New poll puts Joe Garcia within striking distance

Written by: Tegan R on Jul 11, 2008 2:08 PM EDT

Linked to campaigns: Joe Garcia for FL-25

(Disclaimer: This post is from a Garcia campaign email. I do not work for Joe Garcia' campaign, but I am an intern at Democracy for America.)

Hi --

I wanted to be the first to share with you this exciting news whether you read it tonight or tomorrow morning.

A few moments ago, The Miami Herald released a new, independent poll. 

The headline: "GOP incumbents facing a tight race in South Florida."

Here are the raw numbers:
 
Joe Garcia 39%
Mario Diaz-Balart 44%
Now, I know some of you may be wondering what all the fuss is about -- Joe isn't ahead, so what's the big deal?

Well, here is quick a break-down of these numbers to put things into perspective:

1. Diaz-Balart is in serious trouble.  In politics, there is a key figure that analysts look at when determining an incumbent's viability -- the "re-elect' rating (whether 50% of the public would vote to re-elect him or her).  Mario is well below the 50% viability threshold an incumbent needs to feel comfortable.

2.  Joe has nowhere to go but up.  Mario Diaz-Balart enjoys the luxury of near-universal name recognition that comes with being a career-politician -- even though most people only know him as 'the brother of the guy that wants to be the future President of Cuba,' but that's besides the point.  Joe Garcia has yet to run a single television ad and our work has been limited primarily to grassroots outreach.  As is the case around the country, 2/3 of independent voters are voting Democratic.  We expect this pattern to hold as more voters learn of Joe Garcia's long record of working across party lines to find common-sense solutions to problems.

3.  The issues are on our side.  Mario Diaz-Balart is not on the right side of any major issue.  Whether it's on the economy, rising gas prices or the Iraq War, Mario Diaz-Balart's blind support for the failed policies of George W. Bush places him out of touch with our community.  Meanwhile, Joe Garcia's plan to provide tax cuts for working families, make our country energy independent and bring a responsible end to the Iraq War reflects the values of South Florida and is resonating with voters.

The momentum is ours and it's all thanks to you.

Your support has placed us within striking distance of an entrenched twenty-year Republican politician with a fundraising advantage
But, if you donate $25 right now, you will help us grow our momentum and add to the 4000 people that already own a piece of this campaign.

This is a historic campaign.  Joe Garcia is just four months away from bringing an end to the style of politics that tries to distract us from failed leadership on important issues like the economy, gas prices and the housing crisis.

Your support has gotten us this far.  Can you make a $25 right now and help us build on our momentum?

http://JoeGarcia08.com/Momentum
Have a good night!

Giancarlo

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