Candidates emerge to lead Pinellas DEC

The Pinellas County DEC must choose a leader in early December. Party treasurer Mark Hanisee has already announced he plans to run. According to Hanisee, Jack Killingsworth, who just lost the Pinellas SOE race to Deb Clark, and Ramsay McLauchlan also are in the race.

Many Democrats credit current chairwoman Toni Molinaro with vastly improving the local party and making it a more viable political force. But Molinaro lost her precinct seat in the August elections, meaning she's unable to run to keep the chairwoman's post.

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

Comments

I think Mark is hot!

What's happening on the Republican side now that Tony Dimatteo is the state committee person? Will there be an election or will tony just pick his guy to run things like they do in NJ.
Again it looks like the Dems go one step forward and two steps back, and thats why the R's run Pinellas because our Toni is a class act and she would have grown the party if she wasn't under cut by fellow dems.

What happens now?

[Carl Zimmermann]

I know Mark well. He worked hard on my campaign sometimes putting in hours deep into the night - all for free. He is one of the most dedicated, driven people I have ever known and he will do a great job. He has the contacts with lobbyists, unions and others in Tallahassee. He never forgets a name or face and has everyones phone number on him all the time. But, most important, he can raise money better than anyone I've ever seen in this party in this county. Those are the qualities needed to fulfill the primary function of any major party which is to get candidates elected.
Carl Zimmermann

Hanisee has no peers when it comes to raising money. He has already raised more money for the Pinellas County Democratic Party than anyone can remember. Molinaro helped the Party get beyond a deep divide; Hanisee will bring it to a whole new level.

If Mark Hanisee is not elected, we can kiss the money good bye.

Go Mark Hanisee! This individual is definitely the most passionate person I've ever known in politics, He will make a fantastic Chair. Mark thinks outside of the box and he has great instincts. He knows how to handle situations before they even surface. His intelligence combined with his enthusiasm will bring the perfect blend to the party.

[Gordon Chernecky]

This is a critical time for pinellas politics locally and the start of a possible downfall of the Republican party. The reason is that the Dems could be landing a true party leader in Mark Hanisee. He is a true leader with the same ideology of most Americans. He can work well locally to achieve the main goal of winning.

[TRUE BLUE]

The election of Mark will bring us back to the pre-Molinaro days of factions fighting one another instesd of Republicans. If he's such a great fund raiser he should stay as Treasurer where he would be the most help to the party.

No factions. No fighting. All for one and one for all!!!

I see the Republican wing of the party is weighing in...

TRUE BLUE: Hanisee will have a lot easier time raising money as the Party's CEO rather than the Treasurer.

For months, O'Gara and Olsen have been pushing that line - - - "He should stay as Treasurer". Didn't work for them; won't work for you now.

7:59 is right! No Mark; no money!

[Alex Haak]

I have known Mark only a little while, but if almost 50 years of organization live and politics A.O. (1) as Mayor (2) as Police Commissioner and President of 14 organizations mean anything, I can tell you there is no one better for the job then Mark Hanisee. I will do what ever I can do to help him and the Democrats win in Pinellas County, I know we have the people t do it with, this time !!!!!!

[B. S. E.]

It's good to see that Mark's four supporters are posting to the Buzz...I wonder which failed mayoral candidate is going to post next.

Carl - why didn't you mention that your wife is actually the treasurer of the dec, at least she did all of mark's work for him.

Alex - how are things in s pasadena? Was it difficult to run that department of 3 cops?

I'd say put the genie back in the bottle, but it would be fine if mark went back in there too...

Mark = Ed Helm with my money

I see the Republican wing of the party is weighing in...

Could this Be Barry Edwards rearing his ugly head again?

10:50: Yes, this is the type of thing Edwards does. Didn’t the Republicans kick him out of their Party? Isn’t it time we kicked him out of ours? Why would we want Peter Nehr’s Republican consultant in bed with us?

Hanisee is the Ed Helm candidate.

Edwards is the Republican mole.

I've worked with Mark for a number of years, and I've only seen an honest and upfront intensity about him. What you see is what you get. I also know that freeing him up from treasurer would help him go for the belly regarding money. Is that a problem considering what the democrats are up against in Pinellas? Is there another candidate that can match Mark on this front? I don't think so; Ramsey's response was vague at best when I asked him. The other two? C'mon.

Who is Mark Hanisee? Is he that Republican turned Democrat with the long(ish) blonde hair?

I met Mark early in the 08 Primary Season. His knowledge of the district was most impressive. Without reimbursement, he worked long hours obtaining funds for the Gala. His fundraising abilities were enhanced by the easy entrance he had into supporting community leaders. Mark proved without a doubt, it's not who you are, it's who you know. With his impressive knowledge of political, union and community leaders throughout Florida he is clearly the BEST candidate for the CHAIR and highest qualified candidate! If the District does not elect someone of his caliber, it's the Districts Loss!

[paul matton]

Mark will do a great job. He is the money man,and can get is to the next level!!!! He is the money man!!!!
He did a Great job for me this year!!!
THANK YOU Paul

[Frustrated Donkey]

Didn't Mark run for the legislature as a republican maybe 10 years ago? And isnt our former chairman now a member of the pro bush GOP named Puol Hornsleth? Jeeze? we cant get our own democratic leaders from our own party?

If you want to take a look at Ramsay's results, just look at how New Hampshire went from the conservative enclave of New England and swept every statewide elected office.

Now here's the question - has Mark ever run anything related to the Democratic Party? Has he run a state? Has he successfully been elected to anything? Has he done the same thing for two years straight? Does he have a job?

[Tom McKone]

Mark is the only viable candidate for Chair. He brings the local knowledge, contacts, and dollars to the table. Who cares about New Hampshire? What has Ramsay done in Pinellas?