FLORIDA!!! We have a go!!! I'm challenging Bill Nelson!

[Dr.Phool]

I just spent several hours with my wife talking about the implications of a statewide campaign. She gave me her blessing.

I now announce my candidacy to run against Bill Nelson for the U.S. Senate seat he now occupies.

I have a lot of baggage, and a whole closet full of skeletons. But, I have alot of campaign experience, and I promise I'll fight for the working person, 'til my last breath.

OUR INITIAL CAMPAIGN SLOGAN FOR TOMORROWS PRESS CONFERENCE:

I need health insurance. SO DO YOU!


This is an unpaid political advertisemet for Rick Chapman for Senate.
But, it is approved by me, the poster.

I love everybody at DU, and I thank you for all of your messages of support. I'll be contacting you soon.

Rick

[niyad]

1. I'd vote for you if I lived in that benighted stated (WHY isn't it cut off

and floated into the bermuda triangle where it belongs/??????)

[Pacifist Patriot]

98. Hey now! Some of us love our state even if we detest many

of the politicians.

[Ksec]

2. Now Thats what Im talkin about!

[bleever]

3. Go Rick!

The very best of wishes, from one among many whose hopes you embody.

:thumbsup:

[More Than A Feeling]

4. Let me be among the first to congratulate you

Sadly, I am from Illinois, and I won't be in the Florida area to volunteer for you (though it would be an honor). Still, whatever I can do, just ask, because I want to primary the entire Alito 19. If you can push Bill Nelson to the left at all, it will be worth it, IMHO.

Can I ask about your previous campaign experience, and what that was like?

[budkin]

5. More power to you!

That rules. DEFEAT HIS DINO ASS!

[katsy]

6. Okay Rick...

Need flyers and design?

I'm in.

Email when you need promotional material!

And get a poster in my shop window!

[FloridaPat]

7. Yipee! A real Democrat. Best of luck. I will be in contract.

[EC]

8. I'll tell all my Florida friends.. n/t

[EFerrari]

9. Go get 'em!

:applause::applause::applause:

[Radio_Lady]

Hi Rick. Just a timeline request here. I assume there will be a

primary election for Democrats. When will that be -- what month?

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Oregon

[Dr.Phool]

12. Primary is in August.

[Radio_Lady]

20. August. I was afraid you'd say that. We have to come down in a

cool, (almost) hurricane free month. Perhaps we can help if you're still in the race in mid to late October, just before the election -- would that be Tuesday, November 7, 2006?

Anyway, good luck! I hope you win hands down!

In peace,

Radio_Lady

[patrioticliberal]

88. Totally in support n/t

[Freddie Stubbs]

114. Actually, the primary is September 5

The filing deadline is May 12.

[kevinbgoode]

56. Ohh...it's in August?

Well...I happen to have a couple of weeks off in May, right after the semester grades are turned in.....now I'm awful at knocking on doors (I'm middleaged so i'm nearing that cranky stage of becoming too impatient with people) but I'll do stuff in an office. . .and have two journalism degrees. . .

[tsuki]

10. Hit instamessage. I shall be waiting. I cannot wait to tell Nelson.

[never_get_over_it]

11. OK - Are you serious

because I am in FL and I told Mr Nelson's staffer after his vote that I will no longer call him Senator nor would I vote for him in November even if it meant that the bitch Kathrine Harris was elected because there is NO DIFFERENCE.

[Dr.Phool]

19. I am serious

I'm filing the paperwork tomorrow. I know Bill, and I told his Chief- of-Staff last week, that if he didn't support a filibuster, I was going to file!

[Robeysays]

120. i'll design posters, letterheads, signs and anything else you want...

for free, i have a graphic design company for posters, album art and what ever. that goes for the rest of you who are running for office somewhere. want posters and everything designed for free? usually it's for musicians but i'm pretty good. email me.

[Freddie Stubbs]

128. Did you file the paperwork yesterday?

[ewagner]

13. Way to go Rick!

PM me for FREE campaign help...brochure design...tv ads...radio ads etc

I was raised in Florida and grew up politically in Florida....

It's meager, I know, but I'll help any way I can.

e

[ClayZ]

14. May you always have TRUTH at your side!

[shraby]

15. You go get em tiger!!!

[AmBlue]

16. Fly told me you were gonna do this...

I'm in Florida and I'm telling everyone I know.

