Reply #32: While I am very disappointed...

[GBD4]

...we need to be way more optimistic. If there is only one Democrat who can win a statewide race in FL in 04 (Graham) then what condition is the Party in right now? Are there no decent Florida Dems in the younger generation? We have two United States Congressmen (Deutsch and Hastings), the highest elected official of the largest of the 67 Florida counties (Penelas), and a former education commissioner who's already been elected statewide twice (Castor). While I really only like Castor, I think these four can all be competitive - and win! Who do the Republicans have? Ultraconservative House Speaker Byrd, ex-Rep McCollum whom Bill Nelson defeated for Senate in 2000, and some other folks. WE are the ones with current US Reps and a statewide official in the running, NOT THEM. Additionally, Deutsch is the #2 biggest war chest of all 435 House members (don't ask for a link, I read it a while ago, trust me :) ). Further, Deutsch and Hastings are in safe Dem seats, and those seats will remain Dem if either one wins the Senate nomination. Of all the people on this board, I might be the most pro-Graham! But even I have some optimism on this sad day!