Website Relaunched!

Come join us on Election Night!

(click above invitation to enlarge and print)

Come join us after the polls close at Paddy Murphy's in Baldwin Park! We've ordered a lot of great appetizers, and the bar has agreed to keep their Happy Hour specials running late for us. Complimentary Valet Parking will be provided.

Hope to see you there!

The Story About the Horse Picture

We've gotten a lot of positive comments about the above picture, which we used on a recent campaign postcard, so we thought we'd share the story behind the picture.

Lawson L. Lamar has long been in the habit of signing his name as "LLL" or "L x 3," and naturally picked up the nickname "Triple L." When Lawson was Orange County Sheriff, the deputies in charge of the Horse Unit surprised him one day by introducing him to a new horse, that they had named "Triple L."

This photograph is from the day that Lawson met his namesake horse, Triple L. We're glad you've enjoyed the photo as much as we have.

Lawson Lamar: Serving Our Community

Lawson Lamar has dedicated his entire career to the pursuit of justice, first as Orange County Sheriff, and now as our State Attorney. As State Attorney, Lawson has been able to serve our community in a wide variety of ways:

Focused, Efficient, and Fair Prosecution of Crimes

• Over 80,000 criminal cases reviewed for prosecution annually
• Second lowest cost of prosecution per capita in Florida
• Pioneer in the use of DNA evidence in the prosecution of serious crimes - led the prosecutorial team that got the first murder conviction in the U.S. using DNA.
• Led team to create one of the finest, state of the art prosecution information management systems, which has been nationally recognized and duplicated
• Partnered with other Central Florida criminal justice agencies to ensure continuity of services and to reduce duplication of efforts in data collection and dissemination.
• Personally conducts all Ninth Circuit grand juries in Orange and Osceola Circuit Courts

New Initiatives to Fight Crime

• Created the Government Accountability Unit to investigate government corruption
• Formed specialized sex crimes and child abuse units for more effective prosecution
• Authored important new arson and animal protection laws
• Created nationally-recognized Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation
• Organized the State Insurance Fraud prosecution team
• Initiated Orange County Consumer Fraud Unit, targeting unlicensed contractors and consumer complaints, especially against the elderly
• Founding director of the Osceola County Investigative Bureau
• Began Children's Safety Village
• Founding Member and past chair of Juvenile Assessment Center
• Created Early Truancy Intervention Unit for Orange and Osceola Counties, keeping at-risk children in school
• Partnership with UCF to conduct criminology research on the causations of and solutions to violent juvenile crimes

Leadership in Protecting Our Community

• Chaired Governor's Violent Crime Council
• Charter Member, Orange Blossom Trail Development Board
• Founder of Tangelo Pride Initiative
• CrimeLine Board Member
• Leader of local efforts in Homeland Defense and Criminal Intelligence Initiatives
• Public advocate for government transparency and ethics reform

Experience That Matters

• Thirty-six year member of the Florida Bar
• Florida Certified Law Enforcement Officer
• Member of Central Florida Criminal Justice Association
• Advanced homicide prosecutor lecturer
• Conducted Underage Alcohol Enforcement through state ATF partnerships
• UCF Dean's Advisory Council, College of Health & Public Administration
• Participated in Federal ATF violent criminal apprehension task force
• Executive Criminal Justice Leadership Institute Graduate

Lawson Lamar's interview with the Orlando Sentinel editorial board

Here is the video of Lawson Lamar's interview with the Orlando Sentinel editorial board, in its entirety.

After questioning both candidates, the Orlando Sentinel endorsed Lawson Lamar for re-election as our State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Lawson Lamar visits Children's Safety Village

Recently, Lawson Lamar was able to make a visit to the Children's Safety Village, a unique program that was founded by Lawson when he was Orange County Sheriff and is still operated by the Sheriff's Office. The visit was extra special because he had been invited by his granddaughter Alexandra's class.

The mission of the Children's Safety Village is "to significantly reduce preventable accidents and fatalities in our children by providing unique and innovative programs, role-playing scenarios and hands-on exercises." Children who come to the Safety Village find a "minature city" complete with buildings, paved streets and sidewalks, traffic light and railroad crossing, a fire safety house, and a pool. The children learn everything from bicycle and pedestrian safety, avoiding strangers, fire prevention, poison prevention, water safety, and more.

