Mahoney: 'Proud to be a Florida Democrat'

U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney of Palm Beach Gardens, who has refused to endorse the Democratic presumptive nominee, insisted he was "proud to be a Florida Democrat'' and offered praise for Barack Obama at the state party's annual Jefferson Jackson dinner.

"I'm proud that our party has the courage to nominate a man who captures the imagination of our country,'' Mahoney told about 1,500 people gathered at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa. "America needs Barack Obama not because he's a Democrat, but because he's right on the economy, right on the war..."

Mahoney called for the national party to grant Florida delegates full voting rights at the convention. The Democratic National Committee reduced their voting strength because the state's Jan. 29 primary broke the rules. U.S. Sen Bill Nelson tried to hearten the crowd, saying, "I suspect Barack Obama will make it a full vote by the time of our convention."

And the featured speaker, Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, promised "Pennsylvania will stand right next to Florida to make sure every delegate gets the right to cast a full vote."