Florida GOP memo: Democrats are 'cleaning our clock'

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A memo obtained by NewsChannel 5's Evan Axelbank, from an adviser to a Florida GOP campaign, says that the Democratic turnout effort is "cleaning our clock."

VIEW THE MEMO HERE:   (http://media.wptv.com/photo/j.jpg)

The memo says, "The early and absentee turnout is starting to look more troubling."

It also says, "Even if Romney wins the state (likely based on polls), the turnout deficit in PBC will affect our local races."

At the Delray Beach early voting site, we saw a Democratic campaign operative, who was handing out sheets printed with the Democratic slate.

"Alright Democrats, you've got your cheat sheet here," said Robert Murstein, a Democratic party volunteer.

Murstein is carrying out his party's game plan.

"Just to get as many people in the process as possible," said Murstein.

During the first three days of countywide early voting, 60 percent of ballots cast have been by Democrats, 22 percent by Republicans.

That's a 38 point edge, even though Democrats only hold a 14 point lead in registrations.

Republican Dina Keever is running for state attorney and is hoping labels don't define her race.

"I'm not worried at all because I'm not a party candidate," said Keever.

Her opponent says the memo shows the depth of Democratic enthusiasm.

"There was a really great get out the vote effort to concentrate on banking those votes early, don't leave it to the vagaries of the weather on election day," said Democrat Dave Aronberg.

Palm Beach GOP Chair Sid Dinerstein is responsible for leading the ground-game criticized in the memo.

We asked whether the GOP was losing the boots on the ground effort.

"For the most part it's not particularly relevant, there's not a single person who went to the polls today who didn't know who they were voting for for president," said Dinerstein. "There are differences down ticket. All our guys got their stuff before they went to the polls."

Dinerstein says he believes that motivation will not be a problem for GOP voters in Palm Beach Co.

"We are broken glass Republicans, meaning we will walk over broken glass to vote."

The text of the memo is:

The early and absentee turnout is starting to look more troubling.

As of yesterday, Republicans made up only 22% of early voters and 30% of returned absentee votes.

This is closer to (and worse than) 2008 where we saw 19% EV and 38% of the absentees. 2010 (our blowout year) was 33% of EV and 45% of AB.

Conslusion: The Democrat turnout machine in the county has been very effective and they are cleaning our clock. Even if Romney wins the state (likely based on polls), the turnout deficit in PBC will affect our local races.

When you are calling or canvassing, remind people how effective our opposition has been and how they must not only get themselves to the polls, but their friends and neighbors as well.