This is gonna be a fun show! Why? Cause some of our favorite friends are coming to see us on Sunday! Tom and Nate are not only good firends of the show but their are politicians who are serious about bringing some real progress to Florida. Tom is even a SUncoast NORML member!

Tom Keen is a decorated 21-year military veteran, a former Naval Flight Officer, and successful businessman in the high-tech aerospace training and simulation industry.

Tom’s commitment to public service continued long after serving our country. He has been active in several veteran-service organizations and has served on both the City of Orlando Citizens’ Police Review Board and the Mayor’s Veteran Advisory Council. He has also participated in both Leadership Orlando and the Mayor’s City Academy.

Tom’s technical oversight and budgeting experience make him qualified to effectively serve and uplift our communities for all residents, well into the future. Tom has been married to Laura Keen for 32 years. They have two grown children and live in the Laureate Park neighborhood of Lake Nona.

Nate Douglas is an educator, policy researcher, and the youngest elected official in Orange County history. Raised by hard-working first generation immigrants during the Great Recession, Nate saw his mother – a teacher of 25 years – take on a part time job at a theme park, and his father – a landscaper – open up a small business just to make ends meet. Nate entered politics with a vow to protect working-class families like his own from the same corporate greed that caused the Great Recession. He advocates for homeowners and renters against exploitative practices, champions bodily autonomy under a regressive state government, and fights to protect our environment from the influence of big developers and fossil fuel industries.

It's Libertarian day in the Rotation!

Joe Hannoush lived in Florida nearly all his life. He has been a limited government, Libertarian activist for several years, this being his 4th year as a Libertarian candidate (2018, 2020, 2024 Florida State House. 2022 US House).

Matt Johnson is a principled libertarian, small business owner, and candidate for Florida State House District 29. With a background rooted in personal responsibility, individual liberty, and free-market solutions, Matt is passionate about reducing government overreach in healthcare, education, and economic policy. He is a staunch advocate for protecting the rights of individuals to live free from burdensome regulations, defending Second Amendment rights, and ensuring election integrity. As the owner of On Target Digital, a digital marketing agency in DeLand, Matt understands the challenges local businesses face and is committed to creating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive without excessive government interference. His legislative priorities include criminal justice reform, protecting parental rights in education, and fostering a government that operates within its means. Matt believes in empowering individuals over bureaucracies and is running to bring true, limited government principles to the Florida House.

This week, on our Fred Polk winning podcast segment- “The Rotation Better Know a candidate”:

This Sunday, 9/15/2024,second first presidential debate has happened it there is so much more to decide on before we go to the polls or send out that mail-in or early vote. So we watch as the federal,state and local campaigns continue with ramming speed along with discussions of ballot initiatives.

So join us as we jump with both feet into The Rotation with two blue candidates running in red counties. And just like those ballot initiatives, they will need bipartisan votes to win. How will they do it? Can they do it?

Keith Matthews is a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. He is a Democrat running for state house district 18, which is in St Johns county, Florida. Keith proudly raised 3 now adult children in St Johns County public schools, is the son of a public school teacher, and a firm believer in supporting a women’s right to choose, excepting Medicaid expansion in the state, that Marijuana should be legalized in the same vein as alcohol, and our state parks need to be protected.

Karl Cieslak is the Democratic nominee for Florida House District 54. With nearly two decades of experience in hospitality and human resources, Karl has dedicated his career to serving his community and advocating for meaningful change. As a proud gay man and first-time candidate, Karl’s campaign focuses on lowering insurance premiums, supporting quality education, and fighting for women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights. He is passionate about creating a Florida where everyone has the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe. Karl believes in the power of grassroots movements and is committed to bringing common-sense reforms to the state legislature.

Raised in Miami, and long time resident of Key Biscayne (1975), has filed to run for House of Representative District 113.

Jackie has lived in worked in Miami for most of her life. She has also with her husband raised three children all attending the same public schools she did growing up. She loves Art, sports, especially soccer, Nature, snorkeling, hiking, native plants, birding, beach combing.

She believes a stronger voice in Tallahassee is needed regarding:

Education (advocacy for public schools, accountability for charter schools, and access for all families who pursue school vouchers, not just parochial.

Healthcare (pro-Amendment 4/Reproductive Freedom, access to affordable healthcare through ACA and expanding Medicare for ALL. Finding solutions for the homeless epidemic in Miami-Dade, the majority of which are teens aged out of foster care, veterans*, and the elderly.

Environment: Stop the green washing. Supporting comprehensive policies to combat climate change, fund coral reef restoration projects, promote renewable energy, support composting, and reduce carbon emissions. Protect residents from extreme heat and harmful effects of sun exposure. Ensure that marginalized communities are protected from environmental hazards and have equal and equitable access to Nature.

