Former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz Being Buzzed About as Alex Sink Running Mate
Categories: Politicks
Since the latter part of Manny Diaz's last term as mayor of Miami, his name has been thrown about for a number of potential political positions: an appointment to President Obama's cabinet, a run for congress, candidacy for governor or senator. None of them panned out, but Diaz is being buzzed about again as a potential candidate. This time as Democrat Alex Sink's running mate in the Florida gubernatorial race.
On Naked Politics, Diaz's name is one of five being talked about, unofficially of course, as a potential democratic lieutenant governor candidate. Diaz became an independent to run for mayor but has been active in Democratic politics. He endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2008, then campaigned for Obama, and has thrown his support behind Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek. He also has connections to the current head of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party.
Naked Politics suggests he could bring geographic and ethnic diversity to Sink's ticket. He'd help current state CFO Sink get a foothold in South Florida, and a Hispanic on the ticket would be attractive to those who are against Republican frontrunner Rick Scott, who has built a campaign on supporting Arizona's immigration laws.
The highly decorated Diaz has returned to private law practice and just finished a fellowship at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. Of course, it doesn't help much that current Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado built a successful campaign rallying against the more controversial parts of Diaz's legacy in the city.
Other names that are being thrown about include Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Rod Smith, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald. Sink, who is running virtually unopposed on the Democrat side, will likely name a running mate shortly after the primary election.
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