Kerry campaign cranking up in Florida

Some Democrats worry that the state hasn't been emphasized enough, as the Bush effort is in full swing.
By ADAM C. SMITH, Times Political Editor
Published May 5, 2004

John Kerry's presidential campaign is planting its first round of paid staffers in Florida - and it's about time, say some anxious Kerry supporters.

The first wave of Kerry campaign field organizers start arriving this week. By month's end at least 10 people will be spread across the state organizing volunteers and mobilizing voters. Top Kerry campaign officials for Florida are expected to be named soon.

The timing puts Kerry's Florida campaign months ahead of Al Gore's 2000 Florida campaign, and it should help alleviate nagging doubts some Florida Democrats have about Kerry's commitment to contesting the Sunshine State


http://www.sptimes.com/2004/05/05/Worldandnation/Kerry_campaign_cranki.shtml

goes on to indicate that florida is seesawing back and forth between Bush and Kerry, and is likely to be the state that is most in play in November. I think Kerry is correct to wait until as close to August as possible, because the final shape that the election will take in FLorida is likely to be decided by that point. It is very hard for any politician to maintain a major lead in any closely divided state for more than a month or two, and it would be betterfor Kerry to get and maintain a lead closer to November than it would be for hom to get it now and then lose it closer towards the end

You win at the end of the campaign, and not at the beginning, and that strategy has always worked for him in the past.

for the state, but need to fight elsewhere and keep the rethugs on the offensive in "red" states too.