49, has a much more extensive legal background, as a federal prosecutor for nearly a decade and as counsel to a U.S. Senate committee. He was a forceful House Democratic leader who helped his party win back nine seats in 2006, while offering frequent policy alternatives to the Republican agenda. Gov. Charlie Crist credits Gelber with his decision to expand early voting in 2008, a decision seen as having favored Barack Obama's fortunes in Florida.

Gelber's prosecutorial style, with an emphasis on public corruption, was on display in a recent speech to Polk County Democrats. "You give me 400 lawyers and I will prosecute Ponzi schemes. I will prosecute public officials," Gelber told them. "I am not afraid to make enemies."

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Priscilla Taylor endorses Gelber for attorney general

Jan 19, 2010

Michael Bender

Palm Beach Post Blog

State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, told supporters in an e-mail today that he was been endorsed by Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor at the Palm Beach Martin Luther King Breakfast on Monday.
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Gelber gets endorsment from Lawson Lamar

Jan 13, 2010

Orlando Sentinel Blog

"I am pleased to announce this morning that we have received the endorsement of the Orange and Osceola County State Attorney, Lawson Lamar," the Miami Beach Democrat just said in an e-mail.

"With Lamar's support, we now have three State Attorneys supporting our effort, along with former United States Attorney General Janet Reno."

Here's Lamar's statement:

"Our state faces great challenges and it's critical to have someone with the right depth and mix of experience. As an accomplished federal prosecutor Dan showed the legal skills and law enforcement background you would expect in your Attorney General. In the legislature he demonstrated the leadership and integrity that have distinguished him as a leader."
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New Year's resolutions: Dan Gelber wants sunshine, Bill McCollum wants to block healthcare reform

Dec 31, 2009

Abel Harding

Jacksonville Times Union

One member of the Florida Legislature seems to have resolved to change the way the state does business, and for good reason. State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general in 2010, has proposed legislation that would make the state's budget process more transparent. Currently, lawmakers are allowed to meet to discuss the budget without publicly noticing the meeting, something Jacksonville City Council members don't have the option of doing
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Tackling Corruption

Dec 30, 2009

Editorial

St. Petersburg Times

The Legislature also will consider a promising package of anticorruption reforms proposed by Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. For example, state fraud laws would be broadened to mirror federal statutes to include an "honest services" provision.
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AG candidates differ on role of the job

Dec 23, 2009

Gary Fineout

The Fine Print

"As the AG I am not the representative of an ordinary party to a controversy," said Gelber. "My obligation is not simply win a matter, but to make sure justice is done. I do have a much different vision of the office than the current AG - and I do intend to use the office to stand up for everyday Floridians even it inspires the ire of the Legislature."

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Legislature set to hit the session running on corruption reform: There's a sense of urgency to fix things, one senator says.

Dec 21, 2009

Brandon Larrabee

Florida Times Union

Gelber has filed a handful of measures he said will help crack down on corruption, including a law adding penalties for officials who commit crimes in their official capacity and a constitutional amendment that would increase transparency in the budget process, including requiring public notice when two or more lawmakers get together to discuss the budget.

The spending bill would also have to be written in a way "so people can actually follow it without hiring a lobbyist who has a special computer program and is friends with somebody on the staff," he said.
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Gelber gets former Gov. MacKay's support

Dec 17, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog

"Our state is at a crossroad and now more than ever we need a leader like Dan Gelber who will confront the challenges of today with bold solutions," MacKay said,...
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Former Gov. MacKay endorses Gelber for AG

Dec 17, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

St. Petersburg Times Blog

"His record prior to elected office and during his more than nine years in the Florida Legislature on every issue, from fighting for a quality education system to preserving our environment and standing up against scam artists and crooks who prey on seniors is why I am proud to support Dan."

Gelber also has been endorsed by former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.
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Gelber gets Buddy McKay backing

Dec 17, 2009

Dara Kam

Palm Beach Post Blog

State Sen. Dan Gelber and attorney general candidate nailed down another big-name Democratic endorsement, this time from Buddy McKay, who served as lieutenant governor under the late Gov. Lawton Chiles and briefly served as governor after Chiles' death.

Former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, former state education commissioner Betty Castor and former U.S. Rep. Jim Davis have all thrown their support behind Gelber.

