Most of the speculation has centered on a pair of blacks: former state Sen. Daryl Jones of Miami, who mounted his own unsuccessful bid for governor four years ago, and Rep. Chris Smith of Fort Lauderdale, the outgoing House Democratic leader.

Both have the added advantage of being from South Florida -- and interested in the job.

"I would absolutely consider it," Jones said.

But each also carries potential drawbacks. Jones was nominated by President Clinton to be secretary of the Air Force only to see the appointment blocked when opponents questioned his truthfulness about his flight record while in the reserves. And Smith angered many Democrats in 1998 by endorsing Jeb Bush for governor, though he later said he regretted doing so.

Other names thought to be possibilities for Davis are several Hispanics from South Florida -- Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, former Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas and former Miami-Dade Commissioner Jimmy Morales -- as well as Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, who is black, and incoming House Minority Leader Dan Gelber of Miami Beach.

Democrats once talked of uniting Davis with primary rival Smith. But the bloody primary contest makes that unlikely, though Smith did announce Friday that he was "enthusiastically backing" Davis.

poll released on Election Day shows a tight race between the two now-nominees for governor.

The Rasmussen survey of 500 likely voters showed Republican Attorney General Charlie Crist ahead of Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Davis 45 percent to 41 percent. The 4-point gap was just outside the poll's 4.5 percent margin of error.

"Loser: Jeb Bush"

"It's the moment you've been waiting for since Tuesday's election: Here's the real tally of winners and losers -- some of whom weren't even on the ballot."

Loser: Jeb Bush. Two of the governor's favored candidates, Frank Bolaños and Robert Fernandez, lost their bids for the Florida Legislature.

Loser: Big Sugar. Jim Davis won the Democratic primary for governor despite the industry's multimillion-dollar mudslinging.

Winner: Big Sugar. Some of the mud stuck. Davis still faces questions about his 1990 vote against restitution for two wrongfully convicted black men, Freddie Pitts and Wilbert Lee.

Winner: Carol Castagnero. The retired teacher from Lakeland -- who reportedly sleeps in Wal-Mart parking lots when she travels because she doesn't feel safe in hotels -- spent a little more than $13,000 on her Democratic campaign for governor. Still, 44,949 voters -- more than 5 percent of the electorate -- preferred her to Davis or rival Rod Smith.

Tuff Enuf?

"Fresh off what he called a 'ferocious' primary, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, the Democrats' nominee for governor, basked in his party's embrace Friday and pledged that a Democratic win in November would shake up the status quo in Florida." "Davis vows to shake things up". See also "Davis' Campaign Must Toughen Up, Democrats Say".

Nelson

"Nelson kicks off Senate re-election campaign". Meanwhile, back at the ranch: "Harris Staffer Talks To Feds". See also "Another ex-Harris staffer talks to feds".

The Last Waddle Express

"Bush tours state in support of new GOP candidate". See also "Bush hands Florida's GOP reins to Crist".

Remedy?

"Voters assured of count remedy".

Game Over, Man!

The Washington Post thinks the Guv race is over:

The outcome in Tuesday’s governor’s race primary clearly affected the thinking of the expert pundits of the Washington Post on the race.

They weren’t surprised by the outcomes, but were impressed by the vote totals—979,582 votes cast in the GOP race, compared to 822,462 Democratic votes, and 627,239 votes for Charlie Crist compared to Jim Davis’s 403,697.

"That’s a lot of ground to make up, and Democratic strategists not affiliated with Davis’s campaign are skeptical Davis can do it," quoth the Post, and unceremoniously dropped the race out of their top 15 contests nationwide.

Crawford Does It Again

"Former Agriculture Commissioner Bob Crawford, a Democrat, said Friday he supports Republican Tom Lee for the cabinet-level CFO post. His endorsement comes a day after ex-comptroller Bob Milligan, a Republican, came out for the Democratic candidate, Alex Sink." "Tit for tat endorsements in CFO race". See also "One for You, One for Lee" and "Democrat endorses Lee".

Does Crawford remain a "Democrat" just so he can get a headline every 2 years by endorsing Republicans?

What A Jerk

The brother of what one of America's leading historians believes may be "The Worst President in History" has the temerity to call "U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, the Democratic nominee for governor, one of the 'most ineffective' members of Congress." "Bush rips Davis, ices Harris". See also "Bush turns spotlight on Crist" and "GOP leaders snub Harris -- again".

Has the GOP Created A Monster?

"The Florida Senate will never be the same."

Some of this state's most powerful political forces threw all they had at Miami Republican Alex Villalobos. But he still won.

Gov. Jeb Bush said Villalobos "abandoned our party's principles and lost his way" for opposing vouchers and supporting the class size amendment. Bush did radio ads in two languages for Villalobos' primary opponent, Frank Bolanos.

Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, incoming Senate president, stayed neutral, an act that contradicted a decades-long tradition that parties protect their incumbents.

Now he has to live with the fellow Republican senator he snubbed when that person needed help the most.

Dem Unity

"Any lingering question of Democratic unity in the governor’s race may have ended with a strong statement Friday from state Sen. Rod Smith endorsing his former rival, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis." "It's all good: Unity in the party". See also "Smith 'Enthusiastically Backing' Davis", "Democrats kick off hunt for November" and "Democrats Show United Front In Race For Governor".

