Former Harris staffer disputes claims

If you didn't see the article earlier, Katherine Harris told the St. Petersburg Times that her staff told her not to visit newspaper editorial boards across the state. (Story is here if you missed it)

But on Tuesday, the day the article ran, Chris Ingram (who recently left Harris' campaign and now works for rival LeRoy Collins) said it was not the staff's fault.

Ingram said he kept asking her if she would do the newspaper interviews after requests started to pile up and papers  began to call repeatedly to ask if she was coming. Harris wouldn't make a decision.

"We raised the question," he said. "We left it to her."

Comments

Would you please stop trying to make Katherine look crazy like Tom Gallagher

http://www.weeklyplanet.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A83829

The real Tom Gallagher
His history is one of wild parties and self-enrichment.
BY JOHN F. SUGG

I have many fond memories of Tom Gallagher, who has held just about every state office except governor. He's now seeking that post as a warm and fuzzy "family values" candidate.

That doesn't really match my memories. For example, in the 1970s, I worked for the Miami Herald, left the paper to work in Atlanta for a couple of years, and then returned to the Herald in 1979. I'd covered Gallagher earlier in the decade -- even liked him as one of two Republican novelty acts in the otherwise solid Democrat Dade delegation.

Shortly after hitting town, I began the ritual of visiting my favorite bars in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. At one tavern, I was surprised when Gallagher came up to me, slapped me on my back and roared how great it was to see me. He had obviously been there for some time, doing what one does at bars.

Gallagher then proceeded to tell me, in great detail, of his recent escapades with women. He'd broken up with his first wife, and his Grove home was party central. Gallagher's stories were disturbing -- not that I'm a prude, God forbid.

After Gallagher made several references to adventures he implied I was knowledgeable about, but which I couldn't possibly have been, I asked: "Tom, who do you think I am?" He replied: "Huh? You're my accountant."

"Uh, no, Tom," I said, sharpening the mental knives for a column, "I'm John Sugg with the Miami Herald, and I'd sure as hell like to hear more about these exploits for the entertainment of our readers." He fled.

A few years later, I was sitting on my sailboat at the Big Game Club in Bimini. I had a wonderful scenic view -- at least until a huge powerboat pulled in next to me. Standing at the rail of the floating beast was none other than Gallagher, flanked by the guys who owned the boat. I knew them well, two powerful Tallahassee lobbyists. I was also intrigued by the rest of the boat's guests -- all female.

But, heck, we've all had our wilder younger days. Cut to the modern day governor's candidate; Gallagher has been polishing his reputation for years, hoping a new wife and 7-year-old kid will dazzle voters and blind them to the past.

But even if Gallagher's morality has kicked up a few notches, there are many other blemishes that should give Floridians real reasons to worry. Here's one:

In 1981, I discovered a remarkable scheme by Gallagher and business associates that would have stuffed money in their pockets while jeopardizing the state pension fund.

This was at a time when the savings and loan industry was just starting to run up on the rocks, a disaster that would culminate a decade later in a massive federal bailout. The thrifts had billions of dollars in low-interest mortgages that they wanted to dump. That would enable them to make new loans at much higher interest rates.

But no one was stupid enough to want the old mortgages, often with interest rates as low as 1 or 2 percent. Gallagher was, at the time, a state legislator plotting his first run for governor. He wanted to do a few favors for folks who could do him a few favors -- such as money-laden bankers.

Gallagher was a member of the state House committee that had oversight of pension programs. A scheme was devised to have the state pension fund purchase as much as $125 million in the unprofitable mortgages from state thrifts.

There are two cardinal rules for government pension funds: Don't make decisions based on politics, and don't make investments that can never be anything but losers. Gallagher's plan violated both of those rules.

It gets worse. Gallagher earned his living as a vice president of Ticor Mortgage Insurance. Can you guess which company planned to insure the mortgage scheme? You got it: Ticor. Gallagher's company would have pocketed an amount that was never disclosed -- but certainly was many tens of thousands of dollars.

Articles I wrote about the proposed deal for the South Florida Business Journal resulted in the state balking. None of the top officials, including then-Gov. Bob Graham, had been aware of Gallagher's involvement through Ticor or the high risk and almost certain loss the state pension fund faced.