Gun Control Common-Sense Laws: Advocating for universal background checks, banning assault weapons, and implementing measures to prevent gun violence.

Let's talk cannabis legalization with this candidate for Florida State House District 113

*Her father, a Navy veteran, lives in assisted living in Key West, because Miami-Dade is unaffordable.

Friend of the show and running for Florida State Rep in Tampa’s HD65, Ashley Brundage will be joining us this Sunday! She won the primaries and might just be on the fast track to changing Florida politics for the better. Let's talk legalization with Ashley this Sunday, September 1st!

Ashley T Brundage is a distinguished community leader, award-winning author, professional development and leadership educator, and candidate for Florida House District 65. Having navigated personal challenges such as discrimination and homelessness, she began her career as a part-time bank teller and rapidly ascended to the role of National Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion at PNC Bank within just five years. Her extraordinary rise is detailed in her award-winning book and online course, "Empowering Differences," which outlines her method

for leveraging diversity as a pathway to empowerment. Ashley's extensive background also includes significant contributions to advocacy and community engagement. She has served as a consultant to the White House and received accolades from the Governor DeSantis of Florida, reflecting her broad influence on policy and social issues. As the founder and president of Empowering Differences, Ashley has devoted herself to promoting inclusive professional environments through meticulously designed development sessions, which aim to enhance the representation and success of diverse employee groups. Throughout her journey, Ashley has been a prominent voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Her work includes volunteer leadership roles with several organizations, including the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Equality Florida, and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. She also held a national board position with GLAAD, helping to steer media advocacy to accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals. In recognition of her profound impact, Ashley has been honored with numerous awards, including the Community Spirit Award from the Florida Commission on Status of Women and by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) Women in Leadership Institute's Executive Impact Award in 2021. Her advocacy extends beyond professional realms as she frequently speaks on topics related to workplace equality, leadership, and change management. Ashley is running for the Florida House, aiming to bring her vision of inclusivity and fairess to Tallahassee. She is committed to protecting reproductive rights, addressing the property insurance crisis, and empowering small businesses throughout Florida. Inspired by her two teenage sons, Bryce and Blake, Ashley is driven to create a Florida where every person has the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe.

Jump into the Rotation this Sunday, Sep 1st, at 11:00 EDT!!!

Andrew Warren, a former federal prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice, is the duly-elected State Attorney in Tampa, Florida. In August of 2022 during his second term, Warren was unlawfully suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis for speaking out against laws criminalizing abortion and discriminating against transgender Americans. In January of 2023, a federal court found that the suspension violated the U.S. and Florida Constitutions but said it lacked the jurisdiction to reinstate him. Warren appealed the decision, and on January 10, 2024, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in his favor—affirming the Governor’s violations of federal law, and holding that the district court indeed has the authority to reinstate him.

Join us at 11am this Sunday, August 25th when we talk legalization with this Florida State Attorney legend!

This week we are honored to have a well respected and influential state senator who is making tsunami-height waves in the political conversation surrounding Amendment 3 and all its peripheral issues and positive and negative.

We jump with both feet into The Rotation and welcome Florida State Senator Joe Gruters of Sarasota’s SD22!

Joe is a fourth generation Sarasotan and descendent of Ringling Circus chief tentmaker William Hobson, his great grandfather who moved the family to Sarasota in 1922. A 1996 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, Joe is also a graduate of both Florida State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and the University of South Florida, where he earned his MBA.

Joe is a partner at Robinson Gruters and Roberts, a CPA firm with offices in Sarasota County.

For the last 25 years, Joe has been working at the grassroots level as both a Republican Party activist and leader. He served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota for 14 years, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida for 4 years where he was undefeated in state wide elections and served as member of the Republican National Committee for 4 years where he served as Chairman of the Election Integrity committee. Joe served as the Trump Campaign Chairman for Florida during the 2016 and 2020 campaign cycles.

Joe has also served as a member of the Electoral College representing Florida during the 2016 and 2020 elections and was the co chairman of the 2016 Republican National Committees platform committee on Restoring the American Dream and the 2024 Republican National Convention Credentials Committee Chairman.

Joe currently serves as a State Senator representing Sarasota and Manatee Counties. He serves as the Florida Senate Regulated Industries Chairman.

Joe is an active member of the Sarasota County community and local government. He has served as Chairman of the Sarasota County Planning Commission, on the Board of Directors for the Florida Sports Foundation, as Treasurer for the Sarasota Humane Society and as a Governor Rick Scott Appointee to the Board of Trustees for Florida State University, where he was Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee and Presidential Compensation Committee. Joe currently serves on the University of South Florida Community Leadership Counsel at the Sarasota Campus.