By The Way

"Fifty-eight percent (58%) of Americans have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of labor unions while 33% disagree and have an unfavorable view. Those figures, from a Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,000 adults, include 23% with a 'very favorable' opinion and 12% with a 'very unfavorable' view." "Poll: Labor Unions Viewed Favorably by 58%".

Pathetic

"Voter Turnout: How Low Can We Go?". See also "Amie Parnes: Did the rain keep voters from polls?".

Whatever

"Bush, Crist tout control by GOP".

Insurance Crisis

"More insurance companies ask to raise rates." See also "Committee suggests lowering Catastrophe Fund deductibles".

Slosberg

"Despite defeat, Slosberg king in condo world".

Black College Enrollment

"Black students represented 13.7 percent of the state-university enrollment on the first day of classes this year, compared with 13.8 percent in 2005 and 14.5 percent in 2004. There were 39,529 black students enrolled on the first day of classes this year." "Black enrollment grows along with rest".

This headline is a bit more accurate: "Black enrollment growth lags at state universities".

Crist aimed at moving onto his opponent's political turf, extending an appeal to Democrats and independents on issues including public schools, the environment and civil rights.

In a news conference in his hometown, St. Petersburg, Crist declared himself a "Reagan Republican" but also a populist and almost seemed to try to be a better Democrat than Davis.

To some Florida political veterans, the situation was reminiscent of 1998, when Democrat Buddy MacKay ran against Jeb Bush.

Bush sought to reach out to Democrats and independents as a "compassionate conservative," while MacKay faced a rebellion among black Democrats over Willie Logan, a former state Senate Democratic leader who was removed from that post by white senators. MacKay was not involved in that move.

Logan and other black Democrats crossed party lines to endorse Jeb Bush.

In Davis' case, he starts out having to "invest time in putting back together some things that were ripped apart" during the primary battle, said Derek Newton, a Democratic consultant. "You can blame Davis, you can blame sugar, you can blame Rod Smith. It doesn't change the fact he has to do it."

Hastings and Newton both said Davis may give stronger consideration to a black running mate as a result; Davis said he had not started compiling a list of running mates.

"If I were advising Jim Davis, Kendrick Meek would be at the top of my list," Newton said.

Snags

"Still some snags in voting process". See also "Touch-screen machines cause confusion with results", "Martin battles to tally votes", "Precinct decision muddies primary", "New screens spark delays, confusion", "'Incomplete' grade kind for [PB SOE] Anderson's first test", "Slow to count votes? Supervisor of Elections says no", "Computer glitches delay final vote tally in 17 Broward precincts", "Elections Office provided a bumpy ride", "Two days after small primary, Palm Beach County one of last in state to report" and "Voting chief sees few glitches -- but some see potential for more".

But see ""Experts: Primaries run smoothly, thanks in part to low turnout"".

Harris, Nelson To Debate

"Running 30 percentage points ahead in the polls and sitting on a comfortable cushion of cash, Sen. Bill Nelson agreed Wednesday to two televised debates with his Republican challenger, Rep. Katherine Harris." "Senate foes will spar on TV". See also "Harris v. Nelson, in two parts". In the meantime, "Harris wastes no time taking shots at Nelson". See also "Harris faces uphill battle to knock off Nelson".

Pathetic Turnout

"Tuesday's primary was all too predictable in one aspect: low voter turnout. Less than 20 percent of Florida's eligible voters chose the two gubernatorial candidates to vie for the state's most important job. In a year when Floridians are up in arms about skyrocketing property-insurance premiums, scarce affordable housing and unacceptably high property taxes, the low turnout is unfathomable." "Did voters forget that we're a democracy?" See also "Holiday, blah races make voters yawn" and "How Low Can We Go?" ("Tuesday's primary had one of the lowest turnouts in state history. What's behind voter apathy?")

Bay Area Governor

"Homegrown Governor Likely A Bay Area Boon".

Canvassing Board Conflict

"Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair says he doesn't see a problem with serving on the county's elections canvassing board despite his involvement in two political campaigns, including one for which he sent out a mass e-mail endorsing judicial candidate Samantha Ward. Blair says he will carry out his duties with integrity, but he should step down nonetheless." "Blair's Conflict On The Canvassing Board".

The Education Governor

How much more of Jebbie's education "reform" can Florida stand?

Florida students continue to lag behind the rest of the nation in preparing for and attending college, while the state also gets a failing grade for higher education affordability, according to a new independent assessment.

Those factors could limit Florida's access to a competitive workforce and weaken its economy in the future, said Patrick Callan, president of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. ...

Key reasons why Florida did so poorly is that only 56 percent of the state's students graduate from high school within four years, one of the nation's lowest rates, and just 31 percent of ninth graders are enrolled in college four years later, center officials said.

Issues

"Voters use polls to fight sprawl, protect lifestyle".

Understatement

"Despite primary win, Harris faces stiff battle in November".

