I had the privilege and honor to serve as one of the 2657 delegates to the Florida Presidency 5 debate and straw poll. Past winners of Florida’s Presidency Straw Polls have gone one to win either the presidency or at least the Republican presidential nomination. Previous Florida Presidency Straw Poll winners include: Ronald Regan, Presidency 1, 1979; George H.W. Bush, Presidency 2, 1987; and Bob Dole, Presidency 3, 1995. (Presidency 4 didn’t include a straw poll.) So I went into Presidency 5 with much anticipation and excitement about being a part of a process that may very well select the next president of the United States of America. Here is my eye witness report of what transpired including why Texas Governor Rick Perry lost and why delegates hopped on the Herman Cain Train.
Rick Perry came into Presidency 5 being the favorite. After speaking with St. Lucie County delegates, I would estimate that half came into the debate planning on voting for Perry, and many delegates for other counties planned to vote for Perry as well. Perry had the support of many in the tea party movement and the support of conservative leaders such as Florida Family Policy Council Director, John Stemberger. The straw poll was Perry’s to lose, and he did just that! When challenged on Texas’ law which allows the children of illegal aliens to pay instate tuition for college instead of the full rate, Perry responded
