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Tim Canova
Personal details
Born	Timothy A. Canova (1960-05-17) May 17, 1960 (age 64) Freeport, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Franklin & Marshall College Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.) Stockholm University (Masters)

Timothy A. "Tim" Canova (born May 17, 1960) is an American politician and law professor specializing in banking and finance. Canova sought to represent Florida's 23rd congressional district, challenging then-Democratic National Committee chair, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, in the August 30, 2016, Florida Democratic Party's primary election.

Former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders endorsed Canova's candidacy.

Academic career

Canova is a professor of Law and Public Finance at Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law. He previously held an endowed professorship as the inaugural Betty Hutton Williams Professor of International Economic Law at the Chapman University School of Law. He taught as a visiting law professor at the University of Miami School of Law, and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Before becoming a Florida resident, he was granted accelerated tenure as a law professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law. Prior to that he was a visiting law professor at the University of Arizona College of Law.

He has published several articles in journals in multiple languages, as well as book chapters and opinion pieces on law, labor, finance, banking and public policy. He predicted, many years in advance, the 2008 economic downturn precipitated by deregulation and the wide use of financial derivatives. Canova's work has been referenced by individuals such as Noam Chomsky, who has quoted Canova in books and magazine articles on politics, banking, and economics.

Canova has practiced law in New York City with the international law firms of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Mudge Rose Guthrie Alexander & Ferdon.

Political career

In the 1980s, Canova served as an aide to U.S. Senator Paul Tsongas. In 1995, he became the executive director of the National Jobs for All Coalition. During the 1990s, he criticized the policies of the Federal Reserve Bank under Alan Greenspan, warning that "corporate earnings could fall too far to sustain the current stock prices" and lead to an economic bubble-burst.

In October 2011, he was appointed by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders to an advisory committee on Federal Reserve reform. The committee's work focused on potential paths to restructuring the Fed and tightening rules on conflicts of interest. Canova vocally supported the efforts to pass the amendment to the 2009 Dodd-Frank bill authored by former Congressman Ron Paul, (R-TX) and Representative Alan Grayson, (D-FL) that would have mandated auditing of emergency spending by the Federal Reserve.

While a professor at the University of New Mexico, Canova worked with Libertarian Republicans, including former New Mexico Governor and 2016 Libertarian Party presidential nominee Gary Johnson, to eliminate felony disenfranchisement.

2016 Congressional campaign

Canova challenged incumbent former Democratic National Committee chair, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the August 30, 2016 Florida Democratic Party's primary election. He focused on Wasserman Schultz's legislative record, which, according to Canova, includes blocking the SEC and IRS from disclosing corporate political spending (part of December 2015's omnibus spending bill), preventing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from regulating discrimination in auto lending, opposing its rules cracking down on payday lending, and supporting "fast track" authority for trade deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

On issues of Florida specifically, Canova denounced Wasserman Schultz's opposition to a medical marijuana ballot measure that, according to polls, had the support of 58 percent of Florida voters.

The Florida Democratic party initially refused access to its voter database to the Canova campaign. Following complaints by the Florida Progressive Democratic Caucus and the Canova campaign, the Florida Democratic party leadership, in March 2016, reversed its position. However, Florida Democratic Party executive director Scott Arceneaux specified that the exception would only apply to the contest between Canova and Wasserman Schultz, because of "the truly unique factors." Canova commented, "I hate to be critical at a moment when I am thankful, but I think that is bad policy."

On May 21, 2016, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed Canova telling CNN's Jake Tapper "Clearly, I favor opponent." Earlier in the year President Obama had endorsed Wasserman Schultz.

Canova criticized Wasserman Schultz for taking corporate money, citing his large base of small-dollar donors. In a fundraising email the Wasserman-Schultz campaign argued that, despite Canova's many donors, "90% of his cash is flowing in from donors outside of Florida." Of the only 10% of his donations that come from within Florida, Canova was unable to disclose what fraction came from within the 23rd District.

Wasserman Schultz was aided by additional strong support from the national Democratic party establishment, including fundraising and campaign appearances by Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Representative John Lewis, and former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. On August 30, Canova lost the Congressional primary election with 43.2% of the vote, versus the incumbent's 56.8%.

