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After years of loss, Florida Democrats think tide is turning
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| Contributor | ArmyDem |
| Last Edited | ArmyDem Dec 03, 2005 12:07pm |
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| Category | News |
| Media | Newspaper - Bradenton Herald |
| News Date | Saturday, December 3, 2005 06:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | BRENDAN FARRINGTON
Associated Press
Posted on Sat, Dec. 03, 2005
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - 1996 was a bad year for Florida Democrats. So was 1998. And 2000. 2002 was even worse. So was 2004.
But things could improve in 2006 and there's actually a feeling of hope at the Florida Democratic Party. And it's not just hollow optimism.
The party is starting to raise more money. It has a gubernatorial candidate, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, who is even with better known Republicans in one recent poll. Gov. Jeb Bush won't be on the ballot. Democrats are avoiding primary contests in two key Cabinet races and trying more actively to recruit legislative and congressional candidates.
And next weekend the party is bringing in an impressive lineup of nationally recognized politicians to its annual convention in Orlando, an event that will seek to showcase its 2006 candidates while rallying support for the party itself.
"You could see not only a stop to the Republican victories in recent years, but you'll see a reversal," said state Sen. Dave Aronberg, who leads a group called Florida Mainstream Democrats. "The bleeding has stopped. We're going to make some gains."
While a lot can change in a year, University of North Florida political science professor Matthew Corrigan said Democrats do have reason to be optimistic.
"I don't think it's time to open the champagne, but both in terms of organization and electoral process, things are looking better now than they have since 1998 when Bush took over," he said.
Right now Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is a heavy favorite to retain his seat. He's far ahead of Republican challenger U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris in the polls and Harris is having trouble raising money.
And with Republicans in Washington beginning to lose public support, Democrats feel they may be able to turn opinions in Florida, particularly when it comes to congressional races. |
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