Press Release - Davis Names Col. Daryl Jones as Lt. Governor Candidate

Press Release - Davis Names Col. Daryl Jones as Lt. Governor Candidate

Jim Davis and Daryl Jones vow to bring new, independent leadership to Tallahassee

TAMPA - Democratic nominee for governor Jim Davis today will name Colonel Daryl Jones, US Air Force Reserves, of Miami as his running mate. During a two-day tour, Davis and Jones will travel the state talking about the issues that matter most to Florida voters and about their commitment to standing up for Florida's families.

"Daryl Jones has a record of leadership and commitment to public service that the people of Florida can trust," said Davis. "We share a vision for a Florida in which the voices of working men and women are heard in Tallahassee and the issues most important to Florida's families are at the top of the agenda."

Jones was an active duty jet fighter pilot, Mission Commander and Flight Leader in the United States Air Force. Since then, Jones has attained the rank of Colonel in the Air Force Reserve flying the high-powered F-16 fighter. He was elected to the Florida House in 1990. Two years later, he was elected to the Florida Senate, where he served as Democratic Senate President Designate, Chair or Vice-Chair of six different committees, and Chair of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators.

"After spending more than a decade serving in Tallahassee, I can say firsthand that Jim's style of independent leadership is exactly what we need to move Florida forward," said Jones. "I am committed to helping provide that same kind of leadership and representing the working men and women in every community in Florida."

Today, Davis and Jones will travel to Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa to talk about improving Florida's public schools, addressing skyrocketing property insurance rates, managing our growth and strengthening the state's economy. Tomorrow, they will make stops in Tallahassee, Jacksonville before finishing in Miami at an event with former US Senator John Edwards.

Throughout his career, Jones has demonstrated widespread appeal and earned praise from both Democrats and Republicans for his commitment to serving the people of Florida:

Governor JEB BUSH: "I was very impressed with Daryl Jones. If I thought he could pull it off, I might vote for him." [Orlando Sentinel, 9/13/02]

Governor LAWTON CHILES: "Daryl Jones is a dedicated public servant and an outstanding American. He is a great asset to the United States military and an inspiring role model." [Tampa Tribune, 7/23/98]

Jones "Made Believers" Out Of Voters And Exceeded Expectations. Daryl Jones "made believers out of tens of thousands of voters.... The articulate state senator, lawyer and former Air Force fighter pilot won 12 percent of the statewide vote in Tuesday's Democratic primary -- far exceeding pre-election polls, which showed him with no more than 4 percent to 8 percent." [Orlando Sentinel, 9/13/02]

Jones Has Credible Ideas And Plans For Florida. Daryl Jones is the "most knowledgeable candidate on the issues facing Florida. It's clear from even a casual conversation that Jones has thought through a variety of issues -- from overcrowded schools to Florida's tax structure. If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. comes to mind for having a dream, Jones can be remembered for having a plan. He's got dozens, and most are credible." [Sun Sentinel, 8/31/02]

Palm Beach Post: Jones Is "Admirable Product" of American Democracy. "In another era, in a different social climate, Sen. Jones' bold daring would excite the electorate. Today, for varied reasons, his audacity to believe that he will be judged by his inner strengths offends. Nevertheless, without regard to party affiliation, he is an admirable product of this crucible called American democracy. He says he was 'trained by America to never give up.' We should hope that more young black men follow his example." [Palm Beach Post, 9/7/02]

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