Phil Ammann
“Star Wars” mania hits Florida’s U.S. Senate race.
“The force is with our campaign, and for that, we want to say thank you,” says a new email from Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera.
For a lucky few that means a chance to join the Republican Senate hopeful for a preview of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in Miami.
As a “huge Star Wars buff,” Lopez-Cantera is holding a Star Wars Watch Party on Thursday – one day before the highly awaited saga hits theaters nationwide. Afterward, there will be a campaign reception.
Donations are requested, but not necessary to enter the contest. Entries will be accepted online through 4 p.m. EST the day before: Wednesday.
Lopez-Cantera is not the first to energize voters by tapping into “The Force” surrounding the upcoming Star Wars epic.
Democratic congressman and self-proclaimed “Jedi Master” Alan Grayson also appealed to followers – those who are also Star Wars aficionados – in a November blog post to “help … beat the GOP’s Sith-like hold on Washington, DC, by giving $3 or more, to save our Republic.”
Nevertheless, Lopez-Cantera, who could face Grayson in the 2016 Senate race, is really bringing the goods with an actual screening of the film – hours before the rest of the country.
And for die-hard Star Wars fans – some already waiting in line at theaters – having the advantage of seeing “The Force Awakens” before everyone else (even if it’s a few hours) could be all it takes to take them over the edge – and into the voting booth next year.