2016 DNC leaks and the Canova campaign

After Wikileaks released hacked Democratic National Committee emails that confirmed that some DNC staffers had insulted the Bernie Sanders campaign, Wasserman Schultz tendered her resignation as the Chair of the DNC, effective as of the close of the nomination convention in Philadelphia. They showed Wasserman Schultz had clashed with fellow Democrats in Congress and the White House. She disparaged a top party contributor in Florida, John Morgan, who became a Wasserman Schultz foe after she opposed his Florida ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana. Morgan said, “The Sanders people have a right to be angry because these emails convey their worst suspicions — that Wasserman Schultz is to Democratic dirty tricks what Richard Nixon was for Republican dirty tricks.” Among the emails, around 80 contained information on Tim Canova. They tracked Canova's campaign movements and flagged positive news reports about his campaign. In them, four top DNC executives including communications director Luis Miranda, Chief Executive Officer Amy Dacey and Chief Financial Officer Bradley Marshall all of whom subsequently resigned, solicited Kay Brown, the head of the Alaska Democratic party, to do "some digging" on a pro-Bernie Sanders event in that state. Canova attended the event via streaming video. After the leaks, Canova announced that his lawyers would file a Federal Election Commission complaint against Wasserman Schultz for her possible violation of campaign finance laws, due to the DNC allegedly acting as an arm of Wasserman Schultz's campaign, and for improperly using DNC funds and resources. On Monday, August 8, 2016, the complaint was formally filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Political positions

• Canova supports the legalization of medical marijuana.
• He strongly opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
• Canova is strongly pro-Israel.
• He initially opposed the Iran nuclear deal, arguing Wasserman Schultz was either duped to go along with it or was "in on it". In January 2016, he said that he supported "its full implementation". In August 2016, he said that it was not a good agreement and that he didn't know how he would have voted if he'd been in Congress at the time.
• He opposes "open borders," though he supports a pathway to citizenship.
• He opposed the Stop Online Piracy Act.
• Canova favors requiring labelling GMO products in the marketplace.
• He favors a ban on "military assault rifles" and banning individuals on the No Fly List from purchasing firearms.
• Canova has been critical of the Federal Reserve, stating that "today’s new normal is a central bank captured by private financial interests and pursuing an elite agenda of deregulation, fiscal austerity, and bailouts and bonuses for bankers."
• He supports a "nationwide fracking ban".