Above: Lawson Lamar participates in a lesson on pedestrian and traffic safety.

Above: Lawson and granddaughter Alexandra by a street sign at the Children's Safety Village showing "Lawson Lamar Road," which was named to honor his role in founding the Safety Village when he was Sheriff.

Come Join Lawson at Cheyenne for Happy Hour

We would like to invite all of you to come join us for a Happy Hour Fundraiser for Lawson Lamar:

Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

5:00 - 8:00 pm

Please click on the image below to see

the invitation with all the fun details:

If you haven't yet had a chance to see the great renovations that Church Street founder Bob Snow brought to this downtown Orlando icon, this is a great opportunity to do so. Appetizers will be provided and the entire third level is reserved for us.

Our entire campaign team is looking forward to this fun event and we hope you can join us to support Our State Attorney, Lawson Lamar!

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Lawson Lamar, Democrat, for State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit. The purchase of a ticket for, or a contribution to, the campaign fund raiser is a contribution to the campaign of Lawson Lamar. Contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Maximum contribution is $500 per person or business entity.

Orlando Sentinel Endorses Lawson Lamar

Today, the Orlando Sentinel announced that it was endorsing Lawson Lamar for re-election as our State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, saying ,

"...Mr. Lamar should be re-elected. Mr. Lamar and his team are right to prosecute politicians and influence-peddlers. There have been hits and misses, but that's no reason to ease up. While Mr. Lamar vows to push on, Ms. Leon seems to lack enthusiasm in going after public corruption. That's a serious concern."

The article also mentioned the opponent "has associated herself with Doug Guetzloe, a political attack artist who is awaiting sentencing on an election-law violation," bringing her judgment into question.

We are proud to add the Orlando Sentinel's endorsement to the long list of the law enforcement and community leaders who are supporting Our State Attorney, Lawson Lamar.

The Sentinel finally gets it right

After publishing two recycled stories filled with misrepresentations and innuendo, the Orlando Sentinel allowed us to respond with a "My Word" column, published today. We appreciate the chance to set the record straight.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on these important campaign finance issues. You can write to the campaign at LawsonLamar@gmail.com or contact the Ninth Circuit Legal Alliance at NCLAlliance@gmail.com.


Lamar's campaign financing is proper

In response to an Orlando Sentinel article and a column this week regarding Lawson Lamar's campaign for reelection as Orange-Osceola state attorney, I would like to clarify some issues concerning Florida's campaign-finance laws as they relate to the campaign.

I am Lamar's campaign manager and also an attorney. One of my practice areas is election and campaign-finance law, and I advise candidates regarding political contributions, expenditures and communications. This includes creating electioneering communications organizations.

ECOs recently have attracted negative attention, and the criticism is not entirely unwarranted. Voters are rightfully concerned about anonymous groups popping up overnight, accepting money from shadowy corporations and then shocking a candidate with vicious attacks. That's classic dirty politics, but not all ECOs fit this mold.

Specifically, the Ninth Circuit Legal Alliance is an ECO that developed from my discussions with a bipartisan group of local attorneys who support Lamar. Concerned about the false and inflammatory attacks that Lamar's opponent, Mercedes Leon, and her supporter Doug Guetzloe were already coordinating, these attorneys thought the legal community should send a positive message about our state attorney.

The Florida Statutes strictly govern political activities, and as soon as the group decided to send written communications, I insisted on formally organizing with the Division of Elections.
Florida law authorizes three types of political organizations, but only ECOs can spend more than $500 on communications supporting a candidate, a sum that would be impossibly limiting in a race with nearly 700,000 voters.

As an Orlando native and Florida attorney, I deeply respect the Sunshine Law's open-disclosure requirements, and that was our model for NCLA. NCLA would publicly declare its support for Lamar and disclose all financial activities beyond what the law required, including details behind any corporate contributors.

Lamar has a well-earned reputation as an advocate for campaign-finance reform. We pledged to honor that by operating entirely "in the Sunshine," promptly responding to questions from voters and media about NCLA's activities, and maintaining a consistently positive message about Lamar's service to this community.

