The Florida Democratic Party is in turmoil following the
announcement of the departure of State Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo,
declaring the party "dead," while speculation grew about his possible
gubernatorial candidacy as an independent.
Pizzo, 48, lamented that the Democratic Party, which his
father supported in the 1960s, "is no longer the party it was," while
acknowledging the internal pressure he faced to resign as State Senate leader.
"The problem is this: the Democratic Party in Florida
is dead. But there are good people who can resurrect it. But they don't want it
to be me," Pizzo said during a speech at the Florida House of
Representatives.