Mark Danish is a Democratic representative for District 63 in Tampa, Florida running for re-election in 2014 against Republican Shawn Harrison. While politicians are often stereotyped as money-hungry, those who know Danish describe him as a dedicated public servant who works hard for his constituents. Danish has had a varied career including jobs in insurance, real estate and teaching before entering politics in 2012. He narrowly won that election and faces another tight race in 2014, receiving support from local Democrats and unions. Those who have worked with Danish praise his commitment and effort on issues important to veterans and the disabled.

1. Eric Feliu
10/21/14
JOU 4181
Mark Danish: Not your ordinary politician
When people think of politicians, the first thing that comes to people’s minds is that they
are hard up for money and votes. That is partly true with District 63 Rep. Mark Danish (D-
Tampa), but not the complete picture by a long shot. “He always has good things to say- a decent
gentleman,” Exit Extreme Realty broker Frank Pruce said. “All around- he is super caring and
does all of his paperwork, with a touch of expertise, who never misses an opportunity to teach.”
Pruce continues to talk with Danish at every opportunity that he gets. Pruce exclaims “With all
of these ads, it’s what’s wrong with American politics and is definitely not representative of
Mark- I know him to be a good guy and his son is real nice as well.”
Danish, 60, has three children and two grandchildren. His background is complete middle
class with jobs such as: insurance agent, real estate agent, and school teacher. “Mark is a driven
man and is not one to work like a 9-to-5 worker,” said his uncle, Greg Olsen. Olsen is an
inventor, an astronaut, and highly decorated in the science community in the state of New Jersey.
Olsen said, “As for Mark and science, he just picked that up; it just happened he chose the same
field as me.” Olsen said, “he really wanted this political office- he fought hard and he personifies
the saying ‘don’t give up-never give up.’”
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Danish started his political career in 2012 and narrowly defeated Republican Shawn Harrison in
the General Election. “He represents his district,” Rep. Rick Stark (D- Pembroke Pines) and said.
“Danish is a right hand man for me and he is the only member of the Jewish House Caucus- not

2. Eric Feliu
10/21/14
JOU 4181
from South Florida (geographically speaking)” Stark added. Once again in 2014, it is a tight race
with Harrison and Danish and it will come down to every vote. “Things are so close up there in
Tampa- we just did a phone bank last weekend for Mark at my office in Broward County; he’s
got mailers against him and unbelievable money being thrown against him,” Stark said. Stark
and Danish are colleagues on the Regulatory Affairs Committee. Stark recalled a time where
Danish and he worked on a bill together and that was HB 185- Gasoline Stations. This bill was
intended to help disabled drivers if they needed assistance to pump their gas- they could call a
number posted on the gas pump for someone to help them. “Danish put his heart and soul into
his bill and we formed study groups with Dwight Dudley, Vic Torres of Orlando, and Jose Javier
Rodriguez of Miami,” Stark said. “The veterans were definitely for this, but just like almost
every bill in the House- the GOP took credit for it and changed up the language,” Stark said.
“Mark Danish- you can’t work harder than this guy, he is good to work with, no negative, and he
has a good relationship with his staff,” Stark said.
As for Danish’s challenger, Harrison, he had little to say about his opponent. “I am sure Mark is
a decent man, but I do not know him outside of politics,” Harrison said.
“His character is pretty good overall,” said Patrick Giambelluca, a volunteer to Danish’s 2012
campaign. About this cycle, Giambelluca said, “It would be a shame if he wasn’t re-elected
which may happen unfortunately.” Giambelluca recalls the time he first met Danish at a ticket
giveaway to President Barack Obama’s visit to HCC in the summer of 2012, “He was at
numerous Democratic events and a kind man to talk to- and why I decided to volunteer for his
campaign.”

3. Eric Feliu
10/21/14
JOU 4181
-------------- The man and the money
Danish and his wife, Linda, reside in New Tampa, near Benito Middle School and paid
$4,244.69 in property taxes for their New Tampa residence. Danish has a net worth of $221, 148
which includes pensions from the State as an elected official totaling $28,446.12 and a pension
as a school teacher with Hillsborough County for $21,098.90, according to Disclosure Form 6.
Danish is a fiscal conservative and it shows with his purchase of a 2002 Rav- 4 for $4,000 and a
2012 Chevy Malibu for $14,000. Mark and his spouse purchased their home in 2003 for
$201,300, according to property records.
The biggest contribution total came from The Democratic Party of Florida at a total of
$45,379.39 from 13 different contributions ranging from Sept. 27, 2013 to Sept. 20, 2014. The
gaming industry made their contribution to the campaign courtesy of the Palm Beach Kennel
Club totaling $1,500 one from their Tallahassee office for $1,000 and one for $500 from Palm
Beach, Gulfstream Park for $1,000 as well as Isle of Capri Casinos for $500.
Some of the most notable contributions are: $1,000 from the Yankees organization in Tampa, big
health care/pharmaceutical companies such as: Pfizer for $500, Walgreens for $1,000, and
Failedcandidates fromthe Tampa Bay area who have contributedtoDanish2014
Nancy Jacobs $25- 2012- lost her bid to become a Circuit Court Judge
Betty Castor-$100- 2004-lost her bid to become a U.S. Senator
Alan Clendenin-$400-2013-lost his bid to become Florida Democratic Chairman

4. Eric Feliu
10/21/14
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Humana for $1,000. Danish even got the attention of Mickey in Lake Buena Vista with $2,500
donated to his camp
Mark Danish faces the same challenger he faced in 2012 and faces one of the toughest challenges
for a Florida House candidate- but there is one thing to say about the man, Stark said, “It
wouldn’t matter what party he is, whatever he is, Mark will represent his district 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.”
Unions and Organizations That support Danish and his
re-election bid
Teamsters- $3,500
Firefighters- $2,500
IBEW- $2,000
AFL-CIO-$2,000
FEA- $1,500