report from brandon area of Florida

[carpediem]

I voted last night in Ruskin - there was a 2 1/2 hour line. Felt great to finally be able to vote for Kerry. I saw 2 other people around me wearing the yellow bracelet (I know it has other meanings, but I was hopeful it meant Kerry in this instance)

This morning at the polling place across from my kids' school, there was a very long line (probably 1 1/2 to 2 hours) I live in a republican neighborhood. If I had to guess I would say this neighborhood (6000 people) is probably 75% repub and 25% dem.

I heard several comments about not caring about the length of the line because this time your vote matters.

GOTV

[marew]

1. Largo Fl

Just voted at a church. Got there 20 minutes before the poll opened. By 7 there were no more parking spaces, very long line. Started to talk to the gal behind me who was also voting Kerry. Heard a poll worker exclaim she's never seen anything like it. There was a Kerry-Edwards table there giving out donuts. Nothing Bush. Leaving in a few minutes to work for Kerry. Just hoping all these people are out because we need a change!

[carpediem]

3. the doughnuts are a nice touch.

I heard several people "complaining" that there were no refreshments. Kind of tongue-in-cheek, but I think it would have made peopl happy.

I don't know how the people waiting in line with me last night voted. Although I did hear the older couple behind me saying:

"How do we expect to stop them from fighting, they've been fighting for thousands of years - it is kind of arrogant of us. "

and

(in regards to what a great country the USA is) "when we travel overseas we don't get any respect anymore. "

I think maybe they were Kerry voters.

[eileen from OH]

2. Hey, my sister's from Brandon!

Been working her tail off at Tampa HQ.

We've been trading a lot of stories - each of us from a battleground, each of us involved. Don't mess with us Irish gals!

eileen from OH

[carpediem]

4. that's great to hear.

The reason I voted last night is so I can get over to Tampa this afternoon and volunteer at the GOTV event. I have to wait for my husband to vote though, which he is doing now. He watched the kids last night while I voted and I will watch our youngest while he does.

[eileen from OH]

5. If ya meet someone

named Noreen (and how many can there be?) that's my sis. Give her a hug for me. I think she's gonna be at HQ.

eileen from OH

[carpediem]

6. will do - n/t.

.