[Jodi's] stated support of Second Amendment, self-defense and anti-crime issues have earned [her] our endorsements and the following ratings by our organizations:

Marion P. Hammer
NRA Past President
Executive Director Unified Sportsmen of Florida

The 2010 legislative session led by an overwhelming Republican Majority had something to offend most everyone. Finding the most outrageous of their attempts to undermine the hard working people of Florida is a challenge. The Legislature sought to punish teachers, attack state pension plans, attempted to intrude on the relationship between a woman and her health care provider, raided trust funds all the while chipping away at public education. When Democrats in Tallahassee offered amendments to lessen the impact on the most vulnerable Floridians they were routinely voted down. With only 44 members in the Florida House (120 members) and only 13 in a Senate with 40 members Democrats are forced to be a vocal minority.

Among the most extreme examples of lawmakers circumventing the will of the people was the proposed Constitutional amendment # 7. Volunteers for Fair Districts collected hundreds of thousands of signatures to clarify the way legislative boundaries are drawn. Proposed Amendments 5 and 6 deal with the practice of law makers hand picking voters rather than voters picking their law makers. The Florida Democrats can begin to block amendments by picking up just five more Democratic seats this November 2. A Tallahassee Judge has removed the amendment from the ballot, but the 11th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals is scheduled to take it up when they return in August.

Public education is still the whipping boy of the Republican Party. Senate Bill 6 and its companion in the House continued to rob teachers of pay incentives and prove that law makers have no respect for those who are serving our students. All isn't lost though, the 2010-2011 budget does increase per pupil spending. Don't get too excited, the $1.22 increase per pupil isn't going to move us up the ranks when compared toother states.

If you think the target isn't public education just ask yourself why law makers voted to exempt charter schools from the class size amendment; but voted not to allow individuals and small business to get the same tax incentives when donating to public school they get when donating to private schools. The flagrant disregard for the people who call Florida home is matched only by the arrogance of this Republican legislature, but for Floridians who are suffering economically it is the missed opportunities to build a stronger, greener, sustainable workforce that is really hitting home.

If you think Florida can survive without your getting involved, think again. Whether your issue is education, women's reproductive rights, healthcare or civil liberties this Republican led legislature is already voting against you.
Jodi James

South Brevard Democratic Women's Club was instrumental in the Luau fundraiser for Jodi James hosted by my daughter Patty Farley and my granddaughter Kelly Crutcher at my home. Many of our members helped with contributing food. Thank you Gerri Kapushy, Doris Baldwin, Milly Krause, LaToya Reynolds, Artney Turner, Frances Speegle and Lee Abdullah for your help. We really did a good job making a showing support for Jodi. The decorations and food were grand. What luau is complete without a fire dancer? Special thanks to Anthony Darmana of the Melbourne Drum Tribe for the fire dance finale
Madeline Farley

Circuit Court Judge James Shelfer has thrown out Amendment 7. Sponsored by Sen. Mike Haridopolous, this amendment would have given state lawmakers more influence in the drawing of legislative districts.

The proposal is one of three amendments on the November ballot. The other two, 5 and 6, were placed on the ballot by voter initiative with the intent of removing much of the Florida Legislature's influence on drawing legislative districts.

The judge says it took him three days to understand the purported meaning of Amendment 7, and he didn't think that an average voter would be able to grasp its meaning in the short time that they will be in the voting booth.

Opponents of the measure, including Governor Christ and the NAACP, argued that it would nullify the anti-gerrymandering measures and give the Legislature excessive discretion in the redrawing of Florida's districts, mandated every ten years by the Florida Constitution.

BP has established a volunteer program and set up a toll-free number for those interested in volunteering. For information on assisting with the response efforts, please contact BP's community information line at (866) 448-5816. When calling, interested parties should communicate what they are volunteering for what areas they are available to work in. In addition, potential volunteers may call this line to learn about the training that is required to work in oil spill clean-up operations.

Those wishing to submit alternative response technology, services or products, contact (281) 366-5511. For information on the vessels of opportunity (boats) program, call (866) 279-7983.

With flags and a banner, the Jodi James Campaign helped celebrate Independence Day in Melbourne.

Volunteers for the campaign passed hundreds of flyers to a receptive crowd.