Poll Watcher Update

Fellow Republicans,



Thank you for your willingness to take on the very serious challenge of monitoring activities in parking lots and other areas surrounding polling sites on Election Day.

Yesterday I received from the Supervisor of Elections office a list of people who have been approved to be poll watchers INSIDE the polling places. Fourteen Republicans and 28 Democrats will be inside the polling sites as poll watchers. Many of the Democrat poll watchers are lawyers. The number of Democrat poll watchers is a pretty good sign that the Obama team plans to continue to conduct a smart and aggressive campaign through Election Day.

The Democrat and Republican Parties have targeted the same two precincts in Bay County —Precinct 37 ( Glenwood Community Center , 722 E. 9th Ct. ) and Precinct 38 (PC Police Clubhouse, 1215 E. 15th St .). The Democrat Party has assigned 7 poll watchers to Pr. 37 and 9 poll watchers to Pr. 38. The Republican Party has assigned 2 poll watchers to each of these precincts. As “outside-the-polls” poll watchers, we’ll need to plan to run back-up all day on Election Day for our four INSIDE poll watchers in these two precincts. It will mean a lot to them to know we’re just a short distance away.

A training for “outside-the-polls” poll watchers is scheduled for this Sat., Nov. 1, at 2:30 p.m. at the Republican Headquarters, 1607 Lisenby Ave. The training originally was scheduled for 9:00 a.m., but our instructor, Dan Estes, was forced to reschedule for later in the day. I hope this time will be convenient for all of you. Dan will help us understand what to look for in the way of suspicious behavior, what kinds of notes to take about what we see or hear, and when it’s time to call him to report something.

As of today, Thursday, there are 32 of you. Bay Co. has 55 precincts. If we work in teams of 2, most of us will be monitoring more than one polling place. We want NO confrontations, just observations. Once you report something you’ve witnessed, Dan will make a judgment about notifying the Supervisor of Elections or law enforcement. Re: law enforcement assistance, Sheriff McKeithen visited HQ this Wed., and when he we told him about our “outside the polls” poll watching effort, he offered his full support.

If you would prefer to work a particular precinct or section of Bay Co., just let me know and I’ll make a note of it on our assignment sheet. We’ll work on teams at the training session, since we’ll probably pick up more volunteers for this task by then. By the way, there’s a big sign wave on Sat. from 11 to 1 on 23rd St . A grilled hot dogs and hamburgers lunch will be served at HQ following the wave. Plan to join us if you can!

Thanks again for your help!



Teresa Eaton

Former FSU LB Peter Boulware (R-Tall.) State Rep. race covereed by ESPN

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Three years after his retirement from the NFL, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Peter Boulware is tackling politics.

The four-time Pro Bowler and Ravens all-time sack leader is on the campaign trail this fall attempting to earn a seat in the Florida House of Representatives in Tallahassee, where he was once an All-American at Florida State University.

Boulware decided to enter politics about a year ago. Even his closest family members and friends were surprised Boulware wanted to make the jump into politics.

"I don't really like the public attention or the public spotlight, so it caught everybody off guard," Boulware said. "But I just felt like it was the right thing for me to do. If you would have asked me two and a half years ago if I thought I would be going into politics, I would have told you 'No way possible.'"

But Boulware is less than a week away from possibly obtaining his goal. He overwhelmingly won the Republican primary in August. Yet by most accounts Boulware is considered an underdog on Election Day against Democratic candidate Michelle Vasilinda, in part, because the Democratic ticket is more popular in Tallahassee.

Boulware believes his ability to bring people together will help cross party lines. His biggest platforms are continuing to improve his district's school system, featuring Florida State, Florida A&M and Tallahassee Community College. And he is passionate about home affordability and the economy, which are both major concerns locally and nationwide.

Boulware is studying these issues like he once did opposing offenses. He admits his popularity is a big boost to his campaign, but that alone is not enough to win a seat in the state house.

