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Florida Voters Take Advantage Of Their Moment In The Sun

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

It was an election like no other in memory. Florida, holding an early primary in violation of the rules of both parties, saw a record turnout that gave big boosts to Republican John McCain and Democrat Hillary Clinton.

There were almost no yard signs and few outward signs of a campaign, yet the state vibrated with political energy.

Democrats continue to say they won't count Florida's delegates, and Republicans plan to count only half, but Sunshine State voters were right to refuse to be rained out by party rules.

The economy emerged as a top issue, and voters here put a premium on experience. Those preferences will carry over to campaigns in other states.

McCain and Clinton celebrated their victories, as well they should.

Florida's primary is closed, meaning only party members could vote for presidential hopefuls, and only in their own party's primary. McCain proved he can win without the votes of independents, and Clinton capitalized on the same opportunity.

It must be remembered that the voting was somewhat flawed, especially for the Democratic Party, because both Clinton and Barack Obama agreed not to campaign here. Obama didn't even want his name on the ballot.

Still, Florida voters served the nation by helping winnow the field, strongly suggesting that Rudy Giuliani and John Edwards will never muster enough popularity to catch the leaders.

Voters also passed a tax amendment that will lower property taxes a smidgen for homeowners. The change includes a portability feature that will be especially favorable to those already enjoying big tax breaks, though it treats newcomers as second-class citizens.

The impact on commercial, rental and other non-homestead property is less certain, especially as local boards and taxing districts face budget shortfalls and taxpayer pressure not to cut services. Some experts have warned that millage rates could go up.

Many people who fully understand the amendment think taxpayers deserved a more complete and even-handed tax reform. But now that homesteaded property owners have been given all the breaks they have a right to expect, additional changes will be very difficult to pass.

The strong support of the amendment proved Gov. Charlie Crist right that voters would jump at the chance to try to cut taxes.

An odd feature of this election was that despite the excitement of casting a vote in a hotly contested presidential race, some voters marked their ballots with the dispiriting thought that for the first time in their voting lives, their vote might not be counted.

The parties and state lawmakers need to resolve this disagreement. Holding Florida voters in such disregard is a sad chapter in the history of representative government.

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