Florida’s Senate Democrats Struggle with Infighting

Democrats in the Florida Senate continue to struggle with infighting after a recent change in leadership.

Former Florida Senate Democrat Caucus Leader Sen. Gary Farmer (D-34) (pictured above) is continuing to criticize his fellow Democratic lawmakers even after he was ousted as their leader and replaced with Sen. Lauren Book (D-32).

Farmer and Book are both Democrats from Broward County, and Farmer is accusing his colleagues of “throwing votes” to Republican lawmakers and is questioning their motives.

“As Democrats, we’ve been in the minority for so long. I think for many it’s created almost a Stockholm syndrome-like effect or a battered wife effect,” Farmer said. “I think for some of our Democratic members in Tallahassee, that frustration over being in the minority has led them to behavior that has them throwing votes to Republicans, sometimes on controversial issues, in the hopes that they can pass a bill or get a little appropriation done here and there.”

Much of Farmer’s criticism has been seemingly directed to Book, who’s foundation, Lauren’s Kids, receives funding from the state’s appropriations budget, a fact he quickly pointed out. Book serves as the CEO of the foundation, and Book’s father, Ron Book, is an influential registered lobbyist in Tallahassee.

In April when Book succeeded Farmer, influential Florida political reporter, columnist and publisher of Florida Politics, Peter Schorsch penned an op-ed offering his support to Book’s ascendency entitled “All hail Lauren Book as the next leader of the Florida Senate Democrats.”

Schorsch points out, what he holds, are flaws in Farmer’s leadership.

“Standing in opposition to GOP initiatives with grace and sincerity, Book often challenges the opposition party without making enemies in The Process. With all due respect (or not), this is a statement that simply cannot be said about the current Democratic leader. This Legislative Session alone, Farmer has trucked harsh tones with GOP leaders on contentious issues ranging from the now-signed protest bill (HB 1) to the now-dead transgender athletes bill (SB 2012).”

Schorsch continued to ring the praises of Book.

“But Book strikes a different tone and, as a result, Florida’s victims’ rights have been strengthened, our schools and communities are safer, our environment is better protected, and our child welfare system has been reshaped in meaningful ways. 

Book has a backbone of steel and is never one to back down from a challenge — just ask former Sen. Jack Latvala. At a time when many were afraid to come forward, Book wasted no time filing a complaint against Latvala accusing him of trying to intimidate accusers — one of whom worked for Book — during the sexual harassment investigation against him that eventually led to Latvala’s resignation from the Senate.”

Many of the Democrats in the Senate also offered their congratulations to Book, and offered their support, including Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the only statewide elected Democrat.

The optimism behind Book’s leadership makes Farmer’s continued tirade against his colleagues “disappointing,” according to Sen. Lori Berman (D-31). Berman said Farmer’s leadership was the issue as Senate Democrats did not pick up a single seat when he was incoming caucus leader.

Going into next year’s legislative session, Republicans will control 24 seats to the Democrats’ 16.

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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and the Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
Photo “Gary Farmer” by Gary Farmer.

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