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Office Seeking: U.S. Senate, FL
Position Held: U.S. Representative, Incumbent-17th District
Primary Election Date: August 21
Primary Election Results: Won
General Election Date: November 2
General Election Opponents: Marco Rubio, Charlie Crist
General Election Result: TBD
Progressive Credentials:
- Voted for health care reform
- Advocated for an increase in the minimum wage
- Voted to increase renewable energy and believes that sun, wind, biomass and other alternative energy sources are the key to reducing our dependence on foreign oil
- Voted for the economic stimulus package.
Why We Like Hm: Kendrick Meeks is a new voice in the halls of power and represents the concerns of younger voters. We also appreciate his concern for the victims of the recession. He voted to extend unemployment and COBRA payments to assist those without a job and supported the Recovery Act, which created over 100,000 jobs for Floridians living in his district.
Candidate Quote: "I'm honored to be endorsed by the 21st Century Democrats. Turning Florida and the rest of the country around means creating good paying jobs and economic opportunity. Together, we can continue to fight for progress and reform that makes a difference to everyday families. "
Candidate Website: http://www.kendrickmeek.com/
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Kendrick Meek followed his mother into politics and cites her as a profound influence in his life. She was born the daughter of sharecroppers, yet worked her way up to serve five terms as Florida's first black legislator in the House since Reconstruction. A star football player,
Congressman Meek attended Florida A&M, receiving a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
While a student he established the Young Democrats club on campus, serving as its President. He began his professional career as a state trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol, eventually rising to the rank of Captain, making him the first African-American to achieve that distinction.
While on security detail, guarding the then-Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Florida, he expressed an interest in state government and was allowed access to meetings. Meek then ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served for two terms until running for and being elected to two terms in the Sunshine State's Senate.
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