Al's Biography  

For the next twenty years, he practiced his craft as an actor, writer, director, producer, and entertainer. He did films, TV, commercials, industrials, trade shows, conventions, and legitimate theater. He traveled widely throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia as a street performer, puppeteer, and variety entertainer, moving to Orlando, Florida in 1992 to take a job with the Walt Disney World Company.

He is married to Cindy Bright, a musician, composer, and music teacher. They have two daughters: Zoey, 5, and Emma, 3.

Al began working in politics in Massachusetts in 1984, helping to win the first write-in campaign in the history of the Massachusetts State Senate. In 1986, he worked in a race for Tip O'Neil's newly open Congressional seat and then for Michael Dukakis for President in 1988. Over the years, he served as a precinct captain, ward leader, volunteer coordinator, special events producer, and media liaison for Democratic candidates. He was elected several times as a delegate to the Massachusetts Democratic Party state conventions.

In 1996, Al was searching for a candidate to back against sitting Republican Congressman Bill McCollum, who had run unopposed in 1994. To his dismay, he found no serious contender in the race. So, undaunted, Al decided to get involved in Florida politics; he offered himself as a candidate.

With no name recognition, no financial backing, and few political contacts, he built a grass-roots campaign from the ground up. Taking on one of the country’s most entrenched and well-funded incumbents, he delivered 33% of the vote on election day, providing a newly-energized Central Florida Democratic constituency with an articulate and informed candidate eager to do battle with the Republican hierarchy. He earned the respect and admiration of many people in the 8th Congressional District and, most importantly, received over 65,700 votes.

This year, Al has once again chosen to run against Bill McCollum. In addition to the many issues he articulated in 1996, he brings to this race an expanded platform of ideas and principles vital to the future of this nation and the Democratic Party.