Okay Republicans - Here's Your Chance - Don't Blow It.

I've been busy the last couple of months as the political analyst for WTSP-TV, and I've come to the conclusion the Republicans have a real chance to reverse Democratic policies they abhor. But they better be careful how they do it.

They made big gains in the U-S House and will now run it. They also reduced the Democratic dominance in the U-S Senate. Most importantly - voters sent President Barak Obama a message: Don't force your progressive ideas and policies down our throats or you will pay for it with a one-term presidency. Bottom Line: LISTEN TO US.

The Washington Post reports exit polls during the 2010 midterm elections show more voters identified themselves as conservative than they did in 2006 and 2008. There is a possible sea change taking place in American politics - or - voters are no longer afraid to say they are conservative. The likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck have shown them it's okay to come out of the political closest. More likely - it's the confluence of a bad economy and terrible jobs market that has led them to believe - and vote - the more liberal policies of the Democratic party will not get the job done.

Let's take a look at Florida. It was already a state where Republicans led, but voters gave the GOP even more clout in 2010. They increased the GOP advantage in the state house to a 81 to 39 margin. In the state senate, the Republicans strength grew, as well. They now have a 28 to 12 lead. These numbers give the GOP a veto-proof majority in the state legislature. But maybe the biggest news is the Republicans held on to the governor's mansion with the election of a man who has never held public office and has a very checkered business history.

Here is, however, the rub for the GOP in Florida. It's a party that has had top leadership caught in scandal and alleged criminal activity. It's charged they misued party money. So now the party in charge has to prove it can be trusted - that it can do the people's will.

So, how should the "Party in Power" accomplish this? Accept its gains with modesty. Don't believe or act like it was given a mandate.

Voters are watching. And don't forget registered Democratic voters outnumber Republican voters by more than six-hundred thousand, in Florida. If those voters believe their ideas and beliefs are being ignored, the same thing will happen to the Republicans that happened to the Democrats. Message: Don't awaken a sleeping giant through arrogance. They could pay for it for years.

The governor-elect basically promised he has a plan to create jobs and more jobs in Florida. He and Republican legislators say they have the best ideas to get that done. If they fail in that promise, they will be reduced to just remembering what was like to be at the top. It's definitely time for them "To Get To Work".

Bill Ratliff

It's Time To Put Things Into Perspective

The Tampa Bay Rays have made it into the American League playoffs for the second time. It's a big deal for a team that has only been around for 13 years. But that's not what is making news.

What's making news is the low turnout at the last two games, which both had playoff implications. The Monday night game against the Orioles had fewer than 13 thousand fans in attendance. The Tuesday night game, which the Rays won and moved into the playoffs, had fewer than 18 thousand fans show up. After the first game, talk radio was alive with calls from people who said the turnout just showed that this is not a good market for a pro baseball franchise. And one of the most popular radio talk show hosts in Tampa (Jack Harris) said this area won't have a team in 10 years, because it's not a pro baseball town. I was shocked to hear him say that because he is one of this area's biggest promoters.

This all has to be put into perspective, because I believe this a perfect place for a pro baseball franchise. But there are mitigating circumstances for the turnout problem that require patience, understanding and honesty.

First, honesty. The location of Tropicana Field is enemy number one. I understand that St. Petersburg and South Pinellas residents might disagree, but it's the truth. I will use myself as an example. I have been a Tampa Bay Bucs season ticket holder for 26 years. I live in South Tampa. It takes me a stress-free 15 minutes to drive from my home to my parking space near the stadium. To drive to the Trop to the parking lot there takes me 50 minutes to one hour. It's not fun. But there are many more issues at play here.

The economy has kicked fans right in the wallet and the unemployment rate has left tens of thousands of people reeling. They can't afford to go to games, because they don't have jobs. On top of that this area is not home to large corporations that traditionally get behind home town sport franchises. Let's take Cincinnati as an example. It's home to Proctor and Gamble and Fifth Third Bank, just to name two. They get behind the Reds by buying blocks of tickets, sponorships and advertising. And since I have brought up Cincinnati, let me take the argument another step forward.

The Rays have been in existence for 13 years. The Reds played their first game in 1869. Why is that important to point out? It takes years to develop a loyal fan base. In Cincinnati, the Reds are part of that area's fabric and culture. When I was a kid growing up in Cincinnati, if my parents wrote a note to my school stating they were taking me to Opening Day, I was given an excused half- day absence. Schools around town had the same policy, because they understood the meaning of tradition. They understood how important the team was to the community.

Another issue is the population makeup of the Bay Area. Many, many residents here are from different parts of the country and they have yet to develop a sense of loyalty to our home teams. In time, many will turn around and start calling the Rays their team. I know, because it happened to me. But it takes time and that is where patience comes into play.

The low attendance at this week's first two games has been the subject of ridicule here and around the nation. On MSNBC's Morning Joe this morning Mike Barnicle made fun of the Rays' fans, for not showing up at the games. Let us not forget they were Monday and Tuesday night games. Translation: Work nights/School nights. Couple that with the drive time to and from the Trop for many fans - it's an issue.

The bottom line is regardless what some people might have you believe this a major league city, but compared to almost all other cities with baseball teams it's a newbie, and that has to be put into perspective.

Bill Ratliff

Oh Boy-The Fun Begins!

The general election season is now in full swing and the TV commercials are hitting the air.