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Editorial: Turn up the heat on Florida corruption

Nov 18, 2009

Editorial Board

TCPalm

State Attorney General candidate Dan Gelber wants the 2010 Legislature to pass a series of anti-corruption bills that would...

Insofar as Gelber's reform package curbs legislative slush funds and gives state attorneys better tools to combat corruption, his initiative deserves serious consideration in Tallahassee. After all, what legislator wants to go on record as being soft on crime?
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Fix investment board

Nov 17, 2009

Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board

Orlando Sentinel

Meanwhile, a Democratic candidate for attorney general, state Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, has called for replacing the attorney general on the Board of Trustees with the fourth member of the Florida Cabinet, the commissioner of agriculture. Mr. Gelber's reasoning makes sense; the attorney general shouldn't be part of an agency he might have to investigate.

Action on reforms such as these shouldn't fall victim to electoral politics. Floridians have a right to more transparency and better oversight at the SBA. It's their money, after all.
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Bill Cotterell: Honest service? There oughta be a law

Nov 9, 2009

Bill Cotterell

Tallahassee Democrat

The notion that honor should be prized above worldly wealth is a lofty ideal for government. Now, state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, wants to make it a law.

A former federal prosecutor running for attorney general as a reformer, Gelber has a bill that values the good name of government service in ways that could prove problematic.

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Change sought in who oversees state pension funds

Nov 7, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

Miami Herald

State Sen. Dan Gelber says the proposed anticorruption package he unveiled earlier this week is more vital than ever in light of the Securities and Exchange Commission's investigation of possible fraud by the board that oversees the state pension fund.

The package by Gelber, D-Miami Beach, would remove the attorney general from the State Board of Administration, which now consists of the governor, attorney general and chief financial officer. Gelber says the attorney general should have ``more arm's length oversight'' that will lead to prosecuting wrongdoing if needed.
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Pressing for anticorruption measures, senator cites investigation into state investments

Nov 7, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

St. Petersburg Times

"Floridians should expect their attorney general to be scrutinizing their pension fund and protecting them from wrongdoing," Gelber said. His proposal would replace the attorney general with the commissioner of agriculture.

A recent survey of 15 other states' funds found that Florida is unique in its small governance structure, especially considering it is one of the nation's largest pension funds. Also, the survey found Florida is the only state whose governor and attorney general help oversee the fund. Some ethics watchdogs say the attorney general's service on the board is a potential conflict.
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Reactionary Politics You Can Love

Nov 6, 2009

Thomas Francis

New Times

State Sen. Dan Gelber, Democratic candidate for Florida attorney general, has seized on the recent corruption cases in Broward County to demand new laws against official misconduct.

This issue is right in Gelber's wheelhouse: He used to work in the public corruption unit of the federal prosecutor's office in Miami, meaning he worked on cases exactly like the ones those against Broward County and School Board officials. He knows the advantages that a federal prosecutor has in working with an "honest services" statute.
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Gelber reacts to SEC probe, wants AG off pension board

Nov 6, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

St. Petersburg Times Blog

Sen. Dan Gelber, vying to be Florida's next attorney general, says the proposed anticorruption package he unveiled earlier this week is more vital than ever in light of confirmation this week that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating possible fraud by the board that oversees the state pension fund.

The reform package by Gelber, D-Miami Beach, would remove the AG from the SBA board, which now consists of the Governor, AG and Chief Financial Officer. Gelber says the AG should have "more arms length oversight" that will lead to prosecuting wrongdoing if needed.

"Floridians should expect their Attorney General to be scrutinizing their pension fund and protecting them from wrongdoing," Gelber said. His proposal would replace the AG with the Commissioner of Agriculture.
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SEC inquiry could lead to Fla. oversight changes

Nov 6, 2009

Brent Kallestad

Associated Pres

State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said Friday he wants Florida's agriculture commissioner on the oversight board instead of the attorney general - an office he's seeking.

"In other states, the attorney general makes it their duty to keep a watchful eye on the pension fund making sure the people's savings are secure," Gelber said. "This will give the Attorney General more arms length oversight."
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Florida Sen. Dan Gelber pushing for tougher public corruption laws

Nov 5, 2009

STEVE BOUSQUET

Miami Herald

State Sen. Dan Gelber, a candidate for Florida attorney general, called on Florida's elected state attorneys Wednesday to help him pass anti-corruption measures in the 2010 legislative session.

