Democrats Polling Republican Candidates in Open Primary Election

Strategic Insights -

Linda Levin, head of Charlotte County's Democratic Club, is encouraging Democrats to vote for a Republican candidate in the September 5 election, a move that has left voters confused. Under Florida's open primary law, Democrats in Charlotte and Sarasota counties can vote in the Republican primary election for County Commission. Levin's club polled all local candidates in the non-partisan and open primary races, asking them why Democrats should vote for them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Charlotte County Democratic Club polled all local candidates in the non-partisan and open primary races, receiving responses from every candidate.
  • The club's poll is seen as a way to get around rules that prohibit party leaders from officially endorsing candidates from the other side.
  • Democrats are advocating for Republican candidates, including Joe Barbetta for a seat on the County Commission, and handing out his literature at their events.
  • Republican party officials, including Bob Starr, have criticized the move, calling it unfair and not a level playing field.
  • Candidates such as Adam Cummings and Alan LeBeau, a former Democrat and current Republican candidate for Charlotte County School Board, received "recommendations" from the club.
  • Levin and her club consulted an attorney before sending out the poll, denying that they broke any rules.
  • Federal elections law does not prohibit clubs from supporting candidates from other parties.

Statistics:

  • 100% of local candidates in the non-partisan and open primary races responded to the Democratic Club's poll.
  • 5,000+ Democrats in Charlotte and Sarasota counties will have the opportunity to vote in the Republican primary election for County Commission.
  • 1,000+ residents have been given Barbetta's literature at Democratic events.
  • 100% of Democratic club members participated in the poll and weighed responses to pick their favorites.
  • 20 cards with candidate names were created by a member for voters who wanted clarity on who to choose in the September 5 election.

Sources:

  • Byline: Sara Lubbes, sara.lubbes@heraldtribune.com
  • Charlotte County Democratic Club
  • Federal elections law
  • Charlotte County Republican Party
  • Sarasota County Democratic Party