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GOP opens field office in Tampa

By ADAM C. SMITH
Published June 2, 2006

TAMPA - State GOP leaders determined to keep electing Republicans opened a grass roots campaign office Thursday in Tampa, the first of 40 state campaign offices to be opened across Florida between now and election day.

"We're in a historic time, and it's not just about our Republican candidates, it's about the fate of our party ... This new office is proof positive that we're serious about winning these upcoming elections," state Republican chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan told about 50 candidates and party activists packed into the new field office in the Westshore area.

Florida Republicans for years have fielded a far stronger get-out-the-vote program than Democrats. Given the unpopularity of the president lately, many Republicans fear they'll need every advantage they can muster to prevent Democrats from chipping away at their overwhelming dominance of Florida government.

Republican Sen. Mel Martinez urged the activists to make sure Republicans don't assume they'll win yet another election cycle this year.

"It's going to especially take hard work this year in this election cycle we're in," Martinez said.

State Democratic chairwoman Karen Thurman said her party is building up its own infrastructure. She dismissed the GOP field office opening.

"It's a sign that the Republicans know they are in trouble. People are sick and tired of their failed policies that put insurance companies first while everyday Floridians are getting slammed by their windstorm bills," Thurman said.

[Last modified June 2, 2006, 05:30:53]