| − | Florida is a swing state in presidential elections. The South Florida region (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach, along with the Florida Keys) along with the urban areas of Tampa and Orlando and the Tallahassee capital area, are heavily Democratic, while the rural, suburban, and northern parts of the state (Jacksonville, Pensacola, and the areas around the Air Force bases of Eglin and Tyndall) are heavily Republican. The swing state phenomenon was most pronounced during the 2000 presidential election when the margin of victory for eventual winner George W. Bush was a mere 537 votes (triggering a mandatory recount under Florida state law and a number of lawsuits and judicial rulings). | + | Florida is a swing state in presidential elections. The South Florida region (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach, along with the Florida Keys) along with the urban areas of Tampa and Orlando and the Tallahassee capital area, are heavily Democratic, while the rural, suburban, and northern parts of the state (Jacksonville, Pensacola, and the areas around the Air Force bases of Eglin and Tyndall) are heavily Republican. The swing state phenomenon was most pronounced during the 2000 presidential election when the margin of victory for eventual winner George W. Bush was a mere 537 votes (triggering a mandatory recount under Florida state law, an ensuing number of lawsuits and judicial rulings, and never-ending speculation as to the real winner). |