Posted on 09/18/2004 7:32:30 PM PDT by tellw
ORLANDO, Fla. - (KRT) - Democrat John Kerry's presidential campaign, blown off course in Florida by three hurricanes, plans to resume efforts to win the crucial battleground state next week with a blitz of five key cities.
Kerry or his running mate, John Edwards, plans events in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and West Palm Beach, the campaign said Friday. Details will be released Saturday.
The resumption comes at a crucial moment for the Kerry campaign, locked in a battle with President Bush for the White House.
In recent weeks, Bush has moved into a lead in some national polls, though the dozen or so battleground states - which will decide the presidency - remain statistical tossups.
For Kerry, it will be his first campaign trip to Florida since July 26, when he appeared at a forum in Cape Canaveral, on his way to Boston to accept the Democratic nomination.
He also visited Punta Gorda shortly after Hurricane Charley decimated the Gulf Coast town, but he made no campaign appearances.
In campaign terms, Kerry's nearly two-month hiatus may seem like a lifetime in a state long targeted as the linchpin in this fall's presidential race.
But Democrats say hurricanes here are changing the political calculus.
"We think the race here essentially has been frozen for several weeks," said Matt Miller, a Kerry campaign spokesman. "But, obviously, we want to be in Florida as much as possible between now and November."
Bush, though, has been active. He is scheduled to tour the hurricane-ravaged Pensacola area Sunday, along with surveying damage left by Hurricane Ivan in neighboring Alabama.
Bush's visit to Florida, which he carried by 537 votes four years ago, will be his 28th trip to the state since he took office.
He also made trips after Hurricane Charley, presenting $2 billion in federal aid, and after Hurricane Frances, for which he has requested an additional $3.1 billion.
The Kerry-Edwards events set for next week were still being finalized Friday.
"It'll be good for him to come here," said Doug Head, Orange County Democratic chairman. "This town is still a little torn up from Hurricane Charley. People have been pretty distracted for the past month."
Kerry had intended to be in Florida, but the triple hit from hurricanes forced those plans to change. He canceled a couple of Florida appearances in deference to the cleanup efforts, and Edwards also canceled an appearance in Fort Myers last month when Charley loomed.
An independent group helping Democratic voter efforts also canceled a Miami Beach fund-raiser with entertainer Bette Midler because of that storm.
"People's attention has clearly been on other things," said Matthew Corrigan, a University of North Florida political scientist. "And that's usually not good for a challenger who needs their focus to make his case."
Ping to post #80
I'm in Orlando, work within walking distance of TD Waterhouse. If there are other people going, my husband and I may be able to meet up with you. Anyone planning on a meeting spot? I'll bring my flip-flops! Now, do I wear my Bush-Chenney t-shirt or my Gun Owners of America t-shirt?
Kerry plans to attend the forum at the Prime Osborn Convention Center from 2:45 to 4 p.m.
Kerry is expected to discuss his plans to expand health-care coverage to 1.9 million more Floridians, lowering the cost of health care by up to $1,000 and allow people to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
http://www.news4jax.com/politics/3742306/detail.html
I will be there
Is he going there because tehRAZuh said they should go around with out any clothes................
Dang, that Karl Rove is good.
I will be there!
Will Apollo be there?
I hope other FReepers can cover the time frame between 1:00 and 4:00.
Let's FReep his TRAITOR ass out of Florida for good!
Is there a show time and place for this? I've gotta be somewhere at 330 but I can certainly help out prior to.
Kerry will speak at the Prime Osbourne convention center.
German Shepherds for Bush aka Working Dogs for Bush!
Excellent -- Apollo's job today is to keep the Kerrymaniacs at a safe distance FRom me!
The more he says nothing, the more apparent it will become that he's saying nothing.
Exactly. Great idea to do a campaign blitz through a shell shocked State digging out of serial weather disasters. I'm sure Floridians will be thrilled to wait in traffic for the entourage to pass. I haven't seen such a tone deaf campaign since GHWB in '92.
Spread the word esp. to state and local GOP.
JOHN KERRY'S SCHEDULE
Tuesday, September 21
1:30 p.m.: Arrives Jacksonville International Airport. Signature Flight Support, 14700 Yonge Drive, Jacksonville
2:45 p.m.: Attends a town hall meeting. Prime F Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville
5:45 p.m.: Departs Osborn Convention Center En Route Jacksonville Airport.
7 p.m.: Arrives Jacksonville Airport.
9 p.m.: With John Edwards, arrives TD Waterhouse Center to attend rally. 600 West Amelia Street, Orlando
10:15 p.m.: Departs TD Waterhouse Center en route Westin Grand Bohemian and remains there overnight. 325 South Orange Avenue, Orlando,
I was going to stop by after work around 4pm, but now he's not leaving until 6pm.......
What's the GOP doing at 4pm????
Bring $ if you want a Swifteee sticker, I have both large and small sizes.
POS=POC Prime osborn Center...............
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