RUN, RICK, RUN!!! :patriot:

[lala_rawraw]

17. You have an interview date with me then!!!!

[FreedomAngel82]

18. Good luck!

[papau]

21. Sounds great! :-)

:-)

[RazzleDazzle]

22. I also rather liked what you said in your first post --

maybe 2 different things. One was about him not working for us (pls. look up your original language if you don't remember it) and the other was about needing a DEMOCRAT in office.

But I like the Health Insurance one too.

Oh: CONGRATULATIONS AND HOORAY!!!! (I guess that means I have to send you the $1.50 I promised you, eh? :D )

[FogerRox]

24. K n R-- right on Bro

[mcscajun]

23. You go for it, Rick!

Bravo!

Here's hoping you Kick Nelson's Butt.

[immoderate]

25. Hey! I'm in Florida!

I have never been happy with Nelson. I will help if I can. I'm also volunteering for my rep, Debbie Schultz. Take my name and contact me when you get going.

Unfortunately, I don't have any large money to contribute. But i can help with photos and graphics.

--IMM

[orleans]

26. Damn! I love your campaign slogan!

i'm from illinois but i'll vote for you! (i need health insurance too!)

[Maraya1969]

27. You've got my vote. I have had it with Mr. Do nothing. We need some

guts and back bone.

[flvegan]

28. As previously stated, here in Tampa

I'll volunteer for you in any way I can.

Best of luck to you, and in victory, may we realize victory.

Cheers!

[Lorien]

29. Can I make a small suggestion?

when you win, you'll be my Senator. I already have health insurance-it's just crappy health insurance for the self employed. A recent poll said that an overwhelming number of Americans want a NEW DIRECTION for America. I think a bold new slogan that includes the notion that you'll be giving Floridians a fresh start and a brighter future might be a bigger and more encompassing idea for your campaign. Maybe something that says that you work for us-not the special interests that have created the culture of corruption in DC.

[Dr.Phool]

39. John Conyers has a bill right now, H.R. 676

Medicare for everybody is Sen. Ted Kennedy's companion bill.

It can be done.

[LSK]

30. CALL MIKE MALLOY!!!

IM SURE HE WILL TALK TO YOU!

And PDA and DFA for some help.

I wish you luck.

[Wheezy]

31. Your slogan ROCKS!

Congrats, and go get 'em! We're here for ya!

[sellitman]

32. I hope this happens in CT too. Lieberman HAS to go!!

I will send some money as soon as you get set up. Good luck!

[understandinglife]

45. Support Ned Lamont in CT against Lieberman:

http://www.nedlamont.com/


Go. Go. Go. .....



Peace.

[sellitman]

49. I just signed up.

Joe HAS to go!!!!!

[egadsbrain]

101. I just signed up too...

In New York, but I have relatives I can rally in Connecticut!

:applause:

[stevedeshazer]

33. Good luck

Universal health care. That just might be the ticket.

[oldtime dfl_er]

34. woohoo!

I'm in Seattle but tell me what I can do! We need more like you, willing to take risks.

http://www.cafepress.com/scarebaby/1128968

[UTUSN]

35. WIN!!!!!!!!! n/t

[Sydnie]

36. Go for it!

thanks for putting your effort where your mouth is. So few do these days.

I will be watching and will help where I can.

:woohoo:

[Swamp Rat]

37. Geaux Rick!!!

:kick:

[abluelady]

38. A Little Advice

When they pull out the skeletons and the baggage, be sure you respond about an issue. All they want to do is talk garbage so they don't have to say anything worthwhile. Be aggressive about the issues. I am hoping for a good guy to run in my state.

[stillcool]

40. Very cool....

Everytime I've gone to Florida I've ALWAYS brought my baggage, or was it my baggage that brought me? Either way I had lots of company. People are ready for you....
"Perhaps a new spirit is rising among us. If it is, let us trace its movement well and pray that our own inner being may be sensitive to its guidance, for we are deeply in need of a new way beyond the darkness that seems so close around us."

[graywarrior]

41. Let me know what I can do in Sarasota

[Pab Sungenis]

42. Go Rick!

We'll keep you on the list for WeRememberPAC once we're up and running!

[understandinglife]

43. Charge Rick!!! Charge to victory for FL and the USA!!

Peace.