In January 1982, the deal collapsed. The pensions of state employees were protected. Gallagher denied any conflict of interest and groused that the plan was deep-sixed by Graham. "I have a strong feeling the governor is not interested in helping me out," Gallagher said at the time.

No, Graham was interested in protecting Floridians. Gallagher was obsessed with enriching himself.

Which is a good reason for Florida to reject Gallagher's gubernatorial ambitions -- as the state has three times previously.

[formerKHstaffer]

I have been vindicated! Thank you Chris (though it makes no sense to us to jump from one sinking ship to another, but hey, it's your career). Every wave of staff that went through our senate campaign all discussed with her the need to answer key questionaires including those from newspapers (and other groups) and to confirm KH's attendance at ALL the editorial boards. KH refused to do them and became even more beligerent and mean over the summer when you told her a decision must be made.

Many of the questionaires we received were asking tough questions on her positions on various issues. Though staff gave KH suggestions for answers, she did not want to make any decisions (rather, she was concentrating on which pictures to choose to have placed on her website). But mostly, KH did not have a grasp of the issues. As for the editorial boards, she was scared out of her mind to go see any of them. Because the same questions asked on the questionaires that had been sent in would likely be asked in the editorial board interviews. If KH couldn't answer them on a couple pieces of paper, how in the hell was she going to answer them in person?

KH doesn't understand the issues; doesn't understand what is occuring in our country and around the world; doesn't take a position and passionately defend it; doesn't trust anyone on her current (or former) staff in helping her make decisions; doesn't have the ability to make decisions when presented with clear choices; doesn't have anyone left on her campaign with the experience or knowledge to get her campaign moving.

KH caused all of this. NO ONE else but her. But she blames everyone but herself. Look in the mirror woman! Yes, that person with all the make-up on. You did this to yourself. STOP BLAMING STAFF! Your terrible and abusive behavior you have caused you to lose your staff, friends and supporters. Think about it: NO ONE has ever had the staff turnover she has had in a campaign (and in her congressional office). You need to make changes in your life, though it will probably never happen because 50-year old women are usually set in their ways.

Bye bye.

[Irish Heather]

You are a funny guy formerKHstafffer!(are u a guy or gal?).

My friend said that Ms. Harris is still flipping out over a possible recording of her cussing and screaming. This tape recording has completely caused her to shut down and she is canceling appearances and meetings and is focusing on nothing but the recording (and this blog). Ms. Harris is yelling at staff saying "if a recording is released I will use all my power and spend the rest of my life and money destroying that person." If she is going crazy over a stupid recording or this blog (that only 5 people read) how is she going to act when she has to make difficult decisions in the Senate?

"I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too!"
Wicked Witch
The Wizard of Oz
(1939)

Adam: Please remove the second comment. It's the long, long Sugg story about Gallagher and has nothing to do with Harris.

Thank you

The CC boys are so desperate to get their story out they post these long things nobody reads on just about every thread the Buzz opens up.
Get with it CC. People don't read it, they are just inconvenienced by having to scroll down.

What is wrong with you people?????? Congresswoman Harris isn't "flipping out" or missing appearances because of a recording that DOES NOT EXIST or because of this mean-spirited blog or this ultra-liberal newspaper. Her schedule is packed each and every minute with important meetings and calls. She cannot do it all, so some things must get dropped from her schedule.

Now stop with all this crud. The bloggers on here must be supporters of the liberal Bill Nelson because everyone knows Congresswoman Harris is the ONLY person capable to beat him. You all should be ashamed at picking on a woman that has worked extremely hard for the people of Florida and our great country!

[Irish Heather]

OMG!

"8:41AM" must be a joke.

[formerKHstaffer]

No Irish, "8:41AM" is our girl, KH. How do I know you ask? I have a file of her old emails that she sent me and when she gets angry, she uses the multiple questions marks: ??????

Isn't that right KH?????? Anyone and everyone that has worked on her senate campaign can attest to the fact that this is true. Ask our boy Chris Ingram, he probably received more than anyone (but less than Jim Dornan).