Gelber proposed a package of reforms. They include a tougher law to combat bribery and tampering with bids on government contracts; stiffer penalties for crimes committed in an official capacity; more sunshine or openness in the Legislature; further restricting contact between the Public Service Commission and the utilities it regulates; and prohibiting legislators from controlling slush funds, known as committees of continuous existence, which can accept unlimited donations from special interests.
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Attorney general candidate calls for new rules to fight corruption

Nov 5, 2009

STEVE BOUSQUET

St. Petersburg Times

The Miami Beach Democrat, a former federal prosecutor, said a series of political scandals could give new momentum to old proposals. Election year politics suggests that Republicans won't be very eager to give Gelber a platform from which to promote himself as a reformer, but he said he's optimistic.

"I think there's an appetite this year," Gelber told a group of prosecutors meeting Wednesday. "I think the amount of public corruption prosecutions has created a total lapse of credibility with the public."
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Gelber pushes package of anticorruption measures

Nov 4, 2009

Steve Bosquet

St. Petersburg Times Blog

Sen. Dan Gelber, the Miami Beach Democrat who's running for attorney general, used an appearance before Florida prosecutors Wednesday to push a series of legislative proposals aimed at restoring honesty in government. Gelber said historically, the Legislature has been "very cold" to the idea of cracking down on forms of corruption, but that a string of scandals may have changed the atmosphere.

"I believe there's an appetite this year," Gelber told the state attorneys, seated around him on the Capitol's 22nd floor. "I think the amount of public corruption prosecutions has created a total lapse of credibility with the public."

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Fla. lawmakers propose banning felons owning pain clinics

Oct 31, 2009

SCOTT HIAASEN

Miami Herald

State Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach and Rep. Kelly Skidmore of Boca Raton announced Friday that they will be filing a bill that would require the state to revoke or deny operating licenses for pain clinics operated by convicted felons. Under current law, a felon can own a pain clinic and distribute pills with little oversight from the state.

``This industry has attracted far too many bad apples and this loophole needs to be closed,'' said Gelber, who is running for state Attorney General next year.
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Gay rights group backs Gelber

Oct 20, 2009

William March

Tampa Tribune Blog

The Equality Florida gay rights group has announced it's backing Dan Gelber in the Democratic primary for attorney general.

...Gelber has a stronger record of pushing issues the organization backs— banning firing employees or denying housing because of sexual orientation, revoking the state ban on adoption by same-sex couples, and backing anti-bullying laws.
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Gay-rights group backs Dan Gelber

Oct 20, 2009

Marc Caputo

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog

Sen. Dan Gelber, running for state attorney general, just got the endorsement of Equality Florida, the state's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group.

...Dan Gelber stands apart as someone who has used his political capital to truly lead on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues," Stratton Pollitzer, the group's chair, said in a written statement.
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Equality Florida Action PAC endorses Gelber for hotly contested AG race

Oct 20, 2009

Equality Florida Action PAC Announces Early Endorsement of Dan Gelber for Attorney General

Equality Florida Blog

(MIAMI) Today, Florida's largest LGBT political group endorsed Senator Dan Gelber for Attorney General. Equality Florida Action PAC is the state's largest PAC devoted to electing pro-equality candidates. Our endorsement is the first by any statewide organization in the hotly contested race for Attorney General.
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Gay political group endorses Sen. Dan Gelber for attorney general

Oct 20, 2009

Bill Cotterel

Pensacola News Journal

Florida's largest gay political organization endorsed state Sen. Dan Gelber for attorney general today, citing his support of legislation to combat discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and opposition to the state's ban on adoption by homosexuals.
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The first lady greets Gelber at the airport, offers shout outs to Carrie Meek, Bob Graham

Oct 15, 2009

Lesley Clark

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog

First Lady Michelle Obama opened her remarks today in Miami with a shoutout to the dignitaries in the audience, joking that she got to party at the White House Tuesday with Miami Dade College prez Eduardo Padron. Others in the audience: Panhandle Democrat Allen Boyd, former Sen. Bob Graham, former Rep. Carrie Meek, Miami Beach Mayor Mattie Bower and Florida schools chancellor Frank Brogan.
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Dan Gelber leads rivals in AG cash race

