Democrats blew it in Florida

We couldn't have put it better ourselves! Adam Smith of the St. Pete Times explains the Florida Democrats' failure to capitalize on the Obama wave.

Democrats blew it in Florida?

The biggest surprise in Tuesday's results may be how poorly -- other than Barack Obama (all hail Steve Schale!) -- Florida Democrats performed despite the Obama juggernaut helping turn out votes.

They netted one Congressional seat and showed that Democrats can compete well in heavily Cuban-American districts. But despite the anti-GOP climate, they did not pick off a single incumbent Republican in the Legislature and ultimately may net just one state House seat. Two words: Pa Thetic.

And gloomy Republicans today can find plenty of reasons for solace: On Constitutional amendments, Floridians voted strongly to cut taxes, ban gay marriage and oppose tax increases for community colleges.

There's no real evidence of a Democratic tide in Florida.

Greer says Madison, Jefferson and the Gang Would Applaud Crist

The Herald Tribune's Joe Follick blogs:

Republican Party of Florida chairman Jim Greer had a short interview on MSNBC this afternoon where he defended Gov. Charlie Crist’s 180-degree switcheroo to expand early voting hours.

Greer was asked about an anonymous quote in Politico from a Florida Republican who said the move will cost McCain the election by expanding the ability of Democrats to vote.

“I don’t believe that. We shouldn’t be partisan when it comes to giving voters the opportunity to participate in the process. I know there are some that believe the governor’s actions yesterday to extend voting was not good for the Republican Party. I don’t buy that. I don’t think we’re going to see a greater number of voters coming to the polls,” Greer said, adding that the number of voters will stay the same even if the lines get shorter.

“I think Gov. Crist’s actions yesterday would make our founding fathers quite proud,” he said.