I think you forget that in states like Florida....most of the Repubbie population has moved out. Minority population is taking over....and they usually vote Democrat. Plus, Crist gave the felon the right to vote in florida—more Dems. They are super motivated......because of the war and becauase Obama will give all the black people 40 acres and a mule (is what they think -let’s not pretend).
I don’t know what part of Florida you live in, but the GOP is stronger here now than it was in 1996, or even 2000.