Had a few beers with a lifelong Democrat yesterday. The question came up – Can a registered D win any local political races?
My reply was in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties No. Too few voters spend the time to get the know the candidates, especially in Santa Rosa where there is no major daily or county-wide newspaper covering the political scene.
Also the large number of retirees who equate Dems with higher taxes has an impact. When you don’t know the candidates it’s too easy to just vote for the party of choice – which is Rep right now.
Escambia County is different – larger minority population, influx of more educated young people, dissatisfaction with local government…all make 2008 ripe for change.