Peter Schorsch
For much of the past century, the first 100 days of a new presidency has become a traditional benchmark for success, a standard first set by Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
With Republican Donald Trump’s administration, the first three months were — according to many — a mixed bag, at best.
Similarly, the Florida Democratic Party is also jumping on the 100-day bandwagon, offering its own list of successes in the campaign to turn the Sunshine State blue.
In a statement from newly elected Chair Stephen Bittel, the FDP — unlike Trump, supposedly — has successfully met several of its 100-day goals, while keeping his commitment to “major progress” toward rebuilding the state Party.
“During my campaign for Chair, I promised to implement much-needed reforms and secure resources that would rebuild the Florida Democratic Party’s grassroots infrastructure,” Bittel said Tuesday. “I am proud to announce an impressive list of accomplishments, including the hiring of Sally Boynton Brown as our new president, expanding the FDP political, field and communications staff, winning local elections and investing in the growth of our DEC clubs and caucuses. We are only getting started and will launch additional new initiatives soon.”
After receiving more than 50 percent of the vote for chair, Bittel said he “wasted no time” delivering on campaign promises to expand the party.
According to Bittel, the first 100 days for the FDP included:
— Raising over $1 million to fund an expanded party and grassroots support.
— Nearly doubled online fundraising (compared to the first 100 days of 2016).
— Brought national Democratic leaders to the state to engage the grassroots — including visits from Sen. Corey Booker, New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Sen. Bernie Sanders and DNC Chair Tom Perez. Organized a rally with Perez and Sanders. Former Vice President Joe Biden was recently announced as the keynote speaker for June’s annual Leadership Blue Gala.
— Immediately called for state Sen. Frank Artiles to resign after making racist and sexist remarks to two African-American colleagues. Pressure from the community and Democrats across the state resulted in his resignation and a special election in Senate District 40.
— Won four hotly contested municipal elections and is currently participating in three more elections, including the special election in SD 40 (a result of pressuring Artiles to resign).
— Concluded a national search for new FDP President and hired Boynton Brown.
— Expanded key FDP staff to provide more resources throughout the state. New hires include Johanna Cervone as Deputy Communications Director and Hispanic Press Secretary; Giovanna Salucci as Deputy Digital Director; Nabilah Islam as Finance Director; and Steve Jackson as Statewide Field Director.
— Completed the newly created Janet Reno Challenge Grant and awarded $100,000 to 30 Democratic clubs and caucuses to increase engagement and rebuild grassroots activism in all 67 counties.
— Bittel visited at least one county per week throughout the state and vows to visit an additional 12 counties throughout the month of May.
— Established a charter and bylaws revision committee to draft a new, more inclusive governing structure for the Party.
— Established regular training programs for local DEC’s, clubs and caucuses including communications and social media training to ensure Florida families hear our message of economic security, job creation, and equal opportunity.
— Expanded Florida Democratic Party presence and offices in South Florida.
