What if you threw a big mock election and nobody bothered to campaign?
If it’s Florida, that election still could be a big deal.
On Sept. 24 in Orlando, 3,500 ardent Republican activists in this must-win state cast votes for their preferred presidential nominee. The three times the Florida GOP has held such straw polls, the winner went on to win Florida’s primary and the presidential nomination — Ronald Reagan in 1979, George H.W. Bush in 1987 and Bob Dole in 1995.
This year, though, the so-called “Presidency 5” straw poll has most of the presidential campaigns skittish, confused or decidedly unenthusiastic. Only Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman and Ron Paul have committed to participate in the mock election, which essentially means showing up that Saturday afternoon and giving a speech.
Michele Bachmann is having an event the night before. Her name will be on the ballot. Doesn't that count as "participating"?
Posted by: Genie | August 30, 2011 at 08:57 AM
The candidates and their staff could be confused after the millions spent in Iowa? Our delegates were chosen from the 67 counties and only they vote and they pay their own way. There is no "buying a ticket" to vote. Surely, any candidates who do not stay for Saturday straw poll will be a HUGE disappointment to Florida grassroots base of leaders who will be charged with driving the voters to the polls.
Posted by: Cindy Graves | August 30, 2011 at 10:33 AM