Prior to the event, Calero campaigned along with Karl Butts, SWP candidate for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 11th District, and three campaign supporters in front of a Mexican restaurant and general store in the nearby farming community of Plant City. Most of the construction and farm workers, overwhelmingly Latino, were surprised to find the socialist candidates campaigning there because they said they don’t have the right to vote.

Calero said the socialist campaign’s focus—championing the need of workers to organize unions to defend ourselves from the bosses attacks, and supporting the right of oppressed nations to economic development that requires a struggle against imperialist domination—is directed at all working people, not only those who can vote.

In his opening remarks at the public meeting, Calero thanked local campaign supporters for their help in getting the SWP national ticket on the ballot in Florida and other states, as well as their financial support, and making it possible for him to come to Tampa. He noted that 70,000 people signed petitions this summer as part of the successful effort to get the socialist ticket on the ballot in 13 states and the District of Columbia, many of them doing so because they liked the party’s election campaign platform. Calero focused his remarks on outlining the SWP platform.

A reporter from WMNF radio, a local Pacifica affiliate, attended the meeting and interviewed Calero and a number of the 17 people present. Participants contributed $350 to help finance the 2004 SWP campaign.
 
 
Related articles:
Break from parties of the employers!
Socialist candidate for Senate in N.Y. debates Green, Libertarian opponents
Calero meets with students, meat packers in Twin Cities
Socialists campaign in Texas, Louisiana
New Jersey socialist candidates join debates
SWP vice-presidential candidate meets farmers, unionists in D.C.  
 
 
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