Change Comes to Franklin County

Clearly, Franklin County bucked the Democratic tide in last week's historic election, giving GOP candidate John McCain its support by nearly 2-to-1, and electing what appears to be its first-ever Republican county commissioner of the modern era.

But also equally clear was the fact the county's population in critically important other ways acted in keeping with the nationwide trend of overwhelming support for Democratic candidate, and now President-elect, Barack Obama.

They gave to his campaign in far greater numbers, both in energized volunteerism and in political contributions, than were lavished on the Republicans this year.

First the numbers.

McCain carried the county with more than 63 percent of the vote, with Obama drawing support from a little more than 35 percent of the voters.

This Obama showing, for an election that saw a turnout of nearly 79 percent of voters, was in keeping with the 35 percent of voters in support of President Clinton's 1992 finish as runner-up in the county to Republican incumbent George H.W. Bush.

In 1996, Clinton attracted 46 percent of the vote to win the county and in 2000, Democratic challenger Al Gore drew 44 percent of the vote to finish behind Republican candidate George W. Bush.

Four years ago, Democratic candidate John Kerry drew a little better than 40 percent of the vote to finish behind President George Bush.

This time, McCain easily won six of the eight precincts, and a seventh one was closer. Obama won at the National Guard Amory, with better than 62 percent of the vote, and it was close at St. Patrick's Catholic Church's parish hall, where Obama drew nearly 45 percent of the vote.

"I'd like to say I'm surprised that more people who depend on the Gulf for their livelihood didn't vote for the Obama Biden ticket, because of their support for Florida's position in the water wars, and their economic policy and solid plans for health care and improved public education," said Karen Cox-Dennis, county coordinator for Obama's campaign for change.

"I would hope in the 21^st century people's consciousness would be raised enough to not play the race card," she added.

A bumper crop of 72 volunteers were active in the Obama campaign, led by three captains, Ron Moore over the telephone bank, James Ponder over volunteer recruitment, and Dan Wheeler over canvassing.

"I was really impressed by the mobilization of Franklin County's efforts and grateful for their time and dedication to the campaign," said Cox-Dennis. "As a group we were very pleased and grateful for community support and volunteerism."

McCain supporters pray for Obama's success

            While not directly speaking for either his parishioners or other McCain voters, Senior Minister Don Carroll, from the Carrabelle Christian Center, articulated the views of many within the conservative, evangelical community.

            "I felt like we had some issues that I had to vote in reference to the word of God," said Carroll. "Never will I vote race, and never will I vote even political party. I'm going to vote what each stands for in reference to the will of God. I voted in light of what the Word speaks."

            Carroll said he preached last Sunday on how his congregants should respond to the election results.

            "I said ‘All right I don't care who you voted for.' We're going to pray for him to be led by God and that he leads us with wisdom," he said. "He's leading our country and I'm going to pray that God gives us wisdom, and keeps him safe and directs him. I encourage our people to do the same.

            "The Word of God says no one comes in to a place of authority or leadership unless the Lord God allows it," said Carroll. "We have a responsibility now to pray for him, pray for our country and ask God to direct us."

            Carroll also dismissed the widely circulated rumors that clergy in the county had suggested to their congregations that Obama was the Antichrist.

            "Biblically there's no way Obama can be the Antichrist. It doesn't line up to the word of God," he said. "The President-elect does not fit that bill. If you follow your Bible you can see that that fear should be dispelled by the word of God."

            Democratic activist Rose McCoy, an Apalachicola businesswoman who made history as the first African-American female to be principal at Chapman Elementary and to be elected to the city commission, said Obama's victory was about making the right choice for the middle class.

            "It's more than being the first African-American president," she said. "I think it was a beam of hope, especially for the middle-class person, because we are aware that President Obama has a broad knowledge, he's capable, he's an excellent planner and he demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of workers in America. I think that's what we felt.

            "It really was a beam of hope for all of us because we are tired of the same failed policies that have really plagued our nation," she said. "It is an historic change and we are proud of the progress that we are making as a race. And how could any race not be proud to have him represent the United States of America?

            "It was a diversity of voters that saw the need for change," McCoy said. "That was really heartwarming because people came together as a group because they were tired of the same old failed policies. He was elected because he's capable of addressing the needs of people in America."

            Willie Norred, chairman of the county's Republican Executive Committee, said he was pleased at the support McCain received in Franklin County and promised his party will keep an open mind on an Obama presidency.

            "It appears to me we're still living in a conservative neighborhood," said Norred. "When we think Mr. Obama is right, we'll support him, and when we think he's wrong, we'll let him know."

Obama better at raising funds in county

            What Obama didn't command in votes he drew in campaign contributions, attracting probably twice as many dollars from this area than did the Republicans.

            This assessment is based on campaign finance reports that only include listings for contributions over $200. But if smaller donations were to be included, it is likely that Obama would have had even more of a margin, since his campaign was known for generally attracting lots of small donations via the Internet.

            Obama drew about $8,500 from the Eastpoint and St. George Island area, compared to McCain's $4,600. Steve Rash was the top Obama donor, with large contributions also coming in from Alvin Hagaman, Mark Goldman, and Glynda and Don Ratliff. Cathryn and Henry Browne topped the list of McCain donors.

            In Apalachicola, Obama attracted nearly $2,000, while only $250 went to McCain. Topping the Obama donor list was Katherine Willis, William Brown and Jessica Gary, while Grady Leavins was McCain's lone donor from Apalachicola to top the $200 mark.

            In Carrabelle, neither McCain nor Obama received donations over $200, although Paul Hawker gave to the Republican National Committee, while Roger Bybee chipped in for New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's campaign in the Democratic primaries.

            Support for President Bush and the Republicans in 2004 attracted a somewhat greater level of donations to the Republican party, and the Presidential campaign, than were evidenced this election cycle. The Kerry campaign attracted $3,050 from the county in 2004, all from St. George Island.