Lou Pickney's Online Commentary
Run-Off Election
Tuesday
March 4, 2003
Congratulations to Frank Sanchez, who forced a run-off with Pam Iorio in the Tampa mayoral election. I met Sanchez and believe he's the best candidate for the job. If you live in Tampa, vote for Sanchez in the run-off on March 25. Don't be a slacker!
As it was, I was given the third degree at the polling place today. All within the letter of the law, but still it was different than what I've seen before. I kind of stand out as a 6'2" white guy in a mostly African-American polling place. The guy who questioned me was also white (so it wasn't a racial thing like that), but he was making me tell him my address from memory and insisted on seeing my driver's license, checked my signature to the one on my license, etc. Hey, Florida has screwed up enough elections that I can understand them going on the stiff side a bit. And if that stops someone from impersonating me and stealing my vote, then good. Compare that with the 2000 Presidential election in West Virginia, where I just needed to tell them my name to vote.
What's interesting is that when I was a TV news producer, I wasn't supposed to voice any political opinions or standings. But in radio, no problem (since I'm not in the news department). Sanchez edged Bob Buckhorn by less than 700 votes to earn the run-off spot. Way to go Frank!
And keep in mind, Sanchez is a Democrat who served as an aide to former President Clinton. But in local politics, party affiliation is pretty much meaningless. Keep my taxes lower, have police enforcing real laws (and not nuzzling up strip clubs), and provide a solid economic plan. I'm not asking for too much here, am I?
Wow I feel like a prick for falling asleep tonight and missing Carrie's return call when she got back from the gym. I was tired after playing Beat The Clock on the promo packs (more on that in a minute). Of course now it is here closing in on midnight and I can't sleep now.
The first 100 promo packages came back from the printers today. I drove to Largo and picked them up at 4:30, then worked feverishly to get as many ready to mail out as possible. Hit up the most pressing stations today; tomorrow it's round-up time. The packs look really nice, though. Now it's time to see how smooth of a salesman I can be. But if the PDs and GMs use logic and look at the hard numbers, they'd be crazy to pass on a show that has proven to be as successful as Bubba's has been in syndication. This is not "Lou works for Bubba spin control", this is my legit opinion. I wouldn't have taken this job if I didn't believe whole-heartedly in the product and the numbers it has produced. Plus, the demo CD is hilarious. If you can hear the Ned "Sun City Center" call or the "Crack Lady" segment and not be entertained, then the show just isn't for you, period.
Now time to try Sleep: Part 2...
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