Notice a new tone in the Florida House?
Newly promoted House Majority Leader Adam Hasner of Delray Beach has wasted no time spicing up the press releases coming from the majority office.
After House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber and other Democrats attended property tax signing ceremonies around the state Thursday, Gelber's office released a statement commending Gov. Charlie Crist on the rollback but cautioning the Legislature shouldn't be trusted to protect education funding.
Hasner's office blew a gasket.
"It was amazing to see Democrats standing side by side with Governor Charlie Crist today as the Governor signed into law two Republican-sponsored pieces of legislation which will lead to this state's largest tax cut," read a statement he put out early this afternoon. "It was amazing because these same Democrats fought Republicans every step of the way as we delivered property tax relief for Floridians."
Gelber's own political shop felt obligated to respond a couple hours later.
Here's the letter from Gelber to Hasner:
"Adam:
"I got your note this afternoon. It looks like you are taking a new direction with your role of Majority Leader.
In case you did not get the memo in November, Floridians were clear they wanted to put an end to business as usual in Tallahassee . Governor Crist set a new tone of bipartisanship and challenged this Legislature to work together in putting the needs of everyday Floridians first. Governor Crist got the message and that is why he invited all legislators, including Democrats to stand with him as he signed a historic $15 billion tax cut in property taxes."
. . .
"Adam, you really do a disserve to your party and to Floridians with your constant political sniping. Instead of advancing an agenda of a party, let us work together to advance the people's agenda. I urge you to put an end to your smash-mouth partisan politics and take the Governor's cue and seek a higher ground where the interests of Floridians is more important than the interest of a political party or the ambitions of any individual. I hope you agree that this is the way to build a better and a stronger Florida .
This is the path to the high road. You are always welcome to join me here. "
Warm Regards,
Dan