[Erika]

44. Yes!

Bill Nelson let us down. My brother and his wife live in Florida and are desperately looking for new faces. I'll watch your campaign!

[opiate69]

46. Good luck, Rick!

My father and his wife live in Palm Harbor.. I'll definitely point them in your direction!

[Cha]

47. Good Luck Dr Phool!

aka/Rick Chapman! How refreshing..ya don't know till you try. That's what Dean was saying..we need to get out there and give them a run for their money.

[katinmn]

48. Wonderful!

Thanks for running!:yourock:

And best of luck.

[jonas_stradlater]

50. Good luck!!

The country will be a hell of a lot better if there were more people like you in office. I'm sure you'll be a great senator. Where does your campaign experience come from, if I may ask?

[WI_DEM]

51. What experience do you have?

I think it's great that you are doing what you believe in. But have you run for office before? what is your experience? Are you a current office holder?

[tkmorris]

61. I don't want to speak for Rick but

I do know he ran for the US House, in Florida's 9th district, in 2004.

[magellan]

52. Rick, you're the MAN!

You've got my support here in Osceola County. Everyone I speak to will hear your name and intentions, including my parents in Martin County...They know tons of folks in their age group (60-80) who have had it with Nelson kowtowing to BushCo and are desperate for someone to stand up for them. You might just get yourself literally adopted. lol

Thanks to you and your wife for agreeing to this great undertaking.

[clyrc]

53. Ah, running for office in Florida

I know all about that and I wish you good luck. I helped with several campaigns in 2002, some of the most memorable times in my life. Work hard and have fun!

[NVMojo]

54. A real Dem! One of us! When you get campaign going, let us know!

[kevinbgoode]

55. I don't live in Florida. . .

but I'll come down over spring break and stuff envelopes for you if you like. . .

[savemefromdumbya]

57. Good one

[karlrschneider]

58. GO! Your 'baggage' and 'skeletons' won't matter if you let them out

right at the beginning I am betting. I guess this is a different thread but will repeat I lived in Tampa for 15 years and have a lot of friends there that I'm pretty sure will work to help! Keep us posted.
:toast:

[CottonBear]

59. Good luck! My dad almost ran for governor of TN at one time.

He's dead now (since '81). He didn't run because he did not want to stop being a surgeon UNLIKE Frist.

BTW, my dad was a John Birch Republican & I'm a very leftist Democrat. He did teach me to love poltics and to care and be involved!

Point being, if you run , you have the heart to give up your current life and run...go for it! it is a noble cause!

Good luck. How can we help? Peace. CB

[cry baby]

60. Go get em, Rick!!

:patriot: :yourock:

[fooj]

62. Go, Dr. Phool!

Peace.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

63. "Baggage and Skeletons!"

It might just work!

:think:

[gordontron]

64. nice guts

hope the skeletons aren't too scary

[grace0418]

65. Where can we send contributions Rick?

I'm putting my money where my mouth is. From now on I will only be contributing to candidates with spines. Everyone else needn't bother calling me or sending me any mail.

[Peter Frank]

66. Got a website Rick?... n/t

[Stephanie]

67. Rick, if you are a DU'er running for Senate, you have my support

My donation is in the mail as soon as I get your address. You go Rick!

[Rainscents]

68. Good for you!

Your baggage probably isn;t any worst than Bush and he manage to win... I know you can do it!!! JUst make sure, get you baggage out in the open right in the beginning.

[northofdenali]

69. Rick, my mom lives in Florida.

I just emailed her your name. She's a very active Democrat, especially for an 89 year old! Please let us know where to send $$ for support (mine will be rather chilly, it's about 28 below, but every cent counts.....)

Keep us posted!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BlueIris]

70. Contact me as soon as you have a website.

Thanks!

[OKDem08]

71. Good luck! n/t

[Gelliebeans]

72. U go Dr. Phool

I'm behind ya 100% :thumbsup:

[recoveringrepublican]

73. I'm in Florida, give me your platform nt

[Peter Frank]

74. Exactly...

One issue doe's not make a viable candidate.

[recoveringrepublican]

80. either way I'm not voting for Nelson. Just hoping I might have

someone to vote for, that or else i'll write myself or husband in.

