One of the worst things about politicians like Public Defender Carey Haughwout is that when they age out of office, they think they can control who takes their place and what happens once they’re off playing shuffleboard at Del Boca Vista.
Haughwout is retiring as Palm Beach County Public Defender after 24 years on the job, and it’s a two-man race to replace her between Adam Frankel and Dan Eisinger. They’re both Democrats, so Republicans have to choose one to vote for, but God forbid either one of them actually asks Republicans for their vote the way Frankel has.
Haughwout recently sent out a vicious email bashing Adam ( No relation to Lois) Frankel for not supporting radical left proposals to end cash bail. Hauhwout doesn’t even attempt to make a case for her chosen gofer as a successor; she just attacks Democrat Adam Frankel, Republicans, and Conservatives.
Haughwaout’s tone makes one wonder if conservatives, Independents, and Republicans accused of crimes were defended as well as they should have been during her tenure.
Haughwout seems to think only Democrats should be allowed to vote and elect public defenders since she finds it so outrageous that Frankel is receiving support from so-called “MAGA” Republicans.
To even infer that Republicans aren’t welcome in any local election process relating to the judicial system is, at its core, what’s wrong with this country
Anyone who says, “While I have great respect for law enforcement,” as Haughwout does, doesn’t have any respect for law enforcement. You can take that to the bank.
According to Haughwout, we Republicans don’t believe in our justice system, and she has the arrogance to presume to tell other Democrats who is and who isn’t a “true Democrat.”
Frankel has done an excellent job in responding to Haughwout. He answers like a professional member of the legal community who respects the people and the system. Haughwout sounds like one of those crazed NYU professors leading a Pro-Hamas demonstration.
Full Disclosure: I have personally endorsed Adam Frankel for Public Defender
Adam ‘Not Related to Lois’ Frankel Runs For PBC Public Defender
Subject: What is a true Democrat?
I feel compelled to write all of you because of my concern for the Democratic Party and our principles. We have a person running for Public Defender as a “Democrat” who appears to actually be courting and receiving support from the MAGA Republican base because of his stated position on the issues that matter in the election of the next Public Defender.
I have been a Democrat for 49 years. I am a democrat because I believe the principles of equal justice, fair treatment of the poor and due process for all is embodied in our party platform. As your elected Public Defender for the last 24 years, I also believe these are the principles embodied in our constitutional and ethical obligations: to advocate on behalf of those whose liberty is at stake. Adam Frankel has been endorsed by MAGA Republicans such as Ali Thomas, advisor to Matt Gaetz, Trump ally Robin Bernstein and Tracy Caruso because of his “tough on crime” stance (see Newsmax.com; Florida Jolt Newsletter). Frankel, despite his ethical obligation if he were to be Public Defender to advocate for liberty, has stated in both his advertisements, text messages and robo calls, that he is opposed to reducing bail requirements that disproportionately effect poor people and people of color and has led to great disparities in our jails.
In regards to Ms. Haughwout’s false assertion, I have never stated opposition to bonds being lowered to a fair and reasonable amount. However, I do personally believe that a zero cash bond is not an applicable standard in many cases.
~ Adam Frankel, Candidate for Palm Beach County Public Defender
Practically the only group endorsements he has received are from law enforcement. While I have great respect for law enforcement, our constitutional guarantee of equal justice requires that a poor person have a lawyer who is willing to confront authority in the courtroom, not partner with those who are trying to take their liberty.
Please don’t allow our Party to be hijacked by those who are using the label of “Democrat” to thwart our mission!
I am unabashedly supporting Dan Eisinger for Public Defender because he does believe in the very bedrock principles contained in our Constitution, our ethical obligations as lawyers, and our Party’s platform. I hope that you will also.
Carey Haughwout
Public Defender for Palm Beach County
Subscribe to The Florida Jolt Newsletter!
Adam Frankel
“I am and have been a proud Democrat for over 30 years. I’ve been elected five times as a Democrat and am proud of my record of defending human rights and equality.
I am endorsed by local Mayors, State Attorney Dave Aronberg, Clerk of Court Joe Abruzzo, and County Commissioner Mack Bernard, all of whom are anything but Republicans. I am supported by a number of county-wide community leaders, all of whom happen to be Democrats. I have been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association.
I do not in any way apologize for being supported by law enforcement or for being supported by the residents of Palm Beach County, regardless of their political affiliation
Regarding Ms. Haughwout’s false assertion, I have never expressed opposition to lowering bonds to a fair and reasonable amount. However, I do personally believe that a zero-cash bond is not an applicable standard in many cases.
I also disagree with Ms. Haughwout’s assertion that a candidate for a judicially-related office should only engage with and be supported by one political party over another. Impartiality is the core of our judicial system and I believe her recent comments run counter to that foundational value.”
– Adam Frankel, Candidate for Palm Beach County Public Defender
Other stories you may want to read:
- Delray Mayor Tom Carney Endorses Bill Reicherter for FL HD 90 - September 13, 2024
- Best Cartoons of The Week: ABC, Faux Debate, and Neocons - September 13, 2024
- Best Cartoons of The Week: Israel, Kamala Joy and Emotional Support - September 6, 2024