Oct 14, 2009

Marc Caputo

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog

Hauling in $314,250 last quarter, state Sen. Dan Gelber outraised his Democratic rival for Attorney General, Sen. Dave Aronberg, who pulled in $228,099. Kind of unexpected, this, considering Aronberg is a money-raising machine, though his cash-raising aggressiveness led to a $50,000 check from a political committee controlled by now-indicted political player Alan Mendelsohn. Oops.
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Dingfelder endorses Gelber for attorney general

Oct 14, 2009

William March

Tampa Tribune Blog

Dingfelder stood up and announced it during the question period after Gelber's speech to the Democratic Professional Council.

Like many Democrats, Dingfelder said he was torn between Gelber and his Democratic primary opponent Dave Aronberg but decided Gelber is "the kind of guy who's not afraid to come out swinging, which is what you want for attorney general."
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State attorney general candidate says lawmakers need political will, not more ideas, to combat corruption

Oct 14, 2009

Michael Bender

"The problem is not a lack of ideas," Gelber said. "It's the lack of political will to address this issue directly."

Gelber, a state attorney general candidate, said has been searching for a House Republican to help sponsor his proposal to let state attoneys prosecute under the theft of honest services, which was one of the recommendations from Palm Beach County's grand jury. Gelber introduced a similar bill last year but it did not receive a hearing.

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Senators: Slow down drilling initiative

Oct 7, 2009

Brandon Larrabee

The Florida Times-Union

Sen. Dan Gelber, a Miami Beach Democrat who would face him in the primary, quickly put out his own statement blasting offshore oil drilling.

"At the precise moment when we could offer up quick fixes and do little and risk much, like drilling off the coast, we should be offering long term policies that will right our state's course for the long term," Gelber said. "Rushing into another quick fix like oil drilling would be a terrible mistake."

Gelber, you might recall, called yesterday for Attorney General Bill McCollum, himself a candidate for governor, to sue the Legislature and the Governor's Office for failing to adequately fund education.
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AG candidate: Sue Legislature, Governor

Oct 6, 2009

Brandon Larrabee

The Florida Times-Union

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, called on the attorney general to sue the Legislature and governor in a maneuver to force more funding for schools.

Gelber said state officials are unconstitutionally stiffing schools and that citizens will file an education funding lawsuit if Attorney General Bill McCollum does not.

"It makes very little sense to ask a group of parents to bring an expensive lawsuit when we are talking about a violation of the constitution," Gelber said during a press conference.

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Gelber urges AG McCollum to sue state over school $

Oct 6, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

St. Petersburg Times Buzz Blog

Offering a glimpse into what he would do if elected Attorney General, Sen. Dan Gelber this afternoon called on current attorney general Bill McCollum to challenge the Legislature in court over its education funding.

"Florida's education budget is constitutionally infirm, and if you look at our school system, you see that," said Gelber, D-Miami Beach, a father of three in public schools. "Look at our graduation rates, the violence in our schools. I see teachers asking for help to buy paper....I don't know who the Attorney General is supposed to stand up for, if not for children."

Gelber later said that if elected in 2010 to the office now held by McCollum, suing the Legislature over its education funding would be one of his first actions.
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Gelber wants McCollum to sue state over school funding

Oct 6, 2009

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog

"Florida's education budget is constitutionally infirm, and if you look at our school system, you see that," said Gelber, D-Miami Beach, a father of three in public schools. "Look at our graduation rates, the violence in our schools. I see teachers asking for help to buy paper....I don't know who the Attorney General is supposed to stand up for, if not for children."

Commissioner Roberto Martinez during the Sept. 15 meeting said the BOE budget proposal "inappropriately and inadequately funds education," and the BOE at Martinez's urging sent Education Commissioner Eric Smith and the Governor's Office a letter outlining those concerns. BOE member Kathleen Shanahan, former chief of staff to former Gov. Jeb Bush and ally of Gov. Charlie Crist, voted no.

