Obama still pushing hard in Florida, but Romney has the edge

But the president’s campaign has been hindered by a Democratic base here that is less motivated than it was four years ago, when Obama carried Florida by a 3 percent margin over John McCain.

State Republicans note that they have been outpacing Democrats in absentee ballot requests, though at a lesser rate than they did in 2008.

But as is the case in every swing state, Democrats have been touting what they believe is a clear advantage in their ground game, which could tip the outcome of the race.

“There are 103 [Obama campaign] field offices in Florida — they have been open and operating and people have been out there working hard first to register huge numbers and now making sure people are voting early,” said Florida Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch. “That ground game is going to matter a lot.”