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Politics
Behind the signs, friendships form
Campaign volunteers outside one early voting site are as likely to discuss cooking and sports as the coming election.
By ALEXANDRA ZAYAS
Published November 3, 2006
WEST TAMPA Little empty space remains in the lawn across from the West Tampa Library, an early voting site that opened Oct. 23. Colorful campaign signs poke out from the grass, each trying to be bolder and more eye-catching than the next. But on the sidewalk, a quiet camaraderie exists among the folks who hand out campaign fliers and hold signs under the hot sun. They have different jobs, backgrounds and political parties, but they all share the same hope: that they, in some small way, will be a part of their candidate's campaign victory. "I've known this young man all his life," Angie Messina says as the Davis Islands retiree holds up a flier for Gary Dolgin, candidate for Hillsborough Circuit Court judge. "His parents are just wonderful people." Most of the volunteers along W Union Street are friends and family members of the candidates they support. They arrive every day at 10 a.m. and leave at 6 p.m. They have a lot of time to get to know each other. They talk about baseball and share recipes. Mark Beiro is a professional boxing announcer. His flexible work schedule allows him to campaign for Michael Scionti, candidate for the state House. While other volunteers sit near the parking lot waiting for voters to cross the street, Beiro stands on busy Howard Avenue. Many drivers honk. "Occasionally, you'll get the thumbs down or get another finger," Beiro said. "You just smile and wave." Anthony McCay took time off from his job remodeling homes to campaign for County Commission candidate Kevin White. But McCay is working harder than ever, giving pamphlets to anyone who will take them. They all think the same about their candidates, and they're quick to list the reasons why. But conversation rarely heats up between volunteers of different parties. Instead, they watch each other's belongings as they take turns getting lunch. They will until Election Day. "It's almost like meeting new friends," Messina said. Alexandra Zayas can be reached at 226-3354 or azayas@sptimes.com. FAST FACTS Vote early Vote before Election Day, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 pm. at the following: West Tampa Library 2312 W Union St. Robert Saunders Sr. Library 1505 Nebraska Ave. 78th Street Library 7625 Palm River Road College Hill Library 2607 E M.L. King Jr. Blvd. Jan Platt Library 3910 S Manhattan Ave. --- Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Supervisor of Elections Office, County Center 601 E Kennedy Blvd., 26th floor
[Last modified November 2, 2006, 11:22:26]
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