GOP Says McCain Took Florida For Granted

OS: Nowhere is that more evident than Florida, a state McCain must carry to win the White House. Troubled by sliding poll numbers, GOP loyalists here -- many of whom met in Orlando on Saturday for a presidential "victory rally" -- wonder whether the national campaign has taken the state for granted.

"My question would be, 'What campaign?' I just don't see one," said Bill Negron, an Orlando member of McCain's regional Hispanic steering committee. "To me, it looks like people are working hard to ensure that McCain doesn't get elected."

Those are dangerous words for any candidate. Once doubt infects a campaign -- once the faithful start grumbling -- it can spread like the plague.

"I think Florida's still in play," said GOP ex-U.S. Rep. Lou Frey of Orlando. "But in this business, perception matters. Perception is reality."

In Florida, John McCain's reality has grown harsher with almost every news cycle. Polls show this reliably red state trending blue as Barack Obama nurses a small but steady lead.