Join Suncoast NORML, Florida Cannabis Action Network, Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana, and the Medical Marijuana and Wellness Series for a virtual townhall exploring the facts of Amendment 3 and what it will and won't do for cannabis consumers in Florida.

This week we continue our nationally famous feature -

“The Rotation Better Knows a Candidate”

As the state primary is just weeks away and the federal and state campaigns are in full swing, we jump, medicine in hand, with both feet into The Rotation with three unique and diverse candidates for federal and state office!

First up, going against Rick Scott in the general and a bunch of primary opponents, Cong. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell!

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is a proud mother and Floridian running to be Florida’s next U.S. Senator. Debbie got her start working her way from a minimum wage job at a donut shop to serving as the first South American immigrant in Congress. Since then, she has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in transit investments and Everglades restoration funds to Florida, written the bill to expand Medicare, and fought to protect Floridians’ freedoms. Debbie and her husband Robert live in Miami and have three children.

Next- and independent running for State Rep in the Plant City area - Tyrell Hicks!

Tyrell Hicks grew up with his family right here in Central Florida. As a young man he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Deploying all around the globe, Tyrell learned firsthand the importance of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. When he retired, there was no question he would return home to Florida.

Now Tyrell lives in Plant City with his wife and their three children. The poor state of our schools inspired him to investigate how things had gotten so bad. Education was just one of many areas where Florida has fallen behind. Everywhere we find failures in our state, the same cause lies underneath: political showmanship from unresponsive representatives in Tallahassee, resorting to excuses or finger-pointing to avoid accountability for their ineffectiveness. Tyrell is committed to a fresh approach: representatives who own their actions, champion the community, and defend our fundamental liberties.

Our Third guest has a heck of a resume. Seeking a Florida State Rep job in Tampa’s HD65 is a champion for DEI(which is a good thing, by the way), Ashley Brundage!

Yen Bailey: A Tallahassee-based attorney and Florida State University Law School graduate, is poised to become the Democratic nominee challenging Republican incumbent Congressman Neal Dunn. The district, which spans from Walton County to Madison County, includes her longtime hometown of Tallahassee.

Yen's career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to public service. She served as a Senior Attorney for the Guardian ad Litem Program and dedicated over 13 years as an Assistant Ethics Counsel at The Florida Bar. Yen stepped away from the Bar to care for her elderly father. Demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement, she co-founded Every Vote Florida, a nonprofit voter outreach organization, where she also serves as Vice President. Additionally, she was a board member of Friends of the LeRoy Collins Public Library System, a nonprofit that promotes literacy and supports Leon County’s seven public libraries. Yen is married to Steve Bailey, a lawyer and professor at Florida State University, as well as a former Army Green Beret. Together, they have two teenage sons.

Bailey is motivated to run for office because she believes the current leadership has failed to address the needs and challenges of the average Floridian in the panhandle. “Many in our district have been neglected and left behind by their leaders. I want to work to improve the lives of all Floridians in our community,” Bailey stated. “While I have not previously worked in the political arena, I have always worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help others. Neal Dunn, during his tenure, has not shown that he listens to the average constituent in North Florida. I intend to change that. Our community deserves to feel heard and to have a true voice in Washington, D.C. I will be that voice.”

Leon County Democratic Party Chair Ryan Ray has expressed his strong support for Bailey. “Yen represents North Florida’s Democratic values and will bring much-needed balance to the civic conversation as a member of Congress,” Ray said. “She possesses the credentials, legal expertise, and moral courage needed in the United States House of Representatives to advocate for North Florida’s values and to oppose the radical MAGA values endorsed by Donald Trump’s congressional enablers.”

With her extensive background in public service and her dedication to the community, Yen Bailey presents a formidable challenge to the incumbent and offers a fresh perspective for District 2.

Therese Wakefield-Gamble: Is running for Florida State House District 14 to be a new voice and advocate for our community. Driven by a commitment to equity, justice, and unity, she has experienced firsthand the importance of strong, compassionate leadership. As the granddaughter of a black farmer and daughter of a longshoreman union worker with 40 years in the International Longshoreman's Association Local #1408, and the wife of a union worker of 35 years who served with the International Longshoreman's Association Local #1408 and the State of Florida for 12 years before retiring due to disability, she was raised with faith-based principles and a strong work ethic. A third-generation preacher's daughter, mother of two married sons, and grandmother of three. Her professional journey includes being a serial entrepreneur and pursuing a dual doctoral degree in Educational Leadership despite undergoing three brain surgeries, which has equipped me with resilience and determination. She aims to address healthcare reform, education equity, environmental issues, and economic development in our district. Believing in Medicaid expansion to ensure affordable healthcare for all, equitable school funding, and the integration of innovative technologies for environmental sustainability she is running a grassroots campaign focused on community conversations, advocating for underrepresented voices, and fostering a stronger, more connected community.