KH, please, for the love of puppies and orphans, stop wasting time on this blog and trying to spin everyone. Everyone in SRQ knows you are mean and nasty; everyone in Tallahasse knows you are mean and nasty; and everyone in Washington, DC knows you are mean and nasty. When the tape recording does become public (and yes KH, the recording DOES EXIST), it will prove what everyone who has left your campaign has been saying for a year now: YOU ARE MEAN AND NASTY.

Take responsibility for your treatment of others. Take responsibility for your inability to make decisions. Take responsibility for dropping the ball on not going to editorial boards. STOP BLAMING STAFF for your woes.

KH should crawl back under the horse turd she was found under

[gatorted]

chris was on al franken's air america program yesterday, 8.15.06. guess anyone interested can listen on the net.
kookie-kaite!!
lying-kookie-katie!!
lying-still-holding-a-federal-office-kookie-katie!!

[Another Former Staffer]

That is obviously Katherine! I used to make fundraising calls with her and all she did ALL day was google herself to see what new pictures were posted and check the blogs.

Katherine, please do some actual work while you are in office for a few more months because you will NEVER be elected again!

[Dr . Channard]

Hey 8:41
You're spewing typical KH supporter talking points of delusion .We're not buying it .
The fanatical KH supporters are doing more to chase possible supporters away than Nelson ever could .
I'm not sure who's scarier , the KH supporters or the TG supporters ... oh wait, I think they're the same !

Go McBride ! Go Crist !

[Irish Heather]

News Update from within the campaign:
Kooky Katherine will have 3 paid people left on staff after the Primary.

3!!!!!! (formerKHstaffer, does she use exclamation points to0?).

[hcb]

I wrote info@electharris.org to ask about it's status and to suggest it would be a good place to keep people informed about what's up in the campaign. As a result, I got an email announcing a "fly-in" in Orlando tomorrow (17th) But I still know nothing else. Is there a place to check where all these other events are taking place? Will she be in Pinellas County any time? Talking on the radio or tv? Debating? Anything?

Thanks

[GulfportRep]

Ask Irish Heather. Her friend can tell you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[finallyregainedmysanity]

Yes, 841am is Katherine and that is very typical of her not wanting to take responsibility for her words. I do believe the recording exists and it's unbelievable. She is screaming at a number of different staffers, especially Jim Dornan, as she is on her way to a campaign event in Tampa. It is a complete meltdown by Harris.

[formerKHstaffer]

Once again, KH is in the Tampa Tribune today stating she would not comment for the article by William March. Brilliant decision! Run run away from the press. Adam Goodman is clearly not around to guide her because this would not happen. Who IS with her here in SRQ giving her advice?

KH is clearly in hiding and is scared about debating, scared about the tape recording getting released, scared about another story coming out about more eminent staff turnover, scared about the b.s. on the blogs, scared about being indicted, scared about having to wear Tang-colored orange jumpsuits....

Besides worrying about being indicted and convicted, Harris needs to worry about all the people she was "cozy" with in an un-Christian way.

[Lurker]

I love this blog.

[Irish Heather]

me too Lurker!!!!!!!!!!

I should be working and or studying and I just keep reading this blog on a regular basis. It is like driving by a car wreck.

formerKHstaffer - don't act as if it was any better before. Her campaign has never handled the media well. Remember the glory days? From the beginning with her stupid "non-announcement" in 2004 to the Fox "profile" debacle to the time when she was run off the school property. It's been one misstep after another from day one.

[KH Forever]

As a public service -- not that any of YOU would understand what that is - I'm reposting this from a currently deserted thread.

Regarding the tape: I would strongly advise you idolatrous Harris-deserters to research Florida law on recording people without their consent or knowledge. As someone unfortunate enough to reside in a state whose ground has not been blessed by the touch of Katherine's feet, I am not familiar with your courts' interpretation of Chapter 934 of Florida's statutes, available at http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0934/ch0934.htm and specifically 934.03 (with reference to 934.02, Definitions), but it would be typical of you egotistical detail-ignoring screw-ups to release this so-called "tape" (if it DID exist, which it does NOT NOT NOT!!!) without even bothering to get sound legal advice.

Of course, anyone traitorous enough to spurn the one Woman who single-handedly saved Western civilization from the howling chaos of an Al Gore administration probably wouldn't have the common sense to edit such a tape so as to replace everything except Katherine's voice with silence, let alone anonymously publish a transcript on some blog after considering whether they could somehow be personally identified by the very existence of such a tape, whether due to the limited number of people present or some other factor.