References

1. Weigel, David (21 May 2016). "Sanders endorses DNC Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz's primary opponent". Washington Post. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
2. You've Probably Missed This Key Struggle Among Democrats, Huffington Post, Zach Carter, January 29, 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
3. Selected Works of Timothy A. Canova, Bepress. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
4. "Top Economists to Advise Sanders on Fed Reform". U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
5. "Faculty and Staff Profiles: Timothy A. Canova". Shepard Broad College of Law. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
6. Canova, Timothy. "Greenspan's Grip". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
7. Hopes and Prospects, Noam Chomsky, 2010, pp.219-221, 306. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
8. Elections 2000, Z Magazine, Noam Chomsky January 1, 2000. Retrieved 21 March, 2016.
9. The election, economy, war and peace, Z Magazine, Noam Chomsky November 25, 2008. Retrieved 21 March, 2016.
10. "Tim Canova - Shepard Broad College of Law - Tim Canova NSU - Tim Canova". Retrieved 9 August 2016.
11. "Greenspan's Grip". The New York Times. 9 January 1996. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
12. Ron Paul 1$ trillion cut plan targets five cabinet departments, U.S. News and World Report, Mallie Jane Kim, October 17, 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
13. Elizabeth Warren and Sherrod Brown fight fed audit, foreclosure transparency, Huffington Post, Zach Carter, 4February 17, 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
14. Meet Debbie Wasserman Schultz's first ever primary challenger Tim Canova, The Intercept, Glenn Greenwald, January 19, 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016
15. Gary Johnson Wins Libertarian Nomination for President, ABC, May 29, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
16. Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Challenger Has a Chance by David Dayen, The New Republic, January 13, 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
17. Debbie Wasserman Schultz's opponent Tim Canova is denied access to Democrat's voter file, Broward Palm Beach New Times, Jerry Iannelli, March 16, 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
18. Florida Democratic Party reverses position, gives Wasserman Schultz challenger voter data, Broward-Palm Beach New Times, Kristen M. Clark & Amy Sherman, March 24, 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
19. CNN, Eugene Scott and Jake Tapper. "Sanders says he's backing DNC chair's primary opponent". Retrieved 9 August 2016. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
20. Am; Reporter, a Terkel Senior Political; Post, The Huffington (4 April 2016). "Obama Endorsement Of Debbie Wasserman Schultz Prompts Cash For Her Challenger". Retrieved 9 August 2016.
21. "Debbie Wasserman Schultz attacked for bank donations and position on payday loan bill". Politifact. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
22. "Debbie Wasserman Schultz attacks Tim Canova for taking money outside of Florida - Naked Politics". Retrieved 9 August 2016.
23. Wasserman Schultz, Canova clash face to face in debate, Sun Sentinel, Anthony Man, August 2, 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
24. Wasserman Schultz fends off challenge from Canova Sun Sentinel, Anthony Man & Anne Geggis, August 31, 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
25. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Wins Congressional Primary in Florida, According to A.P.], New York Times, August 31, 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
26. Debbie Wasserman Schultz to Resign D.N.C. Post, New York Times, Jonathan Martin and Alan Rappeport, July 24, 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
27. Democratic National Committee CEO Amy Dacey resigns, Washington Post, Abby Phillip & Katie Zezima, August 2, 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
28. Caputo, Marc (July 24, 2016). "Wasserman Schultz steps down as DNC chair". Politico.
29. Iannelli, Jerry (July 24, 2016). "Leaked Emails Show DNC Staffers Keeping Close Eye on Tim Canova's Rise". Miami New Times.
30. Berry, Lorraine (July 25, 2016). "Debbie Wasserman Schultz's primary opponent Tim Canova to file FEC complaint against her". Raw Story.
31. Wasserman Schultz challenger files FEC complaint, The Hill, Jesse Byrnes, August 8, 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
32. In primary challenge Wasserman Schultz faces unprecedented test, The Hill (newspaper), Mike Lillis, January 17, 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
33. Meet Debbie Wasserman Schultz's first ever primary challenger Tim Canova, The Intercept, Glenn Greenwald, January 19, 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
34. MSNBC (2016-05-25), Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Opponent Tim Canova: DNC Chair Is 'Rigging The System' | MSNBC, retrieved 2016-06-20
35. "Wasserman Schultz's Challenger, Tim Canova, is Even More "Pro-Israel" Than She Is". www.counterpunch.org. 2016-06-02. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
36. ^ "Sanders breathes life into a Florida professor's unlikely bid to oust the DNC chair". Washington Post. Retrieved 2016-05-30.
37. "INSURGENCY ON THE LEFT". Tim Canova for Congress. 2016-07-24. Retrieved 2016-07-24.
38. "On the Issues". Tim Canova for Congress. 2016-02-23. Retrieved 2016-06-20.
39. "Tim Canova on Twitter". Retrieved 2016-07-25.
40. Sun-Sentinel, South Florida. "Wasserman Schultz, Canova clash face to face in debate". Retrieved 2016-08-16.
41. Truthdigger of the Week, Progressive Congressional Candidate Tim Canova, Truthdig, Alexander Reed Kelly, January 31, 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
42. ^ TimCanova2016 (January 16, 2016). "Hi reddit! My name is Tim Canova, and I'm running to challenge Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the Democratic primary for Florida's 23rd Congressional district. I am currently a Professor of Law and Public Finance at Nova Southeastern University, and I strongly endorse Bernie Sanders for president. AMA". Reddit.com. Reply comment. Retrieved June 20, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
43. Canova, Timothy A. (2011-03-16). "The Federal Reserve We Need: It's the Fed We Once Had". Rochester, NY: Social Science Research Network. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
44. "Tim Canova for Congress - Timeline | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2016-07-25.

External links

• Tim Canova for Congress website
• "The Federal Reserve We Need" by Tim Canova, The American Prospect, October 7, 2010
• "Public Banking 2013 - Funding the New Economy" : lecture by Tim Canova at the Dominican University of California, 2013

• Florida Democrats
• People from Merrick, New York
• People from Weston, Florida
• Georgetown University alumni
• Living people
• 1960 births