In August, NCLA filed its formation documents and held a press conference. Last month, NCLA sponsored a letter to Orange County Bar Association members. The invoice and payment dates for the cost of the letter fell within the current reporting period and will appear accordingly on the report that was filed this week.

I am disappointed that Leon has chosen to allow Guetzloe such influence in her campaign while he awaits sentencing for an election-law violation.

Furthermore, her baseless and unprofessional accusations against us reveal a shocking ignorance for someone who seeks the office responsible for upholding election laws. I am proud of my activities with NCLA and the campaign.

Sarah Elizabeth Rumpf is an attorney with the Vose Law Firm LLP in Winter Park.

Copyright © 2008, Orlando Sentinel.

Yard Signs! Yard Signs! Yard Signs!

We've got a lot of lovely red-white-and-blue yard signs and we're giving them away for FREE. You too can have your very own sign with the Lawson Lamar logo seen at the top of this webpage to display at your home or business.

If you want a sign, please email us your address at LawsonLamar@gmail.com and we'll deliver one to you.

Thanks for supporting Our State Attorney, Lawson Lamar!

- Sarah

Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Endorses Lawson Lamar

The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association's Political Action Committee has announced that it is endorsing Lawson Lamar in his re-election campaign for State Attorney.

The CFHLA is one of the nation's largest trade groups, with its members representing over 78% of the more than 114,000 hotel rooms in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties, plus hundreds of organizations which do business in the hospitality and tourism industries.

The CFHLA-PAC bases its endorsements on the basis of a candidate's "understanding of the value and impact of hospitality to our community," "interest in protecting the hospitality industry and the jobs it provides," and "genuine commitment to serve our community."

Lawson Lamar is proud to be endorsed by the CFHLA-PAC and appreciates the enthusiastic support from an industry that represents a significant part of our local economy.

For more information about the CFHLA and to see their complete list of endorsed candidates, please click here.

State Attorney forms partnership with UCF to Study Juvenile Crime

State Attorney Lawson Lamar has entered into a unique partnership with researchers at the University of Central Florida's College of Health and Public Affairs to study the problem of juvenile crime in our community.

The partnership, officially launched in 2007, was designed as a three phase research project to analyze the trends in juvenile crime, conduct detailed statistical studies, and interviews and surveys of juveniles, parents, law enforcement officials, community youth agencies, and educators. The goal is to assist the State Attorney in addressing juvenile crime issues by formulating specific public policy recommendations and programs, including developing interventions, educational programs, and social services, all aimed at keeping juveniles out of the criminal court system.

This partnership with UCF fits in well with some of State Attorney Lawson Lamar's other community initiatives, including the Early Truancy Intervention Unit, which targets at-risk children in Orange and Osceola Counties to keep them in school. To help this project succeed, Lawson has been working closely with Nancy Ellis, the Director of the College's Center for Community Partnerships. “Lawson has a great affinity for UCF and the college,” Ellis said, “He clearly sees the value of partnering with us.”

Lawson has a long-standing relationship with UCF, having previously been an adjunct faculty member for the college and currently serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council.

To read the WFTV story and see a short video about the program, click here.

To read the August 2008 issue of UCF's College of Health and Public Affairs' Newsletter, "Connections," with the complete article about this program, click here.

Pictured above are members of the research team meeting this spring with State Attorney Lawson Lamar and former Interim Dean Joyce Dorner (second and third from left, respectively).

(Above, left to right) Criminal justice Professor Ray Surette, public affairs doctoral student Rebekah Hazlett, Lawson Lamar, Joyce Dorner, social work Director John Ronnau, Center for Community Partnerships Director Nancy Ellis, and State Attorney’s Office spokesperson Randy Means.

(Photographs by Thomas Alan Smilie)

Come Join Us For Happy Hour!

We would like to invite you to join us for a

Happy Hour Fundraiser for

Our State Attorney, Lawson Lamar!

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
5:30 to 7:30 pm
UrbanThink! Bookstore
625 E. Central Blvd.
(Thornton Park near Hue)

Please RSVP to (407) 454-9317 or LawsonLamar@gmail.com.

