Ted,
Did Bush carry WA in 2K?
Coming from the Chicago area originally, FL is very strange. People think it's a bunch or retired people, but the fact is the demographic has changed dramatically in the last 10 years.
The Northern part of the state is primarily Republican (some would say redneck), the Southern part of the state primarily Democrat, and in the middle (the I4 corridor), it's evenly split. In the center of the state, you've got two metro areas, Orlando and the Tampa Bay area. As you know we "decided" the last election (with some help from the SC), and it looks like the Rep's and Dem's think we will be the swing vote in this one (I don't think so, too predictable).
But from my experience, the folks here are mostly not political, not involved, easily swayed. So the intensity and repetition of the ads and appearances here can't be underestimated.
That's why I think the electoral college system sucks. We should go to the popular vote. You will average out the people who are not paying attention, but by fluke have a demographic impact beyond their numbers.
John
PS I understand we are a republic not a democracy, still... |
