FL Legislature, Congress, and Governorship—Yes, we CAN win them all!

First this: Congratulations to Carol Cox and all those involved in pulling off the successful fundraiser Saturday. Media coverage was very positive and touted the growing muscle of the Seminole Democrats. Speeches were given by the Dem candidates for governor: Jim Davis and Rod Smith; also Senator Bill Nelson. The headliner was Iowa governor and likely 2008 presidential contender, Tom Vilsack. He was the first Democratic governor elected in over 30 years—proof that things can change.

It’s ironic. Given the current political makeup of our state and national government, it would appear to someone who knew nothing about politics that the republicans would have the advantage this November. By all reason, they should—however, not even supporters of the GOP could have predicted the colossal incompentence and corruption that has led to the current massive tide change of public opinion. I can honestly say, as can the other side, that it is better right now to be a Democrat.

Governor: A year ago, I would not have believed that any Democrat could overcome the affable and eternally tanned Charlie Crist. But according to a poll in the Wall Street Journal (featured on flapolitics.com), Crist is only leading Davis now by four percentage points, (42%-38%) which is within the margin of error. The independent Quinnipiac Univeristy poll on 2/22/2006 also shows the same margin of error (40%-36%). Rod Smith had a 10% deficit on Crist on the same poll. As Crist and Gallagher continually try to destroy each other, and as Crist has to defend himself for failing to protect
state employee privacy, as well as the high cost involved for his ridiculously named “Anti-Murder” bill, (which was even rejected by fellow republicans last year), expect that number to keeping turning in our favor. As political commentator Scott Maxwell said in today’s Orlando Sentinel, “If issues actually become central in this race…Charlie might get nervous”.

Senate: Katherine Harris must have something to gain by being in the Senate if she is willing to pour 10 million of her own money into her failing campaign. Thing is, its not going to make a difference. In yet another in a long string of embarrassments, the associated press reported today that Katherine lost her campaign manager, a top advisor, communications director, and the rest of her core staff this weekend. This has followed a sad trail of poor fundraising, lack of party support, and a revelation from federal prosecutors that a defense contractor involved in a bribery scandal had illegally contributed $30,000 to Harris. But while Harris tries to salvage what is left of her ailing campaign by
exploiting Christianity (So now you are leading a Christian crusade, Katherine?), while at the same time negatively smearing her opponent, Senator Nelson is acting in true Christian fashion. At our Seminole County fundraiser yesterday, he gave a positive speech and didn’t even mention Harris’ troubled campaign.

Fl. Legislature: Despite recent history and gerrymandered districts, the Florida GOP is terrified of losing a their majority. This was unthinkable just a few months ago, but the numbers have changed . We Dems are in a great position to finally take back Florida—this article explains it better than I could.

It won’t be easy, and it will take more than just watching the GOP implode, but victory has never been so close. Many of the republicans who put in a lot of time and effort back in 2004 are not going to be there just to keep things the way they are, however, we Dems need to put in the same passion and commitment we had back then to make this work. We need to volunteer to register and collect voters, donate, if possible, work a campaign, or even run for office.

If it gets too hard, just keep in mind, it could be a lot worse for you this campaign season.

You could be a republican…