This page is part of an undergraduate assignment at Davidson College.
Florida’s size, location, and geographical diversity have led to the development of a unique set of political issues. Betty Castor (D) and Mel Martinez (R) will have to reach out to a variety of constituents by addressing all of the unique issues Florida faces.
Due to the geographical diversity there is a range of environmental concerns. Elements of Castor’s environmental plan will affect most of the state (www.bettynet.com). Since tourism is a key part of Florida’s economy, preservation of both the natural beauty and historical sites lends economic importance to environmental issues (Emily Upchurch).
Outsourcing of high tech jobs is a concern especially due to the presence of NASA and the jobs it creates. Castor calls for an education program that focuses on high tech and investment in engineering (www.bettynet.com). Martinez is more protectionist focusing on making trade “fair” (www.melforsenate.org).
Florida’s proximity to Cuba and the high percentage of Cuban immigrants make the Hispanic voice one politicians must take into consideration. Martinez himself lived in Cuba until age fifteen (www.melforsenate.org) and supports strengthening embargoes and enforcing the travel ban on Cuba (Martinez Press Release (April 18, 2004). Martinez’s hard line on Castro will be popular with many Cuban immigrants.
Education is an area where there are stark differences between the two candidates. Martinez supports President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act ( www.melforsenate.org). Castor, a former teacher, claims that the Act is not good enough, placing too much emphasis on test scores and lacking adequate funding (www.bettynet.com). Castor’s background in education and the complexity of the state’s education system will education is an important issue.
Florida has a large and politically active elderly population. Many retirees move to Florida for the low taxes and health care so they strongly support a candidate that promises improvements in areas like prescription drug benefits. Castor is expected to make health care a focus of her campaign (“Castor, Martinez”), which will undoubtedly help her win elderly voters. Martinez’s history of lowering taxes and small government will help him attract older voters ( www.melforsenate.org).
Florida’s twenty-one military bases and three unified commands (www.melforsenate.org), as well as a large retired military population, make military families a strong presence. Martinez’s platform includes fighting to keep the bases open though the next round of closures. Castor is pushing for a Bill of Rights for Military Families. Both candidates will have to address the military population.
Lindley Swartz
liswartz@davidson.edu