Madfloridian's Journal - I thnk Bill Nelson just declared the battle is beginning.

He did that once before, if you remember. He decided he would take the lead in Florida. Karen Thurman in effect turned the party over to him, and he was boss.

A few months ago he declared "I will lead the delegates to Denver whether or not the DNC plans to let them in."

The state party would have 30 days to change its plan before the sanctions would go into effect, but instead Florida's Democratic lawmakers say they will fight back. Sen. Bill Nelson told reporters in a conference call Friday that he'll lead the delegates to Denver whether or not the DNC plans to let them in.

"We are quite concerned that Florida Democrats are going to lose their right to vote," Nelson said. "And of all states, we have the sensitivity of this because of what we have gone through.

Like a battle cry. Nelson style.

Tonight he gave another battle cry in Davie, Florida, with Hillary on the podium with him after her victory here. Sounds to me like a warning that he and Hillary will win, and the rest of us better look out.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (second from left) thanks supporters with Congressman Bill Nelson of Florida, Congressman Alcee Hastings of Florida, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-F.L.) (left-right) after polls closed at the Signature Grand in Davie, Florida on Tuesday, January 29, 2008.

Clinton celebration in Florida

Here is the statement he made that I am wary about.

"In this primary, some even tried to silence our state," Nelson said as he endorsed Clinton from the stage Tuesday night. "Hillary Clinton will never let that happen."

First it is not true, Florida silenced its own voice. Secondly, it does sound like a full speed ahead get out of our way warning.

I don't like that at all.

Obama's campaign declared Florida a hollow victory for Clinton, dispatching former presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry to urge reporters to reject her campaign's effort to make Florida relevant.

"The bottom line is: Florida does not offer any delegates," Kerry said. "It's not a legitimate race, it should not become a fabricated race, it should not become a spin race.

Good for John Kerry for speaking against the manipulative way Hillary handled Florida. There is more in the article, but that is the sense of it.

May I also compliment Simon Rosenberg for his statement on this subject. Simon co-founded the DLC with the Clintons, so it is highly significant he takes this step.

Having worked on the New Hampshire primary and in the War Room in 1992 for the Clintons, I was present at the creation of the famous "rapid response" campaign style and fierce fighting spirit of the Clinton era. In the very first meeting of the famous War Room James Carville warned us "that if you don't like to eat sh-- everyday you shouldn't be in politics." So I understand as well as anyone that this is a tough game, not for the faint of heart.

But there is a line in politics where tough and determined becomes craven and narcissistic, where advocacy becomes spin, and where integrity and principle is lost. I am concerned that this Florida gambit by the Clinton campaign is once again putting two of my political heroes too close - or perhaps over - that line. So that even if they win this incredible battle with Barack Obama they will end up doing so in a way that will make it hard for them to bring the Party back together, and to lead the nation to a new and better day.

Back to Bill Nelson. He has been attacking the DNC for over a year now. The judge ruled against Nelson in his lawsuit against the DNC. He is still angry.

It sounds like a warning.

On Bay News 9 tonight A Democratic spokesperson, Bob Buckhorn, said it was pretty well known Hillary would win here. He said she had "an institutional advantage" in this state.