by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Sparks might be flying in both national and local political races, but the same energy might be found in the air at the Duval County Republican Party headquarters.
“It’s electric over here,” said Duval County Republican Executive Committee Chair John Falconetti. “I’ve never been around a group of people as energetic and excited about a cause ... it’s been a pleasure to be a part of it.”
Thousands of supporters have flocked to the 4963 Beach Blvd. office for volunteer inquiries sign pickups, and merchandise, said Darcell Streeter, executive director of the Duval County Republican Party.
“The amount of loyalty here has been very, very strong,” said Streeter, who came to Jacksonville after time with the Republican Party in Birmingham, Ala. “It’s not just the people who show up, it’s the amount of calls we get each day that show such strong support.”
Besides stopping in to make calls to registered voters at the party’s “Victory Office” and taking it to the streets in a door-to-door election effort, volunteers have been consistently hard at work making signs, said Streeter.
“There is really buzz here,” said Streeter. “People constantly come in off the streets and telling us that they want to help ... it’s one of the biggest reactions I’ve seen in an election.”
Being involved in the grassroots effort is something Streeter is proud of being associated with — but it’s also a time-consuming labor, especially as it gets closer and closer to the Nov. 4 election.
“I enjoy it,” she said. “But at the end of the day I sure am tired.”
Both Falconetti and Streeter said that much of the effort at the headquarters is to get the McCain-Palin ticket elected to the White House, something that has been echoed by the volunteers and local voters the organization has contacted.
“It’s overwhelming,” said Falconetti. “It’s ‘We’ve got to get John McCain elected. How can we help?’”
For Falconetti, the passion of the party’s volunteers and their enthusiasm is what has made him optimistic.
“Every person that comes by is a testament to what we’re all about,” said Falconetti. “I’m extremely excited and things are at an all time high.”
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