Andrew Gillum learns to carry Florida Democratic Party's future and his own baggage
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- It’s opening night at the Florida Democratic Party’s summer conference at Disney World and Andrew Gillum looks as if he might really be in the happiest place on earth.
The crowds are thinning and last call has come and gone, but the state party’s biggest star has stuck around to smile for group photos in the halls of the Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center and laugh with friends out on a terrace. A camera crew follows him around, capturing footage to feed his trademark hype videos.
June has not been an especially kind month to the former Tallahassee mayor. Exactly two years ago, his campaign for governor went into a temporary tailspin after news emerged that the FBI was investigating public corruption at City Hall, and he’s spent the last two weeks answering questions about a newly issued federal grand jury subpoena seeking information on his 2018 campaign.
But if there was any anxiety in Orlando from Gillum or among the grassroots, it was buried deep beneath the surface. Gillum, exhibiting his typical exuberance, hugged and schmoozed his way into a small ballroom for a personal reception to rally the troops — and clear the air.
Read more: https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article230998333.html
