Both candidates have worked hard the past two weekends before the Feb. 27 vote.
Democrat Liz Campbell – sent out two mailers. One with a letter from DeeDee Ritchie and emphasizing Campbell’s military service (22 yr. decorated Navy veteran.) The other focused on children – their education and health care.
Republican Clay Ford – sent out three. Two were repeats of his earlier mailers – both well done. The third was an endorsement letter signed by GB community leaders – Mayor Lane Gilchrist, Ed Gray, D. Bert Jordan, Dick Fulford, Lance Reese, Sparkie Folkers, Bev Zimmern, Harrison Wilder, Dana Morris, Susie Spencer, Steve Zieman and Britton Stamps.
To further solidify his base in Gulf Breeze, Ford supporters walked the neighborhoods and left flyers at residences.
Tallahassee is betting on Ford winning as evidenced by the huge contributions from the PACs. Campbell has gotten some money out of the Dem. Party – which has helped her get her message out better this time.
Ford has touted his experience in government. Campbell has emphasized her Pensacola residency – hoping the GB phobia will keep some from voting for Ford.
Some Ford supporters have quietly (rather vocally on this blog) insinuated that Campbell is gay – which is ironic since similar rumors were spread about GOP Gov. Charlie Crist. And Crist has openly endorsed Ford.
Some Campbell supporters have dug up complaints filed against Ford for his actions to stop his employees from forming a union. The National Labor Board did review the case and ruled against Ford. However, being anti-union won’t hurt Ford with his Republican supporters.
The vote hinges on Campbell putting together a large enough bloc to fight off the GB & Pensacola Christian votes. Campbell will have to gain significant votes from the independents, because I’m not sure the Democrats will vote in large numbers.
By tomorrow night – we’ll know.
