Home

Voter Registrations in Florida Show ‘huge swing’ toward Democrats

By Anthony Man, Sun-Sentinel Political Writer

An escalating number of voters registering as Democrats is providing evidence that the 2008 election could produce a wave of support for Barack Obama -- and trigger a decades-long shift of party allegiance that could affect elections for a generation.

The numbers are ominous for Republicans: Through May, Democratic voter registration in Broward County was up 6.7 percent. Republican registrations grew just 3 percent while independents rose 2.8 percent.

Democrats have posted even greater gains statewide, up 106,508 voters from January through May, compared with 16,686 for the Republicans.  "It's a huge swing," says Marian Johnson, political director for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. "I looked at that and said, 'Wow.'"

Democrats said Friday it's proof of what they have been seeing for months.  Read full article►

BIG BLUE BASH Announces Band Lineup 

It's official -- Paradise Burning, a popular area band, and My Farewell, a Pensacola based group, will headline the Big Blue Bash on August 2nd.  Sponsored by the Walton County DEC with support from the Walton County Young Democrats, the event is geared toward reaching the 18-30 age group.  With more than 5500 in this age group already registered to vote, and many more unregistered, it's critical that they turn out to vote in the November election.  Their participation will make a huge impact on the outcome.  Cindy Jeselnik and Graham Campbell-Work are heading up this effort and have organized food, security, celebrity autographed items for auction, speakers, voter registration -- and the important ingredient MUSIC!  Local Democrats Ray and Sandra Padgett are offering their beautiful farm, north of DeFuniak Springs, as a perfect location for this 4-11 p.m. evening of fun and entertainment, sprinkled with politics.

Volunteers are needed as well as financial assistance.  We urge all Democrats to contribute either their time, their resources, or both.  You can click on Contribute► and make an online contribution.  It's secure and goes directly into the party's bank account.  Be sure to fill out all the necessary information for complete campaign reporting purposes.  For more information, call Cindy at 892-5500 or email  cindyj1953@yahoo.com   Click on this link for a printable flyer and directions to the Padgett Farm►

Democrats Can Vote in Universal Primary Races

Florida is a closed primary state.  If you wish to vote in a Primary Election, you must be registered in the party for which the primary is being held.  However, if all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the General Election, all electors may vote in the Primary Election for that office.  All registered voters may vote for non-partisan candidates and issues."  Walton County Supervisor of Elections Guidebook

Click on this link to see sample ballots for the August 26 Primary Election.

Obama's Trip to the War Zone                                                                                                 

McCain/Bush Following Obama's Lead on Foreign Policy?

July 17 - House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., today claimed that President Bush (not to mention Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.) are following the lead of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, in foreign policy.

"Who is leading who on foreign policy?" asked Emanuel in a statement. "The Bush administration is right to follow Senator Obama's lead by engaging in diplomatic efforts with Iran, cracking down on Al Qaeda, and supporting additional troops in Afghanistan.  But in every case, it's politics first, policy second - first the Bush administration and Senator McCain play political games, and then they decide to do the right thing and follow Senator Obama's lead."    Read the full story►


BAGHDAD (AP) - July 22 -  Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama traveled to a former hotbed of the Sunni insurgency on Tuesday for talks with tribal leaders who joined the fight against al-Qaida in Iraq and now seek a deeper role in Iraq's political future.

Obama, wrapping up his stop in Iraq, gathered with leaders of the so-called Awakening Council movement in Ramadi, one of the main cities of the western Anbar Province where al-Qaida once had the upper hand against embattled U.S. and Iraqi troops.

 

Check out the Walton County Commissioner Candidates 

Because no Democratic candidates are running for County Commissioner, all voters will be choosing the next commissioners from Districts 3 and 5 in the August Primary Election.  District 1 Commissioner Scott Brannon was automatically elected when no opponents filed against him.  The County Commissioners impact all of us locally; their decisions impact the quality of life, the economic vitality, and the values of property for all citizens.  Get to know the candidates.  

Information submitted by the candidates is located on the Supervisor of Elections website.  You can access candidate information by clicking on each candidates name. In addition, local forums are being held throughout the county.  Plan to attend at least one.

July 24      Thursday             6:00 p.m.          South Walton Republican Candidates Forum - Seascape

July 31      Thursday             6:00 p.m.           Walton Republican Women Federated Forum - South Walton High School

August 7   Thursday             6:00 p.m.           30-A Republican Candidate Forum - Rosemary Beach Townhall

August 9   Saturday              3:00 p.m.           Red Bay Candidate Forum - Red Bay

Obama tells NAACP "Blacks Must Take Responsibility"


July 15, 2008 - CINCINNATI (AP) -- Democrat Barack Obama received a prideful welcome from the annual NAACP convention Monday night, but in a stirring speech to the nation's oldest civil rights organization, he nonetheless insisted blacks must show greater responsibility for improving their own lives. The man who could become the first black president urged Washington to provide more education and economic assistance. He called on corporate America to exercise greater social responsibility. But he also received his most lusty applause as he urged blacks to demand more of themselves.

"If we're serious about reclaiming that dream, we have to do more in our own lives. There's nothing wrong with saying that," Obama told a crowd estimated at 3,000. "But with providing the guidance our children need, turning off the TV set and putting away the video games; attending those parent-teacher conferences, helping our children with their homework, setting a good example. That's what everybody's got to do."  Read the full story►

Psychologically speaking. . . ."Just feel better," says McCain 

Have you noticed that President Bush and John McCain keep telling Americans our problems are all in our heads and that we just need to feel better?   

With banks failing, foreclosures and bankruptcies skyrocketing, inflation at the highest level in years, and thousands losing their jobs, these comments are a measure of just how out of touch with reality John McCain and George Bush are.  So here's a video. It's short, and funny. Check it out►

Watch the latest Walton County Board of County Commissioners Meeting►