Florida Isn't the Deep South, But Republicans Are Rising Nonetheless

Politico.com has a fascinating piece titled, "Democratic South Finally Fails," which reports on historic GOP gains in the region during and after the 2010 elections.

The Obama administration's liberal policy agenda-- especially Obamacare-- has made it almost impossible for white Democrats at the local level to be seen as moderates or centrists, says Emory University political science professor Merle Black. Just being a Democrat immediately puts many of the white Democratic politics on the defensive.

Though Florida is not the Deep South -- where white electoral losses and post-election defections have made those states' Democratic parties increasingly African-American -- Florida's Republican Party is proving adept at infusing its ranks with minority members. Notable rising stars include U.S. Rep.-elect Allen West and incoming Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll.

Meantime, South Florida's Cuban community, led by U.S. Sen.-elect Marco Rubio, continues to vote reliably Republican, even as Hispanics in other parts of the country lean Democratic.

Read the piece here.