FL Gov. Crist extends early voting hrs to 12 hr days. Repubs say it hurts McCain.

[Honeycombe8]

Florida Governor Crist has extended the state's early voting hours from 8 to 12 hours a day. Republicans say that that just handed the state to Obama.

I'm not so sure, though. If the hours are extended, sure that allows lower income workers (more likely to work shift work) more flexibility to get to the polls. BUT...it helps relieve waiting a long time to vote. And it's OLDER folks and less enthusiastic folks who won't or can't wait in line a long time. So extending the hours would HELP McCain's older, less enthusiastic voters to vote.

So maybe it's a wash, since it would help lower income voters, too, and many of them will be voting Democratic. BUT don't forget that the Latino vote in FL is primarily Cuban, and the majority of that group is Republican, I think.

[liberalmuse]

1. Democracy hurts Republicans.

If you let people vote, they lose. Imagine 'real' Americans scoffing at easy access to polls? I can't.

[Doctor_J]

2. GOP admits that having people vote = loss for them

amazing candor. Obama should run with this.

[Honeycombe8]

6. You are so right! Obama should mention that on the stump! nt

[Betsy Ross]

3. It's not supposed to help Obama or McCain.

Its supposed to help the voters!

[Honeycombe8]

7. That was Crist's response. He said it wasn't for political reasons; it was for people reasons. nt

[Erin Elizabeth]

4. This whole week, Texas has 12 hour early voting days.

Last week, it was just eight hour days. But starting this past Saturday and going through this Friday, the early voting locations are open 7 am to 7 pm. It's just more fair for those who work long hours.

I thought all the states with early voting did 12 hour days in the last stretch!

[Honeycombe8]

9. I guess FL didn't. Hey, I'm in TX, too! I voted Saturday!!!! Yippeee! nt

[davidpdx]

5. Well that fake tan hasn't totally warped his brain

Thanks Charlie!

[b2b55]

8. I'm glad he extended the hours. I think Sunday was added as well.

[truthisfreedom]

10. Why would republicans say that Democracy hurts them? Isn't that just a bit revealing?

Isn't that the same as saying "we have to limit the voting to control the outcome?"

Isn't that the same as saying "Republicans must rely on manipulating the vote to win?"

Why can't they win with everyone voting? How can they call limiting the vote American???

They're revealing themselves to be anti-American!

[saltpoint]

11. "Look, Senator McCain! You can see your house from here!"

Charlie is an ambitious little rascal, isn't he? Damn.

He is smart enough to know that McCain has little chance now of winning the election nationally and likely Obama is poised to carry Florida.

Crist may have opened diplomatic relations with an Obama administration with this decision.

So while I have never really trusted or even liked Charlie, his move on extension of voting access will wound McCain in Florida and will boost Obama in Florida, and not least, it gives actual citizens better access to one of their crucial rights.