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Obama 'Flooding' Florida Beginning With Tampa Visit

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Published: October 20, 2008

Updated: 10/20/2008 01:12 am

TAMPA - As early voting begins in Florida, some of the biggest names in Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign will barnstorm Florida for three days, starting with Obama's appearance at a rally today at Tampa's George M. Steinbrenner Field.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, one of the nation's best-known Hispanic politicians, will hold a Tampa event Wednesday.

In all, Obama, his wife, Michelle, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Richardson will hold 10 events across the state during the first three days of early voting.

What's behind Obama's decision to "flood the zone" for early voting in Florida?

He's making an all-out push to take back the state, which Republicans have won in every presidential race since 1996.

Obama has a decent shot at it. Polls show him with a narrow lead in Florida - statistically close to a tie - but better than either John Kerry in 2004 or Al Gore in 2000.

A Florida win for Obama could clinch the election. Republicans, including John McCain, acknowledge they must have Florida's 27 electoral votes to win.

Three of the 10 events will be in the Interstate 4 corridor, the swing area that often decides statewide elections. Besides the two Tampa rallies, Clinton and Obama will appear at a rally in Orlando this evening.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for today's Tampa event.

If You Go

TODAY

WHERE: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Dale Mabry Highway and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

WHEN: Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

NOTE: For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. No signs or banners allowed.

WEDNESDAY

WHERE: Salcines Park, 1705 N Howard Ave.

WHEN: 11 a.m.

Reporter William March can be reached at (813) 259-7761.

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