Alachua Voter Guide

2008 Black Tie and Blue Jean BBQ

Thursday, October 16th, about 800 avid Republicans came out to hear Lt. Col. Oliver North rally the faithful to support John McCain. The controversial North was a good draw for Conservatives, and that made it a good place for candidates further down the ticket to meet potential donors and sympathetic voters.

District 5 County Commission Candidate Ward Scott

There aren’t a lot of opportunities for local candidates to be seen by 800 voters at one time. And there are even fewer opportunities for them to speak to that many. The candidate forums are pretty badly attended because there is little interest in local candidates. It takes the drawing power of a national figure to bring the crowds. I wish there had been an opportunity for them to address the crowd, but I do understand there are time constraints in a big operation like this one. There was only time for the candidates to get pointed out for a quick stand-up in the crowd. Maybe next year they will get the chance to play a part in the program by sharing MC duties. It’s a thought.

There is also a Lawton Chiles Dinner that is the local Democratic Fundraiser, and I would be happy to attend it and cover it if I was notified. Most local organizations that host candidate events are spotty on their attempts to reach an audience. At least, they are spotty in their attempts to reach me. I have to scour candidate websites in search of announcements of their next forum appearance like anyone else.

6th Congressional District Incumbent Cliff Stearns

We are now in the waning days of the 2008 election season. If there are any more events, I don’t know about them. But the good news is that it is not too late for candidates to post their opinions and explanations, or to weigh in on any of the issues that have been posted here. There are local ballot initiatives, and voters would like to get some fresh perspectives on what they will mean to them if they are passed. Post a comment, I will approve it, and then I won’t need to approve any more of them. We are currently running about 250 visitors per day, and those people can be reached for FREE.