Some GOP insiders say McCain has botched campaign to win Florida
Jim Stratton | Sentinel Staff Writer
October 19, 2008
"Nowhere is that more evident than Florida, a state McCain must carry to win the White House. Troubled by sliding poll numbers, GOP loyalists here -- many of whom met in Orlando on Saturday for a presidential "victory rally" -- wonder whether the national campaign has taken the state for granted.
"My question would be, 'What campaign?' I just don't see one," said Bill Negron, an Orlando member of McCain's regional Hispanic steering committee. "To me, it looks like people are working hard to ensure that McCain doesn't get elected."
Those are dangerous words for any candidate. Once doubt infects a campaign -- once the faithful start grumbling -- it can spread like the plague.
"I think Florida's still in play," said GOP ex-U.S. Rep. Lou Frey of Orlando. "But in this business, perception matters. Perception is reality."
In Florida, John McCain's reality has grown harsher with almost every news cycle. Polls show this reliably red state trending blue as Barack Obama nurses a small but steady lead.
Obama has led in 10 of the past 11 polls, while McCain has struggled to gain traction. The Illinois senator has flooded Florida with more than 300 staffers and thousands of volunteers. He has opened about 50 offices and, in recent weeks, outspent McCain 3-to-1 on television advertising.
'It's truly Dukakis-like'
Republicans have been scrambling ever since McCain fumbled his response to the financial meltdown on Wall Street last month. He was seen as shaky and ineffective, and his polls numbers began reflecting that.
McCain was telling audiences last week that "we've got 'em just where we want 'em" -- but some GOP strategists see it differently. One who has advised the McCain organization called it the "most poorly run presidential campaign of the last 25 years. It's truly Dukakis-like," referring to the hapless 1988 campaign of Democrat Michael Dukakis.
"They have absolutely no strategy for winning," said the veteran operative, who did not want to be identified criticizing a candidate he supports. "I see . . . no rhyme or reason to this campaign or its scheduling or its planning."
Still, McCain has time to close the gap. Florida has supported a Democratic presidential candidate only three times in the past 40 years, and its most dependable voting groups -- older residents, veterans -- play to McCain's strengths. Before the chaos on Wall Street, he led for months in virtually every state poll.
Former state-party Chairman Al Cardenas said if McCain can pull within 2 or 3 points before Election Day, the GOP get-out-the-vote effort can put him over the top.
"Be surprised but not shocked," he said, "with a McCain win on November 4."
Asked whether he was satisfied with the McCain operation, Cardenas said, "It's not fair for me to comment without knowing what's at their disposal."
A co-chair of George W. Bush's 2004 campaign, Cardenas said McCain lacks the "financial firepower" to match Obama. But, he added, "I wish we were better organized."
The Bush model"
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