Poll watch parties sprout up for Tuesday’s vote count

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There are several places one can go to watch the numbers tally in Tuesday’s election — watch parties for all shapes and sizes and, well, parties.

The Democrats aren’t having one that I know of, though they have a post election party on Wednesday. They call it a campaign “wrap” party and it starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Universal Congregation of Miami, 7701 SW 76th Ave. Food and a live DJ are provided.

Local Republicans are daring to rally Tuesday night at the Miami Airport Doubletree on 72nd Avenue with music, large screen TVs and a cash bar. That’s the official Republican Night Victory party and about 500 people have already RSVPed, said Yulexis Argota, the executive director of the Miami-Dade Republican Party.

That might be where we spot former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Craig Romney, son of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who is rumored to be hanging around these parts. He really loves Miami.

That’s also where most Republicans will likely end up, especially in the case of a win. After their individual events, of course — most of which begin at 7:30, by which time folks will likely know who won the absentee ballot and early voting votes.

John Couriel, a Republican running against Democrat State Sen. Gwen Margolis, will start a half hour early, beginning at 7 p.m., and watch from campaign headquarters at 2000 South Dixie Highway, Suite 108, in Coral Gables.

Congressman King David “Nine Lives” Rivera and his supporters will watch from his campaign headquarters at 12891 SW 42nd Street. While his opponent, former Public Service Commission Chairman Joe Garcia, will rally with troops at Casa Vieja Restaurant, 10325 Hammocks Boulevard.

Former State Rep. Juan C. Zapata, running for county commission in the seat vacated by Chairman Joe Martinez after his failed bid for mayor, will celebrate his close victory (my words, not his) at the new Las Vegas Restaurant, 11995 SW 26th Street. I don’t know where Miami-Dade Police Det. Manny Machado, the bully running against him, will be for the results: He didn’t invite me. But if Martinez will show up anywhere, it will be there. Mayor Carlos “Not So Golden Boy” Gimenez may show up at the Las Vegas affair.

More will be reported as Ladra learns of them.