http://www.dailycommercial.com/053010Meek LEESBURG -- U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Miami), the Democratic candidate who is now seeking his party's nomination for the U.S. Senate, did more than hand out campaign bumper stickers during his visit to Leesburg on Saturday -- he personally placed the them on the back window of vehicles -- much to the delight of his supporters.
A crowd of 220 people attended the Lake County Chapter of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida to hear Meek speak at the Leesburg Community Building at Venetian Gardens.
"I'm very much appreciative of all of you here," Meek said. "Even though I'm in Leesburg, this entire area overwhelmingly went out and worked aggressively to get petitions to place my name on the ballot to be your next United States senator here in the state of Florida."
The crowd cheered.
"You played a role in bringing around change in this state and you have also played a role in allowing me to be in a great position in a three-way race to be able to win the election, not only in August but in November. I am ready, set, go and I'm excited."
The veteran congressman is among a group of candidates vying for the Senate seat, including Gov. Charlie Crist, the no-party candidate; Republican contender Marco Rubio; and Jeff Greene, a Democratic real-estate investor.
Meek said he isn't concerned about who currently has the lead in the race.
"I just want to let you know that we're in a great position and I love being David. My name is Kendrick, but I like David," he said. "We know in the story between David and Goliath how things worked out."
He said he views this race as "an opportunity to show our efforts and our willingness and our resolve to win on behalf of all Floridians standing up for seniors, standing up for veterans, standing up for children and standing up for this state."
Meek drew applause as he shared his concerns for the Sunshine State.
"I'm the only candidate in this United States senate race that has been against offshore oil drilling from the beginning," Meek said. "We cannot allow our environment to be jeopardized because someone has a political agenda or an economic agenda."
The Democratic candidate said his Lake County visit was the first leg of a nine-day tour on the road.
"We just got out of Congress last night and passed the armed services bill that has the 'Don't, ask, don't tell,'" provision said the congressman, who was interrupted by cheers and applause from the crowd regarding the amended defense bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday. The Senate is expected to vote on its version later this year.
"It's a national issue, ladies and gentlemen, and I'm so glad that leadership was provided to make sure we stand up on behalf of our men and women in uniform, especially as we approach Memorial Day," he said. "Leadership is lonely when you first start out on doing something good. But, at the end, so many people come around because we did have leaders that stood up on behalf of our men and women in uniform, making sure that honor continues to be at the top of being truthful. ... I want you to know that there are some good things happening in Washington these days."
Phyllis Leeve, of Eustis, praised Meek's ability to interact with the voters.
"I thought he was outstanding," she said "He's very believable, high energy, and somebody that we need."
Leesburg resident Willie Hawkins couldn't resist telling Meek that she's one of his biggest supporters.
"I told him that I have been watching him on TV and like what he says," she said. "I think he is wonderful and I will be voting for him."
Mark Esche, of Leesburg, and vice-president of the Leesburg Area Democrats Club, was all smiles as the U.S. senate candidate personally placed a campaign sticker on his car.
"This was my first personal encounter with (Meek) and I'm very much impressed with the way he presents himself. He's so much more of a reality to me now," Esche said. "I've been theoretically supportive of him and now I can feel an emotional reason to support him."
Posted By: Kendrick Meek
Tuesday, June 1st 2010 at 4:37PM
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