Democrats rally in East Tampa, call for light rail

TAMPA - Waving signs and cheering, a couple of hundred Democratic Party supporters rallied today in East Tampa before heading to the nearest polling place for early voting.

The rally drew some big names: gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink; attorney general candidate Dan Gelber of Miami Beach; and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa.

Organizers also hoped to stir support for a proposed sales tax hike that would finance a light rail system.

"Rail is critical," said Dianne Hart, an East Tampa activist and head of the Hillsborough County Democratic Black Caucus.

After hearing from the candidates, rally participants marched three blocks along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to cast their ballots at a local library.

Riley Rubio, 5, walked the route holding aloft a "Castor for Congress" poster nearly as big as her.

"This is actually fun!" she said, drawing laughs.

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