Peter Schorsch
If I were running for the state Senate in Broward County and was likely to be running in a Democratic primary, there is a pretty long list of notables I would want on my announcement news release.
In this dream of mine, I would have one of the top Democrats in the country – notice the little “r” stuck in there – and it would be a major score for her to be the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee herself, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.
And while I am dreaming, how about the sheriff? Yes, I know, even though he is up himself this year, his name surely wouldn’t hurt. I would also add the very popular mayor of the largest city in the county plus an uber-popular commissioner and to really round things out, I would have the designated leader of the Democrats in the Senate, Oscar Braynon.
That would be MY dream.
That would also be exactly who Lauren Book will be rolling out in her announcement tomorrow. Read ‘em and enjoy …
“Lauren Book’s fearless leadership in advocating on behalf of sexual assault survivors and children makes her a true asset to our South Florida community,” said 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 – there’s been no lack of support at the local level either.
“Lauren 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 themselves from sexual predators. Her insight and experience would make Lauren an incredible advocate for children in Tallahassee.”
Israel of course refers to her work with Lauren’s Kids, her non-profit child sexual abuse advocacy group she began in 2009.
“Lauren Book understands what it means to give back to her community, to work hard for the benefit of others, and to passionately pursue a better tomorrow for those less fortunate,” said Fort Lauderdale mayor Jack Seiler.
“Lauren has successfully overcome some tremendous obstacles in her own life and, in the process, positively impacted and improved the lives of many other victims. With her experience, expertise, work ethic, and big heart, Lauren will certainly be a public servant who listens, who learns, who cares, and who will definitely make a difference,” 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 designate Oscar Braynon.
“I am excited to have great Democratic candidates like Lauren who have strong backgrounds of service, advocacy and leadership. Democrats like Lauren are what South Florida’s 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.
“I am thrilled to endorse my friend, Lauren Book, to be Broward County’s next state senator,” said Kiar, Broward County’s vice mayor.
“Lauren is a strong, wonderful, dedicated and passionate person who has made a true positive difference in the lives of countless people throughout our country and beyond. I am excited that Lauren is going to take her passion and dedication to the Florida State Senate. I wholeheartedly believe that Lauren will be an exemplary state senator for Broward County and the great state of Florida.”
The only way to get a fuller picture of Book’s profile than the above testimonials grant is from Book herself – an articulate advocate besides being a tireless campaigner.
Book is running to replace Sen. Eleanor Sobel in the left-leaning SD 33 in Broward. She is currently running unopposed, largely due to the $663,450 her Leadership For Broward political committee has raised through the July reporting period.
