Recall Vote A Warning To Other Politicians

MIAMI (CBS4) - Politicians across South Florida, and the nation, watched as the recall election results came in for Mayor Carlos Alvarez and Miami Dade Commissioner Natacha Seijas.

"I think this environment is a very hostile environment for incumbents," said George Gonzalez, an associate professor of political science at the University of Miami. "That is generally true irrespective of the specific issues that lead to this recall."

Gonzalez said politics will change from here on out. Voters have now made their voices crystal clear.

"It communicates that you better not raise taxes," he said. "It creates a certain impression that there is no way to raise taxes in an uncontroversial manner; and so the path of least resistance here is to continue to assault public services."

It's a change in the game that County Commissioner and Mayoral candidate Carlos Gimenez is looking forward to.

"This is a resounding cry from the people saying we want change," said Gimenez. "We want something different. We want a new direction in Miami Dade County. The folks sitting on the commission said they heard that message yesterday. The margin was enough to make people stand up and take notice."

It's just the effect many voters said they had hoped for.

"They better be careful because people are becoming more and more aware of their power and their rights,"" said Arturo Mastelli, a voter.