In swing-state Florida, the 2018 congressional election has already begun

[TexasTowelie]

The exasperated man answered the door of his West Kendall home, annoyed at being interrupted from work and hollering at his furry little dog, Sacha, who had rushed to sniff out the unexpected visitors: a pair of high school volunteers holding clipboards and a stack of political fliers.

The volunteers promised they had only three questions. Had he heard of his congressman, U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo? (He had.) Which issue — tax reform, the economy, the environment — mattered most to him? (Lower taxes.) Was he familiar with Curbelo’s efforts to combat climate change?

“I don’t believe in that,” the man said in Spanish. “That’s a lie. That’s just normal, in nature.”

The volunteers said thank you. The man picked up his dog and shut the door.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article167983647.html

[Awsi Dooger]

1. I early voted for Annette Taddeo today in Miami

State senate race.

It may not be a 2018 congressional race but I don't like unmistakable trend of the past 4 or 5 months. Republicans have dominated the outreach and the energy level. They knocked on my door persistently even though I'm a registered Democrat and told them every time they showed up that I have never voted for a Republican in my life.

There have been Diaz and Perez signs everywhere here in Miami. To such extent that I knew their names long before I had any idea who the Democratic candidates were. I still don't know the name of the Democrat on the ballot opposite Perez even though I voted for that Democrat today. Started with an H, I think.

Those were the only two races on my ballot.

I voted at a local library. Same trend as everywhere else. The parking lot was ringed with Diaz and Perez signs with only a scattering of Taddeo signs. There were 8 Diaz representatives in the parking lot wearing T shirts and approaching anyone who got out of their car and appeared to be a voter. Nobody was championing Taddeo.

I've only seen one poll on this race. A Democratic leaning pollster had Taddeo leading 42-38 a few months ago. I would be stunned if that result held up. No matter the terrain when the other side is plastering the airwaves and neighborhoods to such semi monopoly I've got to believe it will attach to the result. Taddeo is on the defensive in every commercial, largely because she was badly underfunded in comparison and allowed Diaz to define the race for months. Now Diaz is running commercials as if he's some type of people's champion, telling them what to do post Irma including providing phone numbers to needed services. It may be garbage since all he'll do is prioritize corporations and the rich if in office, but it comes across as effective.

We need to do better and not take anything for granted regarding 2018. Unexpected victory leads to surge in energy and intensity level. I discovered that decades ago regarding sports and it applies elsewhere.

I'd like to win something for a change. Actual election day is next Tuesday, September 26th.