Posts for October 5th, 2006

Prior to the primary, the Florida Governor’s race was an exciting time on the Democratic side - two campaigns fighting it out - discussing issues and accusations of poor judgement and being in the pocket of some big industry PAC - and the television was filled with discourse on who would be the better candidate on the Democratic side. After the fighting was done and the votes were tallied, Rod went back to Alachua and Jim went back to determine who would be his running mate.

What’s happened since? Davis selected a terrific running mate for Lt. Governor, Daryl Jones and then went into fundraising mode. As reported in the St Pete Times, Davis has lagged in all of the metrics most political operatives discuss in terms of fundraising, field offices, television, and public appearances. I could have also given the same measure, simply by noting the Internet effort that occurred soon after the election. Much like the failed Betty Castor campaign in 2004, the Davis campaign has lost its online engagement strategy and the momentum is waning. Based on this measure, and previous experiences with other Florida campaigns - I worry that the Davis Campaign is in a hole - and, unless a heroic effort is undertaken, we will be discussing Governor Crist.

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