"The fact that the BOE has said 'we don't think this is adequate' should serve as a neon red light," Gelber said, during a press conference with Democratic Reps. Dwight Bullard and Martin Kiar outside McCollum's office.
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GELBER URGES AG TO SUE LEGISLATURE OVER SCHOOL MONEY

Oct 6, 2009

KATHLEEN HAUGHNEY

News Service of Florida

For Gelber, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general, the move may provide a glimpse at what his agenda might be should he be elected next year to be the state's top lawyer.

Gelber said at a news conference Tuesday that the state is failing to provide a high quality education to Florida's students.

And that, he said, is grounds for a lawsuit because of a section of the Florida constitution that says "adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education."
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Former Tampa police chief backs Gelber

Oct 5, 2009

William March

Tampa Tribune Blog

In the battle for endorsements between the two Democratic candidates for attorney general, state Sens. Dave Aronberg and Dan Gelber, Gelber has scored the latest Tampa Bay area win—former Tampa Police Chief Eduardo Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was chief in 1992-93, leaving to become head of the U.S. Marshal's Service.

Gelber, of Miami, endorsed by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and several Tampa state legislators, probably has the stronger list of local backers...
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Endorsements for AG Candidate in 2010

Sep 24, 2009

Brandon Larrabee

The Florida Times-Union

Too early for the 2010 political season to begin? Nonsense.

Several local Democrats endorsed the bid of Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach for Attorney General, according to a news release sent out by the campaign today.
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Gelber leads in A.G. poll, but there's a catch

Sep 23, 2009

Steve Bousquet

St. Petersburg Times Buzz Blog

Supporters of state Sen. Dan Gelber's campaign for attorney general are touting a recent Florida Chamber poll that shows the Miami Beach Democrat has a lead in his primary race against state Sen. Dave Aronberg.

Turns out it's true: Marian Johnson, who runs the chamber's Political Institute, says the group did a statewide poll in early August of 605 voters on various issues.

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Jacksonville Dems endorse Gelber for AG

Sep 23, 2009

Michael Bender

Palm Beach Post Blog

State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, announced a round of endorsements today from Jacksonville-area Democrats. Gelber is running against fellow Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres for the Democratic nomination in the attorney general's race. The contest, so far, is the highest profile statewide primary for Florida Democrats.

Endorsing Gelber today were state Reps. Audrey Gibson and Mia Jones; Jacksonville City Councilmen Glorious Johnson and John Crescimbeni; St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles; and former House Democratic Leader Doug Wiles.
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Bring Legislature into the sunshine

Sep 21, 2009

Dan Gelber

Opinion Editorial: St. Petersburg Times

I appreciate that many will raise the same arguments that were raised when the Legislature initially exempted itself from Florida's demanding open-government laws. Perhaps, if we had governed ourselves better in the nearly two decades since, such an argument should prevail. But regrettably most Floridians view state government as more beholden to special interests than the interests of everyday citizens. The only way to restore credibility and integrity to our state government is to shine the light of scrutiny upon it. This proposal is a good first step.
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State regulator calls for review of FPL flights, costs

Sep 18, 2009

Josh Hafenbrack and Julie Patel

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

On Thursday, state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, filed legislation that would give the state Cabinet a say in appointing commissioners and ban communication between state regulators and utilities.

"There needs to be adequate space between regulators and those they regulate," Gelber said recently. "They decide how much people pay and in hard times you want to make sure the decision-making is based on facts."
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Gelber's got a plan for PSC

Sep 17, 2009

Shannon Colavecchio

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog

"Floridians are facing hard economic times and it is especially important they have confidence that they are paying no more than they need to on their utility bills," said Gelber, R-Miami Beach. "Enhancing accountability by opening up electronic records should help. Also, engaging the entire Cabinet in the appointment process should bring greater attention and oversight to this critical process."
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Gelber proposes bill to make PSC more accountable

Sep 17, 2009

Times Editor

St. Petersburg Times Buzz Blog

The proposal, still in bill drafting, would change the appointment process of PSC commissioners and the Public Counsel, and clarify rules for communication between staff and individuals with regulated industries. Instead of the Governor appointing all the PSC members, the Governor would appoint two individuals and each Cabinet officer appoint one. Rather than the Public Counsel being appointed by a legislative committee, the Governor and Cabinet would select and appoint the Public Counsel.

