Comments on: Committees’ Attack Ads Will Change Judicial Races

By: Committees Are Evil

Committees Are Evil — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:51:33 +0000

The difficulty of regulating these things is the First Amendment, which gives freedom of speech. Court decisions have made it clear that commmittees can’t be banned because of freedom of speech. They are definitely going to change the way judges are elected. There will be ads which play on racism. Think big pictures of the white judge compared to the black judge.
There will be ads attacking candidates for being Republican here, but an Obama-liberal-Democrat in the rest of the state. Personal details in ads like divorces and finances will diminish the dignity of the judiciary. You are right, Buddy. I dread the next judicial elections.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:35:59 +0000

FROM BUDDY:

State records clearly indicate that a committee credited to Alex Heckler funded the judicial race ads. If they are in error, I apologize to Hecker. He should get them corrected.

To “Marty”: Heckler has been involved in committees in Democratic primaries and in non-partisan city races. There is nothing wrong legally with any of this. But your comment that he only helps Democrats against Republicans is just not accurate.

By: Check Facts before Posting!

Check Facts before Posting! — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:10:17 +0000

Alex Heckler had nothing to do with this. I see that you looked into it, but I think something is wrong with the information you have recieved. And Ghost, before commenting, check facts… Alex was in the industry before Franklin was… but nice try.

By: joe

joe — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:58:24 +0000

Buddy: You looked on line and followed the distributions from and ECO. Yet, couldn’t some also go on-line and (improperly)use that name on their mailers/communications so it would look like it came from that entity. Connect the dots!!!

By: Marty

Marty — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:54:22 +0000

Alex Heckler was not involved in this!!! Please do not try to ruin his name with this garbage. His entities helped Democrats against REpublicans – that it – the end.

By: The Ghost

The Ghost — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:13:09 +0000

Alex Hecker rode to success on his step-father — Franklin Sands — coattails.

He is known everywhere as the person to go to if you want to form a committee in a campaign. I heard he was involved in Sunrise and Pembroke Pines on local issues.

Committees are just another trick lobbyists use to worm their way into the trust of elected officials.

By: Fickle Finger

Fickle Finger — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:47:22 +0000

This type of action will ultimately be another arguement to appoint judges with merit retention.

From Buddy: I totally agree.

By: Richard J. Kaplan

Richard J. Kaplan — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:45:21 +0000

As to non-judical races, is any of this new? Unfortunate NO. I’ve heard the same things expressed forever in American Politics. Actually I think it was worse during the 1800′s.

As to judicial races, it is sad. I don’t have much confidence in the State to address this, and at this point don’t have an answer to the problem.

However, I have noticed the public doesn’t take well to bad judges. Also, maybe we will get lucky that those that fund these committees put their money with Madoff. I’m sure with the economy the way it is, that political contributions will be somewhat reduced.

By: Truth Squad

Truth Squad — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:36:54 +0000

Please do your research!!! Alex Heckler was not involved in this!!! His entities were Federal and State, not local – and certainly not judicial. Obviously, a political consultant saw where the money going and decided to just use the name of that entity.

FROM BUDDY: I did my research. Check this out “Truth Squad”. This is who funded 21st Century Florida, according to state records:

-Campaign Contributions
21st Century Florida, Inc.
2006 G4 11/02/2006 210,000.00 NATIONAL FREEDOM ALLIANCE
401 EAST LAS OLAS BOULEVARD, SUITE 130-1 FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33301 ————

AND WHO IS NATIONAL FREEDOM ALLIANCE? I CHECKED OUT THE STATE RECORDS:

National Freedom Alliance

Type: Electioneering Communications Organization
Address: 401 East Las Olas Boulevard
Suite 130-107
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (850)878-5212
Chairperson: None
Treasurer: Alexander P. Heckler
401 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 333010000
Registered Agent: Alexander P. Heckler
401 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 333010000
Purpose:

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:05:19 +0000

Not to be a stickler but I think you mean 401 E. Las Olas Blvd. Bank of America Building.

FROM BUDDY: You are right! Thanks for pointing out my typo. I changed it.