(click to enlarge the below invitation for complete details)

The reality of modern campaigns is that, in order to be successful, they need supporters...both those who can help financially, and also those who can volunteer their time, energy, and ideas. If you support a candidate, then you have the ability to make a real and significant contribution.

Personally, I may not be able to afford to write a $500 check for every candidate I would like to support...but I can find 20 friends who will each write a $25 check, I can put up a Lawson Lamar sign in my yard, I can email my friends and tell them why I support Lawson, I can volunteer to campaign on election day...I CAN DO A LOT! And so can YOU!

My fellow host committee members and I would love to see you on Wednesday. Lawson will be there as well, of course, and we'd love to get a great big crowd there to show him how much support he has in our community.

Thank you so much for supporting Our State Attorney, Lawson Lamar!

- Sarah Rumpf

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Lawson L. Lamar, Democrat, for State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit. The purchase of a ticket for, or a contribution to, the campaign fund raiser, is a contribution to the Campaign of Lawson Lamar.

Democrats and Republicans united to support Lawson Lamar

When Lawson Lamar first ran for elected office in 1980, he was listed on the ballot as a Democrat. Lawson won that year's election to be Orange County Sheriff, and has served in public office ever since then. However, it's not just the Democrats who are endorsing Lawson - he enjoys widespread support among prominent local Republicans as well.

In addition to strong support from the local law enforcement community, Lawson is supported by a diverse group of attorneys and other professionals from both parties, including everyone from former Assistant State Attorneys, to leaders in the criminal defense bar, to prominent partners at many local law firms.

This past Wednesday, a bipartisan group of supporters gathered in front of the courthouse to show their support of Lawson Lamar. Below are some pictures from the event and a press release describing some of the bipartisan efforts to support Lawson Lamar.

We'd like to thank everyone who braved the heat to come out and join us to support Our State Attorney, Lawson Lamar!

Lawson Lamar wins St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Hob Nob Straw Poll

The St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce had their "Politics in the Barn" Hob Nob tonight and we all had a lot of fun. Pictured are Lawson Lamar and his wife Jo-Ann, his son Thomas and daughter Lauren, granddaughters Alexandra and Sophia, along with some of Lawson's many supporters who joined us tonight.

Lawson won the straw poll by a wide margin, even more remarkable considering the heavily Republican turnout. All other head-to-head matchups in the straw poll between one Republican and one Democrat (McCain v. Obama, some of the Congressional races, etc.) ended with a Republican victory of 3 to 1 or more.

In my opinion, this just illustrates the diverse and bipartisian support that Lawson has in our community. We've got a great team backing a great candidate and we're all so proud to support Our State Attorney, Lawson Lamar!

How to Get Involved With the Campaign!

We've been so overwhelmed with the enthusiastic support from so many members of our community - thank you all so much! A successful campaign comes from many people working together for a common purpose, and we appreciate all the offers of support.

If anyone would like more information on how to get involved with the campaign, please click on the below form to enlarge, print it and fill it out, and mail it back to us at Lawson Lamar Campaign, P.O. Box 1240, Winter Park, FL 32790. Thanks! We're glad to have you on the team!

About the Office of the State Attorney

The Florida Statutes establish the State Attorneys as the "Chief Law Enforcement Officers" of each Judicial Circuit. As our State Attorney, Lawson Lamar is responsible for prosecuting the vast majority of criminal violations committed in Orange and Osceola Counties, an area with a population of over 1.3 million residents and 54 million visitors annually.

The responsibilities of the State Attorney are complex and require considerable administrative experience to supervise nearly 350 employees and a budget in excess of $20 million per year. The State Attorney is truly "our" attorney, representing all of us in court against the criminals, corrupt politicians, and others who would seek to jeopardize what treasure most about our Central Florida community.

Lawson Lamar's number one mission as State Attorney is Public Safety, and he takes pride in the fact that the Ninth Circuit SAO maintains the second lowest cost per prosecution per capita in Florida. This is accomplished by selecting only the most qualified and dedicated individuals as Assistant State Attorneys. Thanks to a core unit of seasoned attorneys and support personnel, the SAO is able to focus on its core mission, even in depressed economic times.