"Floridians are facing hard economic times and it is especially important they have confidence that they are paying no more than they need to on their utility bills," said Gelber, R-Miami Beach. "Enhancing accountability by opening up electronic records should help. Also, engaging the entire Cabinet in the appointment process should bring greater attention and oversight to this critical process."

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GELBER WANTS CABINET TO HELP PICK PSC

Sep 17, 2009

Keith Lang

News Service of Florida

As a conflict-of-interest squall at the Florida Public Service Commission continues, another state senator said Thursday that he would file a bill to change the way members of the panel are selected.

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said his proposed legislation would allow the members of the Cabinet to appoint one member each and the governor to pick two commissioners, a change from the current all-gubernatorial appointment set-up. Gelber said his bill would also allow the governor and Cabinet to appoint the PSC‚s general counsel, which is currently picked by a legislative committee, and would require electronic communications between PSC staff and parties before it to be preserved and considered open records.
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Our Opinion: More sunshine

Sep 14, 2009

Editorial

Tallahassee Democrat

We like the concept of one requiring higher standards for Florida's noble Sunshine Laws in regard to openness in public meetings, public records and budget writing.

It's worth a try to impose a stronger force of law if simple shame and conscience aren't enough to keep public officials on the straight and narrow.

Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami, and Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, are proposing a constitutional amendment...
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Instant editorial: Open budget process

Sep 11, 2009

Fort Myers News Press

Here's a good idea that will never get through the Legislature:

Miami Sen. Dan Gelber (a candidate for attorney general) and Sarasota Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, both Democrats, want lawmakers to put a state constitutional amendment on the 2010 ballot requiring more openness in the way the Legislature conducts meetings, writes budgets and manages public records.
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Sen. Dan Gelber, Rep. Keith Fitzgerald: Alter budget process to stop Sansom-like deals

Sep 10, 2009

Marc Caputo

St. Petersburg Times Buzz Blog

"It doesn't take a grand jury report and the indictment of a House speaker to know that Tallahassee needs to reform the way it does its business," Gelber said.
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Gelber pushes amendment to halt Sansom-like deals

Sep 10, 2009

Marc Caputo

Miami Herald Naked Politics Blog

Gelber, who first started pushing for more open meetings two years ago, said a Tallahassee grand jury's indictment of Destin Rep. and former House Speaker Ray Sansom over his handling of the budget underscored the need for a change. The grand jury also bashed the Legislature for too much secretiveness.

"It doesn't take a grand jury report and the indictment of a House speaker to know that Tallahassee needs to reform the way it does its business," Gelber said.
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Gelber pushes constitutional amendment to stop secret budget deals

Sep 10, 2009

Dara Kam

Palm Beach Post Blog

State Sen. Dan Gelber is pushing a constitutional amendment aimed at cracking down on the kind of secret budget deals that got former House Speaker Ray Sansom in trouble.
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Gelber: It's time to shine the light on Tally

Sep 10, 2009

Aaron Deslatte

Orlando Sentinel Blog

Gelber said the grand jury report, dealing with former House Speaker Ray Sansom's alleged role in steering state money to a supporter's airport hangar, "rang true" to many involved in its broader criticism of the closed budget-writing habits of lawmakers. He also said many Republicans, including Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, are open to the idea.

"They sense, as I do, that the public are fed up with what happens up here," Gelber said at a press conference in Tallahassee. "I think they sense people believe we do things in secret and we don't think we're going to suffer consequences for it."
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Dems call for less budget secrecy

Sep 10, 2009

Joe Follick

Sarasota Herald Tribune Blog

"Too much of the people's business is done without public oversight," said Gelber in a statement. "It's time for the Florida Legislature to apply greater transparency to its own deliberations."
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GELBER UNVEILS OPEN RECORD AMENDMENT

Sep 10, 2009

MICHAEL PELTIER

THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

"Everybody up here by definition is elected and they know what people back home are saying about this process," said Gelber, a Democratic candidate for attorney general and former House minority leader. "This is a real opportunity to change the way we do business."
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Endorsements roll on in AG race

Sep 4, 2009

Josh Hafenbrack

Sun-Sentinel Blog

"Dan Gelber is exactly who Floridians need on the Florida Cabinet to bring change to Tallahassee. Having served with Dan in the Florida House, I know he has the mindset and skills to deliver solutions to the growing challenges of our state," Waldman said in a statement.
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Broward County Commissioner endorses Gelber for attorney general

Sep 2, 2009

Anthony Mann

Sun-Sentinel Blog

Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs today announced her endorsement of state Sen. Dan Gelber for the Democratic nomination for state attorney general.

