I don't know the answer to this, or really have much of a clue. I've lived here from 1990-97, and then from 2005 to date. Have had writing clients here during the entire interim. No, I don't write about politics (and anyone who has attempted to wade through my non-snark diaries likely understands why).
But I want some insights. Our party has had its head somewhere other than where it ought to be pretty much since I moved here in 1990. I am sure the population volatility is a challenge, but it likely challenges the GOP as well and we have the advantage of the growth being among potential Dems. I know money is a huge problem.
What I don't know is how we got to this place and why we seem incapable of getting out. Specific observations below the fold.
We've elected one governor to two terms since I moved here, and he had previously retired from politics.
It isn't that we have lost the legislature. We've lost at least three redistricting cycles so that winning back seats is going to be difficult.
Related note. State party at least voiced not caring so much about being competitive in 2006 and 2008 - Dem trend years, remember - because 2010 was what mattered. 2010 of course was a midterm after the election of a Dem president.
The most recent Repub to beat us at governor is a Jay Gould-level crook. And a creep. And a not very appealing creep at that.
Not near enough was done - to my knowledge, anyway; I'll be happy to stand corrected - to redress the 2000 Brooks Brothers Riot. The GOP doesn't seem to have any reason to fear continuing its thuggiesh electoral practices.
I'm going to stop there, but of course there are other things and I'm glad for those to be put on the table as well. I'm hoping for comments that will make me and I hope other FL dems understand what the problem is. There have been times I've wanted to get involved in the party, but the one time I made the effort I left feeling it was hopeless. This was doing GOTV work election day 1996, and by that time the die had been cast for my county continuing a GOP swing that begun even as it gave the state our last Dem governor, Walkin Lawton Chiles.