All roads lead to Florida for the 2016 presidential candidates this week, with Team Clinton and Team Trump heading to the Sunshine State to make their cases to voters in the nation’s largest swing state.
Both Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump are scheduled to make stops in Florida this week.
Big names in national politics will be lending a helping hand to Clinton as she attempts to turn Florida blue for the third presidential election cycle. Former Vice President Al Gore will be hitting the campaign trail with Clinton Tuesday, appearing at an event in Miami centered around climate change.
This will be the first time Gore will publicly campaign on Clinton’s behalf during this presidential election cycle.
Miami has been a hotspot for climate change debate. National reports have found the South Florida city is one of the most likely to be affected by climate change. According to campaign aides, Clinton will discuss the rising sea levels as part of her pitch to Florida voters.
Former president Bill Clinton will also spearhead efforts to reach out to Florida voters this week, making campaign stops in Lee, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties, focusing on the economy and on making sure voters register before the registration deadline.
On Monday, a Florida judge extended the state’s voter registration deadline to Wednesday as a result of the impact from Hurricane Matthew, which swept through parts of Florida last week.
Trump will also headline several events in Florida this week. After leaving Pennsylvania, Trump will make his way to Ocala and Lakeland for events on Wednesday. On Thursday, Trump will head to South Florida for a campaign stop in West Palm Beach.
With less than a month to go until the presidential election, candidates are prioritizing spending time in the Sunshine State. Florida, home to 29 electoral votes, is virtually a must-win state for any candidate hoping to make it to the White House.
In recent weeks, polls showed the gap narrowing between Trump and Clinton, but a new national poll conducted before Sunday’s second presidential debate showed Clinton widening her lead by 11 points.
On Friday, a leaked tape showed Trump making controversial comments in 2005 about women. The remarks were denounced by many in his party and around the country as sexist and turned a new wave of criticism on the GOP nominee. Since Friday, more than 70 Republicans have officially denounced Trump.
Gov. Rick Scott, who officially threw his weight behind Trump earlier this year, slammed Trump’s comments, though he did not officially denounce Trump.
“I think what he said was wrong,” Scott said. “I don't know why anybody would say things like that. I think it's absolutely wrong.”
The general election will be held Nov. 8.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
