Remember Howard Dean’s 50-state strategy? Here’s a chance to replicate it on a state district level.
Florida has 160 legislative seats: 120 House (State Representative) Districts and 40 Senate Districts (20 of which are being elected this year).
But Democrats only have candidates in about 95 House and 15 Senate Districts. So a total of about 30 districts have no Democratic candidates.
This site lists all of the candidates for all races. (You have to scroll down to get to the Senate and the House lists). For example, Senate District 1 lists only incumbent Republican Douglas Broxson.
Yes — These are long-shot districts, but running a Democrat in every one of them is critical — just as Howard Dean’s 50-State strategy was critical.
If you’re 21, you can run. So anyone with the time and energy can be a candidate — a college student, a senior, anyone.
Why?
Because:
- It works. Virginia 2019: All but a handful of districts were contested, and Dems swept Governor and Legislature
- Merely having Democratic candidates in a District increases Democratic turnout for President and Congress
- Having Democrats in “safe” R districts forces Republicans to spend there, taking away resources from other Districts.
- Having a candidate energizes Democrats in the district to participate and donate on state, congressional and Presidential levels.
- The recruited candidates will help contribute to future Democratic leadership, and maybe even a “star” will emerge.
So why aren’t there candidates in all districts?
- The odds of winning are long.
- More importantly, There is a $1,800 fee to be a candidate.
That’s a lot of money for one person — especially a student or a senior.
But it is not a lot of money (about $54,000) to fundraise: If the average contribution is $20, it would mean 2,700 contributions, if it’s $50, 1,080 contributions, $100, 540. Any amount, even $5, helps toward this goal.
But we’re not asking for contributions now. We need pledges of contributions to recruit candidates — they need assurance if they run, their fee will be taken care of.
So please take the Poll — Will you contribute at least $5 to a Florida candidate from one of the 30 Districts.
Thanks to the Drs. Fergie Reid Sr. and Jr. for their help and advice.