2016 a unique opportunity for democrats

[zipplewrath]

With the redistricting being put into place that is somewhat more favorable to democrats, it has been declared that all of the State Senate seats will be up for re-election. This will be in a presidential election year which means more democratic leaning voters will be showing up. We could actually see a shift in the legislature that could have some substantive effects. It could be an important year to go out and russel up some out of state monetary support for democratic candidates.

[csziggy]

1. What we need to do is to russle up a better state party

The Florida Democratic Party is a disaster and has been for decades. Look at the last gubernatorial race - they would not even consider a real Democrat and conscripted Charlie Christ who changed parties just for the chance to get back to Tallahassee.

If we as Democrats want a good candidate we're going to have to promote one from the grass roots up. Ignore the FDP and create our own campaign apparatus for whoever we can find worth supporting.

[zipplewrath]

2. I tend to agree

I don't think sending money to the FDP is going to be worth it. Pick some specific candidates and donate directly to them. Especially the ones that can bring about a renewed democratic party in this state. We probably ought to be sharing what we know on local candidates.

[csziggy]

3. Yes, that is what I do with FDP and the national party groups

I tell them that I will not donate to them but to my choice of candidate. Since my preferred candidates tend to be more progressive than what they will support it really pisses them off. I'm just tired of them promoting Republican Lite candidates - I think they'd get more support and more elected Democrats if they would stand up for what Democrats are supposed to support.

I've been staying completely out of the local politics. I guess I need to get back into it to see who will be running. I did sign up for feeds from the local Democratic group but so far they haven't sent out much, just a notice that one of the people I met in 2008 passed away.

[Hortensis]

4. Well, good luck to you guys. I can't vote in

Florida, unfortunately, since we have residency and homestead in Georgia. Unfortunately because it's among the top 5 or so most conservative districts in the nation and my vote's worthless. The less extreme conservatives on the ballot always lose there. I'd love to vote in a swing state. Fwiw, our district always gallantly has Democratic candidates on the ballot.

My eyes were crossed trying to make out all the changes. We're still in 26, which steps down all the way from the south end of Tampa Bay to the north end of Okeechobee, but that peculiar 19, twisting in and around my area like an Anole lizard frozen in place, has been tidied up a bit.