Dems might have votes counted after all, but damage is already done

In today’s Gainesville Sun, Lloyd Dunkelberger reminds us of the FL Democrats’ rocky start to the presidential election: “The Democratic National Committee had stripped Florida of its entire delegation and had refused to recognize the results of the Jan. 29 primary after the state moved up its presidential primary in violation of party rules. In fact, Florida, along with Michigan, wasn’t even assigned hotel space in Denver until this summer because of the punishment.

…Democrats also say Obama is not a sure thing.

“It’s going to be tough,” said state Sen. Steve Geller, D-Cooper City, who gives the edge right now to Republican John McCain in a very close race in Florida.

While some say Obama may have trouble in Florida soothing over hard feelings from diehard Clinton supporters, Geller said the Illinois senator has also yet to truly solidify his support among Jewish voters, particularly elderly voters who may have been swayed by Internet rumors that Obama is anti-Israel.

“It’s still out there,” Geller said. “And anybody who denies it is not being accurate.”

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080822/NEWS/152300/1002/news01&title=Democrats_cautiously_optimistic_ahead_of_convention_