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Dade Commissioners Defiant Over Braman's Threat

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Several Miami-Dade commissioners who have found themselves in the cross-hairs of auto magnate Norman Braman have begun to fight back.

Braman, who successfully led a campaign to recall former county Mayor Carlos Alvarez, has made it known that he'd like to see reform minded candidates challenge four incumbents on the commission and fill a 5th open seat in August race, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.

During Tuesday's commission meeting, Commissioner Dennis Moss took a stand against Braman.

"As the story goes, at the end of the day, every bully meets their match. Norman Braman is a bully," said Moss.

Moss added that he and three fellow commissioners targeted for defeat by Braman were not afraid.

"I know some folks in this community are afraid of him and he's trying to make folks his lackeys and flunkies and puppets but I'm not one of those individuals," said Moss. "And I would also like to say a bully thrives on fear, but once a bully understands that you are not afraid of him they go and find somebody else to terrorize."

The paper reports that Braman has already convinced state Rep. Luis Garcia, who will drop out of a congressional race, to challenge Commissioner Bruno Barreiro.

Barreiro said he too is not afraid. He pointed out that he's defeated challengers in the past and the only way to end Braman's bullying will be another win on election day.

Barbara Jordan said Braman's threat will only make her campaign harder, even it means she has to go door to door to drum up support against a well-financed challenger.

Commissioner Audrey Edmonson said it was a sad day for the county when one person can dictate who sits on the commission.

CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed to this report

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