This is the biggest sign that the Obama campaign believes in their fortunes in FL
Ambinder is reporting that Tewes will set shop in Tampa, while Steve Hildebrand will be in Miami , both will be coordinating the volunteer and GOTV efforts.
We all know the crucial role Tewes played in securing Iowa, but this news is great on so many levels.
Ambinder has a great analysis
Analysis: Not A Defensive Move
Republicans will be tempted to consider the arrivals of Hildebrand and Tewes as a defensive move, but it is not -- clearly -- since George W. Bush won the state handily in 2004. Republicans scoff at reports that the Democratic turnout machine is as big as advertised -- supposedly more than 300 paid staffers supervise the efforts of the volunteers, but others concede that, in terms of sheer numbers, Obama is outworking McCain.
In some ways, Florida holds mythic attraction for some Obama staffers. Democratic activists everywhere still bear the wounds from the 2000 recount. Florida's population grew faster than any other large state and then the rate slowed dramatically as the economy halted. The state is now in a recession -- its first in more than a decade. Demographically, Florida is like five states in one, and it's growing more diverse. 12,000,000 residents are now registered to vote, up about one million from last cycle. Younger Hispanics in South Florida are casting their ballots for Democrats; young professionals along the I-4 corridor, while sharing conservative sensibilities, are hurting from the economic downturn and blame the President. The era of cheap land and cheap development is over; the crush of national resource competition is on, and not just around the Everglades. Jeb Bush, whose allure exceeded his party, is retired. Republicans are demoralized.
This will force McCain to play defense in Florida, and with his diminishing resources, increasing states he has to defend, he is in deep trouble...
- less resources devoted to PA, his best chance to upset Obama's momentum.
- The down tickets will be getting a boost.
- Morale Morale Morale, for all those volunteers in Florida, there can not be a stronger sign that Florida is in play.