Tim Kaine makes stop at Dover Shores Community Center

Kaine says if Trump doesn't win Florida, he doesn't win presidency

ORLANDO, Fla. – Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine spoke to his supporters at Dover Shores Community Center in Orlando on Sunday.

Kaine said that he calls Florida a "checkmark state," meaning if Republican nominee Donald Trump doesn't win the state, he can't win the presidency.

"I know Florida can do it because I watched it happen in 2008 and 2012. If you do that work, you don't have to wait up until Mountain time or Pacific time, you can go to bed on Eastern time because if Hillary Clinton wins Florida, she's going to be the next president," Kaine said. 

Kaine also said that early voting by mail numbers look positive for the Clinton-Kaine campaign. He also called out Trump for his allegations that the election is rigged, even citing a prominent Republican lashing out against his claims.

"We have this great democratic tradition of elections and respecting the outcome and the peaceful transfer of power. (Sen.) John McCain said yesterday, the only appropriate comment if you lose a presidential race is I will not support my president. That's the tradition we have," Kaine said.

Kaine mentioned his stance on climate change, the economy and Social Security.

At one point, he was interrupted by a protester.

"Have some sympathy. They haven't had a very good week," Kaine said to the crowd as the protester was being taken out.

On the issue of background checks for gun purchases, Kaine mentioned his visit last month to Pulse nightclub.

"I paid a very emotional visit on the 26th of September to the Pulse nightclub site here in Orlando. I bet just about everybody in here has been there. Some of you probably know people who were killed there or injured there. Very emotional visit for me," Kaine said.

Early voting starts Monday in Florida and lasts until Nov. 6.


About the Author:

Troy graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. He has reported on Mexican drug cartel violence on the El Paso/ Juarez border, nuclear testing facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory and severe Winter weather in Michigan.