Florida: Still A Voting Nightmare?

Byron Pitts Reports Election Irregularities May Not Be Thing Of The Past

(CBS)  The Democratic Dream Team moved through Florida Thursday, but, as CBS News Correspondent Byron Pitts reports, the energy here had an edge to it. Every joke was a jab.

"We're sending Jack and Emma Claire to help those Republicans in West Palm Beach count those votes in 2004," said John Kerry. "Not only does every vote in Florida count, but every vote is going to be counted."

For many at this rally, the 2000 Florida recount still feels like it happened yesterday. Pregnant chads discounted -- minority voters said they were discouraged from casting their ballots. President Bush won by a mere 537 votes.

"We're not forgiving, and we wont let this happen in this election,'' said voter Linda Joseph. "We will not let Kerry lose this one. We're energized, we're upset and we're angry."

Statewide, there have been a number of lawsuits regarding Florida's old ballot box system and charges the new computerized "paperless" system isn't much better.

In Jacksonville, election officials are now investigating charges by Dario Cruz and his wife that GOP organizers illegally marked his registration form and dozens more as "Republican" when he went to register to vote for the first time

Election irregularities, the economy and health care are all issues that "Team Kerry" believes will work in their favor in Florida. But the gas that burns best here -- the 2000 recount.

"They fix those machines, and we'll fix America," Kerry said.

The road to the White House goes through battleground states like Florida with its 27 electoral votes. But a win in Florida could well guarantee a win in November.