Gelber's Senate district includes part of South Broward.
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Offshore drilling may come to vote alongside casino deal

Sep 2, 2009

Joe Follick

Ocala Star Banner

"We shouldn't be seeking short-term gain at the risk of long-term damage," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, a candidate for attorney general. "And we definitely shouldn't be making those decisions in a rush" during a short special session that would likely last only a week or two.
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Op-Ed: Too much emphasis on one test

Jun 21, 2009

Dan Gelber

Miami Herald

First, the problem is not that we have an FCAT — but that we overemphasize it to the exclusion of other things that matter. The FCAT is the sole organizing principle of our school system. Because a school's grade is only indexed to how many students reach minimal competence in two or three subjects, minimal competence in a few subjects becomes the only metric our school system cares about.

How many parents want ''minimal competence'' as their kids' goal?
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Senator Dan Gelber to run for Florida Attorney General

Jun 8, 2009

WCTV

State Senator Dan Gelber announces plans to run for Florida Attorney General in 2010.

Dan Gelber was elected to the State House of Representatives in 2000, serving as the House Democratic Leader from 2006-2008; and elected to the State Senate in 2008. Prior to elected life, Dan spent nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor, working mostly on public corruption, narcotics and civil rights cases, and serving as a top deputy in that office. He was then appointed chief counsel and staff director for the United States Senate's investigations committee where he focused primarily on terrorism and domestic security.
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Gelber running for Fla. attorney general

Jun 8, 2009

Associated Press

The Miami Herald

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — State Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach says he's running for Florida attorney general.

The announcement Monday on Gelber's campaign Web site sets up a Democratic primary race against another state senator, Dave Aronberg of Greenacres in Palm Beach County.

Gelber dropped out of the U.S. Senate race May 30, urging Democrats to unify...
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Fla. Sen. Dan Gelber To Run For Attorney General

Jun 8, 2009

The Associated Press

CBS 4

Miami Beach State Sen. Dan Gelber announced Monday he will now run for the Attorney General's seat after weeks of speculation.

He made the announcement just days after State Sen. Dave Aronberg announced he would run for the same seat. Aronberg's district includes Fort Myers.

In his blog, Gelber wrote that his experience would...
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Give the state's prosecutors feds' anti-corruption tool

Mar 22, 2009

Editorial

Palm Beach Post

To avoid breaking the law, federal prosecutors have this simple advice: Disclose, disclose, disclose. By ignoring Sen. Gelber's bill, legislators are disclosing a preference for secrets, even if that means the public won't always get honesty from its politicians.
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FL-Sen: To Boldly Tweet Where None Have Tweeted Before

Feb 27, 2009

Arjun Jaikumar

DailyKos

This is a bold new idea: Florida Sen. Dan Gelber, candidate for the U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Mel Martinez, will tweet the entire Florida legislative session, in keeping with his commitment to open, transparent government.

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Gelber Will Totally Tweet the Legislative Session

Feb 24, 2009

Thomas Francis

Broward Palm Beach New Times

Oh, it is a great day to be a Florida wonk! State Sen. Dan Gelber, vying to become U.S. Sen. Dan Gelber in 2010, has announced via blog that he'll be giving updates on the coming legislative session via Twitter, right here.
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Sixty Days, 140 Characters: Gelber to Tweet Compressed Florida Session

Feb 24, 2009

Nancy Scola

Personal Democracy Forum & TechPresident.com

Florida's Democratic State Rep. Dan Gelber is engaging in a potentially compelling experiment in the burgeoning field of legislator-journalism. Florida's legislator has a compressed 60-day session more common to far less populous states, and Gelber, whose also in the running for the Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez, is planning to keep an eagle eye on the hurried proceedings by doing real-time reporting on Twitter throughout the whole two-month period. As former minority leader and a respected legislator, Gelber's got one thing that all reporters want — access. From his announcement:
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Dan Gelber offers sharp contrast to Ray Sansom

Jan 30, 2009

By Beth Reinhard

Miami Herald