FORT LAUDERDALE – Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman issued the following statement today following the announcement by Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Jim Davis that he had chosen State Sen. Col. Daryl Jones as his running mate:
“This is a momentous day for Florida. Daryl Jones is the first Black nominee for Lt. Governor in the history of this state.
“This choice reflects Jim Davis’ willingness to break with the status quo that’s had a grip on Tallahassee for some time now.
“I served with Daryl Jones in the State Senate, and he proved himself to be a formidable and conscientious legislator.
“Like Jim Davis, Daryl Jones is an independent leader and an accomplished public servant. He’ll make Florida proud as Lt.
Governor.
“Whether it’s overcrowding at your local school or an insurance bill that tripled in a year’s time, Jim Davis and Daryl Jones understand the problems facing Floridians.
“The Davis-Jones ticket puts Floridians first. Nobody will fight harder for the working families of Florida.”
Senator Daryl Jones was an active duty jet fighter pilot, Mission Commander and Flight Leader in the United States Air Force. Since then, Jones has attained the rank of Colonel in the Air Force Reserve flying the high-powered F-16 fighter. He was elected to the Florida House in 1990. Two years later, he was elected to the Florida Senate, where he served as Democratic Senate President Designate, Chair or Vice-Chair of six different committees, and Chair of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators.
Today, Davis and Jones will travel to Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa to talk about improving Florida’s public schools, addressing skyrocketing property insurance rates, managing our growth and strengthening the state’s economy. Tomorrow, they will make stops in Tallahassee, Jacksonville before finishing in Miami at an event with former US Senator John Edwards.
