by David Chapman
Staff Writer
With the Nov. 4 general election three weeks away, officials and volunteers of the Duval County Democratic Party are in good spirits about the election and their party’s candidates.
“We’re optimistic,” said Duval County Democratic Executive Chair Travis Bridges, “but we’re not overconfident at all.”
Bridges couldn’t estimate how many volunteers have come through the doors of the 4811 Beach Blvd. office, but said the amount of effort and time the volunteers have given is something that has made him extremely proud.
“We get a lot of first-timers,” said Peter Losee, one of three people who help run the office. “Everyone who has come through the doors has been excited ... One of the first questions is ‘How can I help?’”
More fulfilling than the effort, though, has been the atmosphere around the headquarters.
“It’s been good, it’s been great,” said Bridges. “The excitement and enthusiasm are off the charts ... I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
Heading into the home stretch, Bridges and others have been busy doing what they can to get the word out about their candidates; with volunteers assisting with everything from walking neighborhoods and passing out fliers to data processing and making phone calls. No matter what the skill, there is something for everyone.
“When people come in, we find out where their talents would be best served and we try to let them do that,” said Bridges.
One of the most potent ways the party has been able to get their message out has been through a newsletter, which Bridges calls “the best one out there.”
“It’s the best in the state,” said Bridges, “and we’ve been told one of the best in the country.”
Though the group doesn’t make their own signs, keeping them in stock has proved to be difficult as over 7,000 have been distributed thus far.
Though this election has historical implications at the national level, many of the local elections have been just as riveting — something Bridges hopes will keep the political fires in people burning even after the final votes are counted.
“Even after Nov. 4, we have to keep beating the drum,” said Bridges. “The political process never ends.”
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