After nearly two months of intense campaigning, Gainesville City Commission candidates will draw the curtain on election season today.
From socializing with supporters to holding signs on street corners for a last minute pitch to voters, each candidate has a plan for their final campaign day.
At-large Gainesville City Commission incumbent Jeanna Mastrodicasa plans to watch today's election coverage at Gainesville's Star Garage. After the results are in, she said she will head to The Top restaurant as she did after she won her three-year term in 2006.
"We had a really good time. Everyone there was very receptive," she said.
She said she would go to The Top, win or lose.
"I may have to drink my sorrows away," she joked.
Mastrodicasa said she hopes her supporters will come to enjoy the night with her.
"It's going to be an open place," she said. "Come on along!"
She will also try to make a stop at Brophy's Irish Pub, where the anti-Amendment 1 community plans to await the results.
Scherwin Henry, the incumbent for District 1, will spend election night with family, friends, donors and supporters at Matheson Museum.
"We're just going to bring a joyous end to the occasion - win or lose," he said.
Henry said anyone is welcome at his gathering.
At-large candidate Tom Cunilio said he plans to spend part of his day gardening , and then waiting for the results at the Supervisor of Elections Office.
"I'll be finally planting my spring corn," he said.
Cunilio said he would rather people show their support by voting than attending a party.
"I don't want pats on the back. I don't want free drinks," he said. "I don't have any plans to hang out beforehand. I'm not that kind of guy."
Robert Krames, who is also running for the At-large seat, said he will watch the results at the Supervisor of Elections Office, but he will not have an open gathering after the results are in.
"It's a private party. I'm just keeping it to my supporters," he said. "But if anyone wants to come talk about the campaign, I'll be at the elections office at 7."
At-Large candidate Richard Selwach said he is confident about tomorrow's election results.
"I'm feeling pretty darn good," he said. "I am the candidate with the most experience."
Not only did Selwach run for Gainesville City Commission in 2007, but he has been to hundreds of Commission meetings, he said. He called himself one of the more controversial attendees.
"I'll probably be at Mark's Prime Steakhouse downtown, eating at the bar and having a few drinks with my best buddy Eric Forrest," he said of election night. "If there is a victory, drinks will be flowing."
James Schlachta, an At-large candidate, said he would campaign on street corners today, but he's not sure if he will make it out on election night.
"If my family doesn't need me at home with our new baby, I will be at the elections office awaiting the results," he said.
Although Schlachta said he is new at running for office and he could have done certain things better, he feels confident.
Marcia Wimberly, a District 1 candidate, said in an e-mail that she will relax at Flaco's Cuban Bakery and Deli after the polls close.
"As I reflect on the road to March 24, 2009, tears well in my eyes to see it come to a close," Wimberly wrote.
She said she trusts that God will watch over the election, and that everything will be done fairly and decently.
