| − | 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 [[Tallahassee]] capital area, are heavily Democratic and the urban areas of [[Tampa]] and [[Orlando]] lean Democratic, while the northern parts of the state (especially the panhandle), rural areas of central Florida, and the southwestern portion of the state ([[Naples]], [[Fort Myers]], [[Punta Gorda, Florida|Punta Gorda]], and [[Sarasota]]) 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). | + | 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 [[Tallahassee]] capital area, are heavily Democratic and the urban areas of [[Tampa]] and [[Orlando]] lean Democratic, while the northern parts of the state (especially the panhandle), rural areas of central Florida, and the southwestern portion of the state ([[Naples]], [[Fort Myers, Florida|Fort Myers]], [[Punta Gorda, Florida|Punta Gorda]], and [[Sarasota, Florida|Sarasota]]) 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). |