(Graphic: Beach Peanuts)
If the Florida Republican "Presidency 5" straw poll is such a strong indicator of which candidate will win the state primary and the Presidential nomination, then why are so many of the current crop of GOP houseplants candidates so afraid to participate in it?
The short answer: it helps to show up.
This year, though, the so-called “Presidency 5” straw poll has most of the presidential campaigns skittish, confused or decidedly unenthusiastic. Only Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman and Ron Paul have committed to participate in the mock election, which essentially means showing up that Saturday afternoon and giving a speech.
“I don’t see any path to the White House that doesn’t include victory in Florida and for Republicans that starts when you have 3,500 of the most active Republicans in the state coming to see you and hear you to understand if you’re the best candidate to defeat Barack Obama,” said Brian Hughes, the Republican Party of Florida communications director.
In a campaign cycle where the GOP field is trying to marshal resources, though, Florida’s mock election has most of the top-tier candidates steering clear. Romney and Michele Bachmann have already announced they won’t participate, while Texas Gov. Rick Perry hasn’t decided.
In Michele Bachmann's case, her own ignorance may be the reason for her lack of interest, if she thinks like in Iowa she has to bus in her own supporters and spend big bucks to wine, dine, and corn dog them in exchange for votes. After all, her win in Iowa came at a price but it didn't last. All she has to show for it is that embarrassing photo-op.
Nope. To win in Florida you have to show up, work a little, and actually campaign for your trouble. Plus, why work up a sweat when you have your very own television network like FOX-GOP-TV hosting your next* debate right here in Florida that will eliminate the weaklings in the party for you? It's probably no wonder the lesser candidates are the only ones willing to work the crowds. They know it's their only chance. The established Republicans are still pulling the. strings. The problem for them is those debates only illustrate to a nationwide audience that Republicans have no platform beyond criticism and tax cuts.
The candidates aren't the only ones who are suffering from a lack of interest. So are the voters.
And for good reason.
*Correction: The FOX debate in Florida is on Sept. 22. The next debate is in California on Sept. 7 on MSNBC.