Lawson Lamar believes that while plea negotiation is an essential element of our judicial system, the best philosophy and practice is to instruct prosecutors to not accept pleas to lesser crimes or to recommend lesser sentences when doing so does not serve the victims or meet the demands of justice. As a result of this commitment to justice, the SAO generally conducts more felony trials, year after year, than any other circuit in Florida, regardless of population size.

The long-standing diversity of the SAO is another source of pride. More than 40% of the staff is comprised of minority members of our community, and at least half of the attorneys are women.

About Lawson Lamar

Lawson Lamar was born April 5, 1942 in West Palm Beach, Florida and is married to Jo-Ann and has three grown children, Thomas, Lawson II, and Lauren. Thomas and his wife Julie have two daughters, Alexandra and Sophia. Lawson and Jo-Ann love being grandparents and feel very blessed to have all three of their children living close by.

Mr. Lamar received his A.A. from the University of Florida in 1962, and his B.Ed., with honors, from the University of Miami in 1964. He gained valuable investigative experience through his service as an army airborne intelligence officer in Vietnam and Europe, earning the rank of captain and receiving numerous honors, including the Bronze Star. After completing his military service, Mr. Lamar returned to the University of Florida and graduated with honors from the College of Law in 1972. He is a member of the University of Florida Honorary Leadership Fraternity, Florida Blue Key.



Pictured above are Lamar family members son Lawson II, wife Jo-Ann, Lawson Lamar, daughter Lauren, son Thomas, daughter-in-law Julie, and granddaughters Alexandra and Sophia.

Central Florida Police Benevolent Association Endorses Lamar

The Central Florida Police Benevolent Association (CFPBA), a local chapter of the Florida PBA representing over 36,000 police officers and their families throughout Florida, announced today that it was "proudly endorsing" Lawson Lamar as State Attorney.

In the official endorsement letter, CFPBA President John Park wrote to Mr. Lamar, "[w]ith your prior service as Orange County Sheriff and State Attorney, you have first hand knowledge of how to effectively deal with the problems in the local communities."

To read the endorsement letter from the CFPBA, please click on the image below:

Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Lamar

The Fraternal Order of Police, District 7 of the Florida State Lodge, has announced its endorsement of Lawson Lamar for State Attorney. The District 7 Lodge represents thousands of law enforcement officers in Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties.

In a letter to Mr. Lamar, Lodge Director Kevin J. Carlucci noted that "[t]he members of the Fraternal Order of Police wish to acknowledge your dedication to public service in our community...We consider you a true American hero and a champion of justice for all."

To read the endorsement letter from the Fraternal Order of Police, please click on the image below:

Central Florida Criminal Justice Association Endorses Lamar

The Central Florida Criminal Justice Association, Inc., an organization representing the leadership and management of local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the area, announced today that it was officially endorsing Lawson Lamar as State Attorney.

Osceola County Sheriff Bob Hansell Endorses Lamar

Osceola County Sheriff Bob Hansell endorsed Lawson Lamar for State Attorney today, stating that Mr. Lamar "has proven he is a faithful public servant who is dedicated to protecting the citizens of our community and working side by side with local law enforcement to enforce the safety of our neighborhoods."

Mr. Lamar has previously been endorsed by Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary, and this latest endorsement illustrates the widespread support he has in the law enforcement community in the Ninth Circuit.

Hispanic Civic Alliance of Central Florida Endorses Lamar

The Hispanic Civic Alliance of Central Florida honored Lawson Lamar today by officially endorsing his re-election as State Attorney, recognizing his commitment and dedication to the citizens of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, especially the Hispanic Community.

The endorsement letter, viewable below, from Chairman Angel Cepero, stated their belief that it was "a great honor" to support Mr. Lamar, and that they were proud to call him a "true friend to our community."

Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary Endorses Lamar

Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary announced his endorsement of Lawson Lamar today. In a letter to Mr. Lamar, Sheriff Beary wrote that he "wholeheartedly endorsed" Lamar's candidacy and "[had] been honored to serve with you" during his law enforcement career, noting that Lamar's "devotion to duty was without equal."

To see a copy of Sheriff Beary's endorsement letter, please click the below image: