Mitt Romney leads politicians in Naples Swamp Buggy Parade
All photos ©2007 Rick Bethem
The annual Swamp Buggy Races are this weekend in Naples and it is traditionally kicked off with a big parade down U.S. 41 from the Coastland Mall to around 3rd Ave South. With the political season all around us with local elections, sheriff and naturally the national campaign for President, the candidates don’t miss a chance to meet the public and hopefully their future voters. Naples attracted one of the leading candidates for President in 2008 with the participation of Govenor Mitt Romney. Romney contributed the biggest effort but Rudy had a smaller group of supporters in the parade also. Romney walked the entire length of the parade before jumping into a black SUV and headed off to another campaign stop. The physical requirements to run for office are extreme. The hours and commitments of all the candidates are something very few people would be able to do. I photographed Romney for 10 blocks and he was always upbeat and energetic, however, the one thing I noticed is that his right hand was almost raw from all the hand shaking. I’m sure he’ll have plenty of time for treatment if elected.