[Name removed]

75. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Peter Frank]

104. I'm still waiting for an answer... n/t

[stop the bleeding]

108. Web site domain name has been registered as of today, press release

will be out in the next 24 hours. Once both of those are out then you should be able to find out all that you want to know about him. I spoke to Rick about 2 hours ago and needless to say he is very busy. Him and I live in the same neighborhood and hence since I have committed to volunteering for him we will be spending a lot of time together in the next few months. So I will update when the situation permits it.

Hold tight you will get all of the information that you are looking for. These things take time and BTW his wife only gave him permission last night.

[Freddie Stubbs]

130. There was a press release?

Has the webstie benn set up yet?

[Peter Frank]

76. C'mon Rick/Phool...

'Splain why you should be supported. This is your chance to be heard. Lay it all out. Where's your website?

Contact me. I don't block PM's.

Give your all.

[ArbustoBuster]

77. K & R

:kick:

[Peter Frank]

78. What are you kicking?... n/t

[Peter Frank]

79. Be your own person...

You'll make more points by conscience than by post count.

Welcome to the DU :hi:

[timtom]

81. INCLUDE ME IN!!!

The amazing TimTom from WPB
(PM me. I work 10-11 hours a day, but will help in whatever way I can. I have excellent writing skills, for example).

[Peter Frank]

82. Why???

[timtom]

84. For almost the same reason

I'd most certainly vote for Cindy Sheehan if I were able.

Consider it a blow against the empire....

And, if I'm wrong now, at least I made one tiny little effort to change the status quo, and I can adjust my windage and elevation as time progresses.

Because he's one of us.

Because she's one of us.

Because I voted for Kucinich.

Because I watched "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."

Because I hold on to a dream.

[cornermouse]

83. Campaigns need money.

Tell us where to go.

[Jeanette in FL]

85. Great news and get Randi on board

Let us know what we can do. I am up in North Florida.

I am sure that you will be able to get Randi Rhodes on board to help as well. She had lots of problems with Bill Nelson when he was Insurance commissioner for Florida. Randi's sister, who had cancer, broke her back, got the surgery to repair her back but her insurance would not cover rehabilitation. Randi spent hours, days, weeks and months trying to get help from Nelson to no avail. She spoke about it at great lengths when she was local on WJNO. Randi is still a legal resident of Florida. We have plenty of time to get this grassroots campaign off the ground.

I can't wait to call Nelson's office to tell them they have lost my vote. Especially after their response yesterday as to why Nelson would not be supporting a filibuster: "He has spoken to 6 collegues who will be voting for cloture, so there is no way in hell that a filibuster will pass".

[patrioticliberal]

86. IF YOU NEED A WEBSITE

PM ME WITH ALL YOUR INFO, BIO, PICS, ETC
I'll SEE IF I CAN COME UP WITH SOMETHING QUICK

[derby378]

122. Good on ya!

If Rick's serious about this, he'll need to hit the ground running with a good website. Go for it!

[bklyncowgirl]

87. Good luck!

[IdaBriggs]

89. I have a suggestion for a "theme" -- SPINAL TRANSPLANT!!!

You are going after the whole "health care is an issue" right? Well, portray yourself as a DEMOCRAT WITH A SPINE WHO WILL DO THE RIGHT THING and at least you'll put him on the Defensive about it.

I also want to know more about your skeletons -- what level are we talking here? Jail time for drunk driving? Or running "nekkid" through the woods at age six? When you say skeletons, do you mean ethical or legal problems? I want to support you, but I need more than just "Not Nelson."

Please give me some more reasons! :) Best, Ida

[Totally Committed]

90. May all good fortune go with you!

Outstanding news!

TC

[wildeyed]

91. Way to go!

:woohoo:

[BreweryYardRat]

92. You've got another supporter.

Let me know what I can do besides handing out flyers here at USF.

[converted_democrat]

93. Go Phool go!!!! I'm here in FL if you need me!! I'll help in anyway I can!

Money, volunteer, whatever.. I'm here! I'm really proud of you!! Thank you for doing this.. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[bear425]

94. I'll be your constituent!

Good for you. Put me on your list now! I'm behind you all the way!

[MadisonProgressive]

95. BRAVO! Keep us posted !

[Hubert Flottz]

96. I'll be pulling for you Rick!

From one Mountaineer to another, I think you'll do a good job. I worked out of my craft's Clearwater local years ago and lived in St. Pete for a while. I think Florida is worth saving from the Bushs and Brownies and the people who help them rob, loot and plunder the country. Bill Nelson did us just like the two senators from WV did us, they sold out! I hope you can make Mr. Nelson feel some of the pain we feel today, come election day.