In Florida, there are two statewide races that will generate the most interest: There's the gubernatorial race between Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Alex Sink. Then there is the three candidate race for a U-S Florida Senate seat between Republican Marco Rubio, Democrat Kendrick Meek and Non-Party candidate Charlie Crist (now governor and former Republican).

This week the new general election TV ads hit the air. Scott went on the negative by linking Sink to some of President Obama's policies, but hasn't give specifics about what he would do differently( if you want find out you have to go to his website). Sink says she expected the tone and approach of his ad, because that's what he did in his primary campaign.

In the Senate race, Meek and Crist started airing new spots (Rubio's father died this week and his campaign may hold off for a couple of days). Meek's new spot is kind of an introduction.

He makes mention of some of the policies he supports and apparently tries to separate himself from Rubio and Crist. But he doesn't mention President Obama by name.

Crist is running a spot that says he'll take the best ideas of Republicans and Democrats and then work for "Americans" - not the parties. But he doesn't say what ideas he would offer up.

So, where are we headed, and who does Rubio go after? Crist or Meek. I'm not sure yet, but I know it's going to be fascinating.

Bill Ratliff

Call Me A Cynic - But...

The new love fest in the Florida Republican party for gubernatorial nominee Rick Scott is hard to believe.

Former Governor Jeb Bush - who supported Bill McCollum - is now saying Scott is ready to be governor. And of all things, Scott has chosen Republican state representative Jennifer Carroll to be his running mate. What's weird about that? Carroll supported McCollum during the primary campaign. Analysts and pollsters say Scott chose Carroll - who says she is a conservative - because she's a woman and she's black. They call it an obvious move on Scott's part to close the gender and race gap before the November 2nd general election.

But is it enough for the candidate who described himself as an "outsider"- and spent about 50 million dollars of his own money to get that message out - to win the hearts and minds of die-hard Republican voters? Do they really trust him - considering his bruised business background and his criticism of "career politicians" (and that includes Republicans) - to be true to the Republican cause? Some Republican officials - not a lot - have already come out in support of non-party candidate Charlie Crist.

But the issue is not about party loyalty - it's about money. After spending a ton of his own money on the primary race - Scott may not be too anxious to spend more on the big one. He's counting on lots of help from his own party. The question is - will the party stand behind him financially? Will it give him the money he needs to beat Alex Sink?

Call me a cynic - but Scott offended a lot of Republicans on his way to the primary win. Memories are long - maybe too long for a Scott win in November.

Bill Ratliff

Dipping My Toes Back Into The Water

After 14 months of retirement I'm back in the TV news business.

A couple of weeks ago I received a surprise phone call from the head news guy at WTSP 10 News, Peter Roghaar. He asked if I would be interested in being their political analyst for the 2010 election cycle. I said I would - we met- and the handshake deal was done. I'm thrilled.

A little background: When I was at WFLA-TV for 27 years, I focused my reporting on local and state politics. I was -and am- a political junkie. I learned when covering Florida politics - when you think you have figured it out, you're usually wrong. So now, when I have formed an opinion on a particular race or party I go back and re-think it. That's the approach I'll take at 10-News.

This is going to be a fascinating election cycle and I hope I can bring some clarity to it. I look forward to working with the folks at News 10. They are bright, nice and fun. If you can't have fun doing something you love - why do it?

Bill Ratliff

The Joy Of Being A Grandparent

I get it. I finally get it.

More than five and half years ago my daughter Shannon married a great guy, Josh. Right after they were married my friends would always ask me if I was ready to be a grandparent. I would loudly say "No!"

Boy, have I changed my mind. For the past 10 days, Shannon, Josh and 9 month old Declan (pronounced Deck-lyn. It's Irish) spent their vacation with us. Linda and I even had the little guy for 4 days to ourselves. All I can say is it was pure joys for us.

Friends who were already grandparents would tell me what a great experience it was, but I kept thinking it would make me feel old. I was really wrong. It actually makes you feel younger! There is nothing like a grandchild looking up at you and just smiling. It makes your heart melt.

I can't wait to have more grandkids.

Bill Ratliff

Is It Time To Get Out Of Afghanistan?

You know, as a practicing broadcast journalist for more than thirty-seven years I worked long and hard to not let anyone know my opinion about stories I covered. TV viewers didn't want to know what I thought. They just wanted the facts. That's what I did - just presented the facts.

There were many stories I felt strongly about and didn't utter an opinion, but there are stories right now that I want to say something about. Now, because of retirement, I can. The current story that weighs on my mind is the war in Afghanistan. Do we really need to be there?

If I say no, we need to get out, some, or even many people will claim I'm unpatriotic and I don't support our brave troops. But let's take a look at the facts. We went there nine years ago to clean the breeding ground of Al- Qaeda. You could say that mission is accomplished. Many experts say there are only about 50 Al- Qaeda members left in that worn-torn country. Yet more than 1000 Americans have died fighting that war and it is safe to say many more will die the longer we're there. Not to mention the billions of dollars more we'll spend.

Look, I'm a child of the Vietnam war. I was in college at the height of the war protests. I didn't get drafted because of a medical condition, but I had friends who did go to Nam' and were wounded and one was killed. I supported our troops then - as I do now. But that war effort failed, as this one is likely to fail.

Why? Simply, there is no end strategy - no real exit strategy. It's a nation of tribes - making nation building an impossibility. It's a country that doesn't really want us there.

So, why stay - why?

Bill Ratliff