what we have learned thus far
JoelIt’s about two weeks until the September 5 primaries, and early voting is open now.
We asked that everyone do their homework on the candidates. I’d love to hear what everyone has learned - I’ll get everyone started with a few things I found out in the last two weeks.
- Tony Katz announced his candidacy for CHAIRman.
- If a tree falls on a hangar and no one is around to see it, that means Katherine Harris is in town.
- Tom Gallagher thinks Charlie Crist is alright - er, alleft.
Now it’s time for more homework. You have two assignments:
- Know who you’re voting for: Sample ballots are a perfect way to limit your research to the races you can actually vote in, as well as a time saver when you step into the ballot box. I got mine in the mail today, but you can also get sample ballots for your county via the following links: Hillsborough, Pinellas (PDF file), Polk (links to ballots on right side under “Related Items”, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota.
- Visit Tampa Bay Community Network: You know those channels between the broadcast channels and all the ESPNs, the ones where you can watch that eight-year old girl dancing in front of the Lowry Park bandshell? Two of those channels - 19 and 20 on Bright House, to be exact - are actually quite informative. TBCN is airing many political debates and forums from all around the area. You can check their program schedule, including reruns of forums (Word document) held by TBCN and the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County. Best of all, TBCN tells us that Verizon Cable customers will have a chance to watch on channels 30 and 36 starting August 31.
And while we’re on the topic of debates, here’s some extra credit for the Democrats: attend this Wednesday’s District 11 debate hosted by the Weekly Planet.
You’re dismissed.
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August 22nd, 2006 at 11:34 am
I’ve learned that even with myriad interest groups printing out dozens upon dozens of “voter-education” pamphlets, news programs at night and on weekends devoted to candidate interviews, debates, commercials, newspaper coverage and endorsements, rallies, extensive Internet activity, candidate blogs and so on - many voters are still clueless about anything other than what happened last week on their favorite reality show. Power to the people.
August 22nd, 2006 at 12:21 pm
It would seem Kate is feeling a little cynical. I don’t know why. Davis supporters (like her) should be happy. Some of the latest polling I’ve seen has Davis up, and in fact has him closing the gap on Charlie Crist in the general election as well.
One of the best ways to learn something about politics is to totally immerse yourself in it. Take a couple of hours this weekend, find a candidate you might be interested in, and volunteer some of your time. Democrat, Republican, Independent, it doesn’t matter — every single candidate needs help with phone banking, door-to-door work, visibility and a host of other tasks.
Of course, like Joel says, watch the debates, too, hit the websites, and learn all you can before you make your way to the voting booth.
But whatever you do, vote, gang. This election is a big deal. Think of it as a staging ground for Election 2008, which, for better or for worse, will be here before you know it.
August 22nd, 2006 at 6:09 pm
Crist - gov (cause I have learned he is left of Tom)
Hudson - congress dist 13 (Vern is scary and the rest are a waste of public resources)
undecided - us Senate (Are we republicans really going to vote for Harris? Don’t people realize that she is insane?)
However, once the general comes around I may have to cross party lines in the Gov and Senate race. I can’t vote for Kat Harris. And if it is between Rod Smith and Charlie Crist for Governor….well, I will cross that bridge after September.
August 22nd, 2006 at 6:37 pm
Rod Smith+Charlie Crist=Start thinking “lesser of two evils.”
Go, Jim, go.