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U.S. Senator Bill Nelson,D-Fla., speaks during the Polk County Democrats Annual Gala at the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven on Saturday. FOR VIDEO COVERAGE, GO TO THELEDGER.COM/VIDEO

WINTER HAVEN | Polk County Democrats packed the Chain of Lakes auditorium to its 200-person limit Saturday night as a host of Democratic dignitaries ignited the faithful with the promise of better times to come.

"We are here tonight to paint Polk County blue," declared master of ceremonies Woody Wilbanks.

The keynote speaker, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, used his delay on Interstate 4 as a slam against Republican Gov. Rick Scott.

"Three years ago, two-and-a-half billion dollars was put on the table by the federal government to build high-speed rail down the middle of the interstate, but we could not get it. Our tea party governor turned away the money because he thought it had something to do with President Obama," Nelson said.

He took another shot at Scott over state employees not using "climate change" and other words to describe the changing weather patterns in Florida. It drew laughter and cheers.

Nelson noted that at 2:30 a.m. Friday he offered an amendment to a bill that would "forbid any elected official from preventing federal employees from using scientific wording."

It was defeated 51-49.

"And five Republican senators voted for it," he said. "This is the kind of foolishness that is going on there."

In an interview with The Ledger, Nelson said gerrymandered congressional districts allow those members of Congress to speak only to their core supporters and not to other constituents, and they don't have to compromise in Washington.

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Nelson Offers Hope to Democrats