[bluedog]

97. St Petersburg Fl ..here..you got our vote!!

give em hell...........can't do any worse than what we have now.....

[npincus]

99. you go, guy!

Good luck!

[Pacifist Patriot]

100. Thank you!

If it helps here are my hot buttons as a Florida voter:

Verifiable Elections
Pro-choice
Anti-war
Anti-corruption
Balance of liberty and security
Corporate Accountability
Separation of Church and State

I know it might seem strange but I just have this feeling that if we can get a handle on these broad issues it'll make it easier to address basic needs like health care, the environment, etc.

Best of luck!

And by the way, skeletons in the closet aren't necessarily a problem. As long as you expose them to the light before your opponents do. ;)

[stop the bleeding]

102. Just spoke to Rick and we should be seeing a Press conference /

Press Release within the next 24 hours or so. I spoke with him for some time and he is very familiar with the process and has a lot of contacts within the political game. We should try to gain as much support as possible. He is gonna make Healthcare for all people a major point in his campaign. Rick's website will be up in a little bit, he was registering the domain while we were on the phone. I will try to keep people in the loop whenever I can.

Peace and rock on all Floridians this is your chance for change - don't blow it by waiting for someone else to do it for you while you watch from the sidelines.

Deciding by not deciding are the worst kind of decisions

[mzmolly]

103. I'm so PROUD of YOU Dr. Phool!!!

THIS is how we take back our Party!

:toast:

As for your skeletons, be open/honest. Ask America if THEY want representation or fluff? EVERYONE has skeletons of some sort - remember that. Jesse Ventura won the Governorship in MN because he was "honest" and people craved that.

[watercolors]

105. No thanks I'll keep Bill

He is our man in Fl. , but you can try!

[jsamuel]

106. Keep us posted! Congrats! one question though...

Ind or Dem?

[Nickster]

107. Way to go! I'm so excited for you.

[mom cat]

109. This is one of the best things to come out of yesterday! Go get him!

[Road Scholar]

110. Go for it! Good luck!!

[sinkingfeeling]

111. I'd like to run for office, but have no idea how much money it would

cost. Congrats on your conviction!

[newyawker99]

112. WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Great news!! :bounce:

[BigBearJohn]

113. We are with you 100%, but what skeletons are yout talking about?

[stop the bleeding]

115. that will be revealed in due time, I spoke to Rick earlier today and

he briefed me on that, but I will not say anything more for obvious reasons. Also his web site will be up in the near future he was registering the domain name while we were on the phone together. He also said the press release will be out in the next 24 hours. From what I have heard so far he has worked on many campaigns and therefor has a lot of contacts in the political arena.

I will update with further messages as the ball gets rolling.

[CanOfWhoopAss]

118. Obviously not a felony so the only obstacle would be did he

vote for cloture in 2006? No? He wasn't even a Senator yet?? OK Rick that's $19 for my first donation.

[CatWoman]

116. A kick for Senator Rick!!

:kick:

[CanOfWhoopAss]

117. $19 to start, for Rick's campaign waiting for your donor account!!!

[dave29]

119. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!! Way to go!

I'm so proud :)

[astonamous]

121. I prefer skeletons and baggage. It means you have lived outside

a bubble like the rest of us.

Way to go!

[derby378]

123. Are you the same guy...

...who ran against Mike Bilirakis back in 2004?

[Carni]

124. Do you take paypal?

Please give that spineless asshole a run for his money

[PatrioticLeftie]

125. Good luck, bro

[DemInDistress]

126. Rick..might I remind you 'ANSWERS TO 911 AS AN ISSUE"

WE HERE IN NYC WANT AND DESERVE ANSWERS TO THE 911 MURDERS...ALL WE GOT WERE LIES.DECEPTIONS AND MIS TRUTHS.
I KNOW YOUR IN FLORIDA BUT AS A SENATOR YOU CAN CERTAINLY MAKE AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS DESPERATELY THE TRUTH !!
WAY TO GO DR.PHOOL ^5

sorry for the caps but I needed to shout this one out..

[Bjornsdotter]

127. Give 'em hell Rick!

Good luck!

Cheers!

[Freddie Stubbs]

129. Have you filed yet?

I haven't seen anything in the press yet.