No, you Benedict Arnolds are too lazy and narrow-minded to think about the consequences, just as you ignored the career-crushing consequences of abandoning a Senate campaign at the very moment it was taking flight, and you can now only watch it soar as you twist and writhe on the ground like the worms you are. Writhe, little worms, because Katherine Harris is an early bird, and when the early bird meets the worm, defeatist worms like you will always be the ones pecked, and Katherine Harris will always be a pecker.

[hmmm...]

2:12-how do you know this stuff?

[honestabe]

KH will try to spend all she has to "ruin" this person but in reality why is a 50 year old woman trying to "ruin" people if she is trying to get elected into the US Senate to try to BETTER our system? Is this someone we want out there passing legislation? Thats my question people!

[omg wow]

Representative: I mean KH Forever...please stop coming on the blogs (get back to raising money) and realize you are a worthless scum bucket of a human. You had one of your lackey staffers go and look up that statute. Worms? Birds? Benedict Arnolds? I mean...COME ON KATHERINE...are you kidding me? We ALL KNOW ITS YOU! This is so reminiscent of your late night delusional emails you would send at 2am to "keep our spirits high"

Hey, anyone hear MJ in the morning show today in the Tampa bay area? they talked about KH and someone called in and told some funny stories about what KH said about former staffers. HILARIOUS! everyone knows she is a KOOK!

[KH Forever]

omg wow --

You're calling ME delusional???? YOU'RE the delusional one!!! People like you don't even understand basic concepts like loyalty or hard work or paying attention to details!!! Oh, and here's something else you don't understand:

http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:hctj_gtcFVkJ:www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/alabaster/A700958+%22is+wasted+on+the+stupid%22+h2g2&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2

I'm sorry I had to break it to you like this. I really am. And I'm not angry at you, I'm just disappointed.

Katherine, you're a riot. I truly hope you get the help you need. It's moving from comical to sad.

Katherine, you're a riot. I truly hope you get the help you need. It's moving from comical to sad. And yes, you truly are a pecker.

[formerKHstaffer]

I honestly believe KH Forever is the funniest comic ever. There is no way it is serious. That is what makes it so damn funny.

No the other, no-name entry, IS katherine.

[NewsFlash]

NEWS FLASH BREAKING NEWS FROM THE HARRIS KOOL-AIDE DRINKING PRESS DEPT.

Press Release
Contact: Jennifer "no credibility" Marks

Harris Makes Very, Very, Very, Believable, and Very, Very, Very Good Points As To Why She Missed The Meeting.

(Somewhere in Florida -- or so Katherine told me) -- The Katherine Harris for U.S. Senate campaign today said the candidate missed the Hillsborough REC meeting because of Bill Gates.

"Bill Gates is a spoiled little brat who was born with a silver-spoon in his a** -- er, uh, mouth. His program, Microsoft Outlook is flawed. I told him when he loaded it on my computer and he just smiled that toothy grin of his. He should consider getting braces, and he's so skinny he makes Olive-oil look like Jabba the Hut," Harris said.

"These outrageous attacks on my computer will not be tolerated. I will fire anyone who puts malicious viruses on my office program, Lotus Notes. These unethical lapses will not be tolerated until people quit. Then I will blame them relentlessly without acutally naming them," Harris added.

"My new team of dedicated morons --er, I mean Mormons, yes, that's what I mean. They are very religious. I mean VERY religious. They make my Spiritual Advisor Dr. Dale Burroughs look like, well, a normal person," Harris added.

"I know Al Gore did not invent the Internet, because I did. Oh, and just because there was only one idiot at the entire meeting wearing one of my stickers, doesn't mean I am going to lose," Harris concluded.

###
Media reports later noted that Bill Gates was not born rich, that Harris doesn't know how to operate Outlook -- much less Lotus Notes, and that neither she nor Al Gore invented the internet. Accounts also questioned Harris as to whether she has EVER fired anyone. After promising to check on that for five days, she failed to produce the name of a single person she ever fired (not even Eddie!). The media basically agreed that her current staff are morons and that a fish rots from the head down so it's Harris' own damned fault.

newsflash-that is priceless.

ding dong the witch is dead!