"In order to get somebody to vote, they want to know exactly who you are, what you stand for, and what are the issues that are close to your heart," Boulware said. "So the name recognition kind of gets you in the door, but after that you have to let people know that you're serious. You have some issues and concerns about them and that you want to help."

Boulware is not alone. He joins a growing list of former NFL athletes who have translated their natural love for competition into public service in government and politics.

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Heath Shuler and Hall of Fame receiver Steve Largent are among the former NFL players to enter the political arena. Boulware says he's studied some of those success stories and hopes he can add his name to that list.

When it comes to leadership, Boulware has a close confidant nearby in longtime Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden. By choice, Boulware is not parading the popular Bowden around Tallahassee to help him earn more votes in next week's election. But Bowden remains a calming influence in Boulware's life.

"He's kind of been in the background of it," Boulware said. "I don't want to drag coach Bowden into politics. But I talked to him before I got in and he encouraged me and said, 'I think you will do a good job and I'm here for you.'"

Retiring from football was one of the toughest things Boulware said he's ever had to do. Like many NFL players, playing was something he's done all his life and what was most natural to him.

Boulware felt he still had a few good years left, before his career was cut short after eight seasons by knee, toe and foot injuries. He tried to come back for about a year but was never the same player who registered 70 career sacks and was a cornerstone of one of the best defenses in NFL history.

Now Boulware's newfound passion for politics has helped the former linebacker move on from his first love and into the next phase in his life. Just like football, there are many challenges ahead in state government and Boulware hopes to have a chance to work through them.

"It's a great way for me to get involved with the community," Boulware said. "It's really kind of a way for me to tell the community and the state, 'Thank you.' I had a great opportunity to get a scholarship and do well here in Florida, and I want to give back and say, 'I'm here, and I'm here to help out and make this a better place.'"

McCain Sign Waves Sat. 11-1 and Mon. 11-3

What a great wave this morning at the east end of the Hathaway Bridge! First-time wavers were amazed at how much fun waving is.

Signs and flags went in the ground along Hwy. 98 during the pre-dawn chill, and by the time the sun peeked over the horizon, 27 volunteers were greeting motorists on their way to work. The response from Bay County’s voters was overwhelmingly positive. Honks and thumbs-up were off the chart!

This wave was so successful that another morning wave has been scheduled. Here are the details:

MORNING SIGN WAVE for McCain Palin

Mon., Nov. 3

6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

23rd St. and Hwy. 77

There is plenty of parking space at this intersection. Bring your coffee and mittens, and plan to have a great time!


Teresa Eaton 832-5689
Jonathan Hayes 832-7803

Hey Republicans,

I wanted to remind you guys of the sign wave this Saturday if you are willing and able. We'll be at Walmart 23rd St. by Suntrust, giving out signs and sending people to corners as they fill up. (10:30am) Wave from 11:00 to 1:00, water is provided during the wave and a hamburger hotdog lunch will be provided afterward at the Lisenby HQ. Hope you guys can make it and bring some people or at least tell some people who might want to come out for this last chance to show our support for McCain Palin before the election.

You are encouraged to make your own sign if you'd like, just keep it positive. No Nobama signs please. If you have an issue you want to speak to then by all means go for it! Some signs we have: Drill Baby Drill, Our Oil = Our Security, Dollar for Change? Nope!, McCain for Commander in Chief, Honk if you love Business, Honk for American Oil, Country Before Party, for M/P, Woman for M/P, Vet for M/P, Democrat for M/P, Gun and Religion Clinging voter for M/P, Say No to the Income Taker, I'm Joe, Business Hires, Real Reform not Pocket Change, etc.Country First, Country First Democrat for McCain-Palin, Proud Americans Honk, Kid We have no idea of the turn out so If you can't make your own sign, get there early so you can pick the sign you want. Hope to see you there!

