Nevins’ Political Tidbits: Jenne, Thurston and Waldman

BY BUDDY NEVINS

 

Ken Jenne might have lost his dream job as Broward County sheriff, but his son Evan Jenne has landed a spot on McKinley Insurance Services’ “Dream Team.

That’s what McKinley CEO Ralph Campbell calls his top employees.

McKinley bills itself as the largest African-American all-lines insurance agency in the country. It sells insurance to governments and corporations and that’s where Jenne comes in.

Evan Jenne (left), Jack Seiler and Ralph Campbell

 

Jenne, who is a Broward Democratic state House member, is now the firm’s president of development and client retention, i.e., rainmaker. He was “brought on board to help fulfill the firm’s mission to diversify and expand its business throughout Florida and nationwide, according to the company’s newsletter.

Joining Jenne is recent hire Errict Rhett, a former McArthur High School football star who went on to play for the University of Florida and three NFL teams—Tampa Bay Bucs, Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns.  Rhett will be vice president of community relations.

The firm’s vice president of consulting is former Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Carlton Moore.

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State Rep. Perry Thurston, D-Plantation, has found out who is The Boss of the House.

Speaker Dean Cannon refused to appoint Thurston to the House Repportionment Panel.

Thurston’s crime?   He wouldn’t say positive things about the Cannon bill that dramatically changes the Supreme Court.  And he wouldn’t round up Democratic votes for the bill, either.

Thurston should be looking over his shoulder from now until the new districts are formed. Broward needs to lose a House district in reapportionment and now Thurston has angered Cannon.  Do I need to spell it out?

Another Broward House member potentially in the hot seat is Jim Waldman.

The Coconut Creek Democrat’s vigorous defense of his party’s positions has annoyed the House Speaker, which I find funny.  Waldman is the same House member who was branded too conservative by one Democratic primary opponent a few years ago.

What looks conservative in Broward is ultra liberal in Tallahassee.  Isn’t that a major problem Broward has in the capital?

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State Rep. Martin Kiar, D-Davie, has received another endorsement in his campaign for state Senate District 34.

The Florida Police Benevolent Association joined statewide fire fighters, two local fire fighters groups and the Broward County Police Benevolent Association in endorsing Kiar.

State Senate District 34 is currently held by Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich, who is stepping down in 2012.



5 Responses to “Nevins’ Political Tidbits: Jenne, Thurston and Waldman”

  1. the real reason says:

    http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/house-democrat-speaker-dean-cannon-tried-to-trade-favorable-treatment-for/1166002

    “Cannon told the Times/Herald that Thurston is just mad because he failed to get his paperwork in on time to meet the committee appointment deadline.”

    Rumor around the Courthouse for years is Perry’s has a reputation for being late so the above as the real reason Perry not getting the appointment is not to shocking.

  2. Git R Done says:

    McKinley will be sadly missed now that he has retired. He was always good @ what he did and always honest.
    Hope these guys can do the same thing. Time will tell. Hmmm…

  3. Salvatore from Tallahassee says:

    Waldman and Thurston are so close they probably are planning a commitment ceremony. Anything Waldman says Thurston follows and visa versa.

  4. Stan says:

    Given that Thurston’s district is a minority/majority district and must be preserved, I really don’t think there is a lot they can do.

  5. Kevin says:

    Legally, it is almost impossible to get rid of a majority black district.

    Kevin.