Go Johnny Go!
Melissa Thompson

Outside Poll Watchers Training

Dan Estes, who will be training us to watch polling places from the outside, called today to tell me he cannot do the training session in the morning this Saturday. As I had told some of you, I had hoped to have that session at 9 a.m. this Saturday, prior to the opening of HQ at 10:00.

Dan will be at HQ by 2:30 on Sat. and will conduct a training at that time. If that time of day on Sat. isn’t convenient for you, please plan to come to HQ at the previously scheduled time—9 a.m. Dan is going to give me his materials so that I can share them with you at that time.

This is getting confusing because I’m thinking out loud here. Sorry. Let’s simplify this:

You may come to HQ at 9 a.m. on Sat. and be trained by me.

Or

You may come to HQ at 2:30 p.m. on Sat. and be trained by Dan.

Also, sign waving will be on 23rd St. from 11 to 1, after which a hot dog and hamburger lunch will be served in the HQ parking lot. Please plan to attend!

Thanks for your help!

Teresa Eaton

Sheriff McKeithen dropped by HQ today. He said he will be happy to help us out on Election Day.

Early Voting Update

Developing...

Gov. Charlie Crist announced minutes ago that he was extending hours for early voting. Here is the news release put out by the governor's office:

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.

“I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot,” Governor Crist said. “I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote.”

Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.

Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county’s Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.

Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.

Where's Allen Boyd? Alabama!!

Allen Boyd could care less about his constituents. Where is he? Alabama!
I just wanted to pass on to you that Allen Boyd thinks so little of the people of the 2nd Congressional District of Florida, that he has decided to spend the crucial days before an election to campaign on behalf of Bobby Bright in the state of Alabama.


After the fact that it has been made known that he has earmarked over 1.2 million Dollars to his own personal farm and that he voted for a bailout seen as a scam by the majority of his constituents not once but twice, you would think that he would actually get out and campaign to present his case to the people of his district. I am appalled at the complete lack of respect he has for We, the People, and he should be held accountable for his complete disregard for the very people he claims to represent.

Mark Mulligan is the only choice for the people of Northwest Florida.

Women's Bus Tour 10/28

McCain + Palin Women's Bus Tour

Date: Tuesday, October 28

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: Bay Co. Republican HQ

Special Guests: Sandy Froman

Former NRA Chairman
and
Kitty Martinez

Please Come Out and Support McCain + Palin!!!

Rove: Infighting "a sad sight to see"

Republican strategist Karl Rove bemoaned finger-pointing within the GOP as the McCain campaign continues to fall behind in the polls, calling it a "sad sight to see."

Speaking with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, Rove said the problem lies with politicians who lose confidence "before the decision is made."

"It is a sign of undisciplined people who do not have the loyalty they ought to have to the candidate whom they are serving," Rove said. "Nobody makes themselves look good in this process."

He admitted when prodded by Wallace that infighting usually spells a losing campaign, but criticized an article in Sunday's New York Times Magazine, which detailed the dissidence among McCain aides that has drawn media attention.

Rove said he "was appalled by the personal attacks" he claimed the article made against McCain's chief campaign strategist Steve Schmidt.

The magazine depicted Schmidt, an acknowledged protégé of the Rove-style campaigning associated with the Swift Boat attacks against John Kerry in 2004, as largely responsible for the biggest gaffes of the McCain campaign.

A message from Bud Day

Fellow Veterans, Friends, and Family,

The support of the veteran's community has been overwhelming for John McCain. I am honored to know that my fellow veterans see what I do in Senator McCain - a true fighter who will always put his country first.

With just over a week to go to Election Day, now is the time to stand up and fight. Please volunteer for at least one shift between now and November 4. You will be making phone calls, canvassing neighborhoods, and rallying the state of Florida for John McCain.

Sign up here and you will be contacted by your local Victory Office:
Bring your friends and family, and ask them to bring their friends and family too. Now is the time to fight for Senator McCain - he has fought with us in the past, and he will fight for us as p resident.


Colonel George E. "Bud" Day, Medal of Honor
Chair, Florida Veterans for McCain