Jebbie Spoke ... Who Cares

Among other things, Scott Maxwell notes that "Jeb spoke, and his Republican flock didn't listen." "Primary results were chock-full of winners, losers -- and oddities".

"$200 Per Vote"

"Slosberg spent almost $200 per vote in attempt to win state Senate seat". See also "Slosberg loses the state Senate race".

Decision Time

"Tom Gallagher awoke in his condo here Wednesday morning knowing he soon faces a decision: Does he stay in Tallahassee, his base for half his life, or come home to Miami?" "On heels of loss, Gallagher is faced with big decision".

HD 86

"Flush with cash, Delray Beach lawyer Maria Sachs led the four-candidate race for the House District 86 seat held by outgoing Rep. Anne Gannon, but with an undetermined number of precincts reporting late Tuesday, the race was too close to call." "Race for Gannon's seat 'impossible to predict'".

Please Don't Misunderstand

"Congressional incumbents in Florida faced no serious opposition in Tuesday's primaries, but it would be a mistake to view that as a vote of confidence. Recent polls reflect growing public frustration with Congress." "Keep working".

Childish

"As primary night wore on, the Florida Republican Party sent out congratulatory e-mails to winners of the statewide races. Charlie Crist got one. So did Tom Lee. But conspicuously absent was any "atta boy" for U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris." "Congrats (not quite) all around".

No Time To Lose

"Hours after Rep. Katherine Harris sealed the GOP nomination for Senate, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson sent out a fundraising e-mail to donors, suggesting that 'starting today you can expect to see an increase in the level of distortions and negativity from the Harris campaign.'" "Wasting no time".

Rare Opportunity

Florida's "hobbled Democrats see a rare opportunity to regain some of the ground they have lost in this swing state over the last 12 years."

The going will be rough. Governor Bush’s popularity will almost certainly help Attorney General Charlie Crist, who in Tuesday’s primary became the Republican nominee to succeed him. And the State Legislature, controlled by Republicans since 1996, will stay that way. Republicans now hold every statewide office except for that of Senator Bill Nelson, who now faces a challenge from Ms. Harris, and all but 7 of Florida’s 25 seats in the House.

Yet Democrats believe they can capitalize on national anger toward Republicans this year, and on local concern about home insurance rates and education policy, including what many see as an overemphasis on standardized testing. They are hoping that social conservatives will be kept at home on Election Day by Mr. Crist’s moderate positions: he supports stem cell research and civil unions for same-sex couples, and, though against abortion, has said he would not support new restrictions on it.

Republican dominance notwithstanding, Florida has more registered Democrats, who number 4.2 million, than Republicans, at 3.9 million, according to the Division of Elections.

"Florida is so evenly divided that fairly small constituencies can make a big difference," said Lance deHaven-Smith, a political science professor at Florida State University. "All the Democrats would have to do is undermine turnout among the Republican base just a bit."

The state also has a rich pool of two million unaffiliated voters, concentrated in the central corridor between Tampa and Orlando, who sustain its standing as a swing state. The Democratic nominee for governor, Representative Jim Davis of Tampa, would have to win over those voters while keeping conservative Democrats in the Florida Panhandle from backing Mr. Crist.

See Ya

"Harris aide leaves for Bilirakis campaign".

Villalobos Speaks

Villalobos and Cardenas ain't exactly tight:

Cardenas no longer speaks for the Republican Party, Villalobos said. "He is a paid, hired lobbyist who makes millions off of clients' contributions to senators who vote not based on principles but based on profits. He is not the state GOP, he is a lobbyist," said Villalobos.

Losers: "Conservative Republicans with narrow agendas"

"But the most significant message came from Republican voters in Miami. Alex Villalobos, one of the state Senate's brightest and most moderate Republicans, dared to cross Bush and other conservatives this year by supporting the class size amendment and refusing to back a constitutional amendment to allow tuition vouchers. Bush endorsed Villalobos' primary opponent, and third-party groups spent an estimated $6-million against the incumbent. But Villalobos narrowly won, and his victory offers hope that the state Senate will not be hijacked by conservative Republicans with narrow agendas." "Mighty moderation".

"" "".

Secret Cases

"Hiding court cases on a secret docket would be effectively outlawed in Florida under rules proposed by a study group at the request of Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred Lewis." "Ban on hidden court cases urged".

Recount

"As most winners of legislative primaries began campaigning for the general election Wednesday, at least one state House race remained unsettled with the possibility of a recount or a change in the winner based on uncounted provisional ballots. Two other House seats were also close with provisional ballots still to be counted before the results were finalized." "Legislative primaries not over; one race could go to recount". See also "Votes, and candidates, remain in limbo in state House races".

"Florida’s primary election set the table for races in eight U.S. House districts but it had no effect on the state’s hottest congressional matchup. Neither incumbent Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, nor his Democratic challenger in the 22nd District, state Sen. Ron Klein of Boca Raton, had a primary opponent Tuesday." "Primary had no effect on Florida's hottest congressional race". See also "Off and running".

Jebbie's Last Waddle

Our lame duck Governor was repudiated by the Republican voters in Miami. It was, so to speak, "Jeb!"'s Last Waddle:

Embattled Republican state Sen. Alex Villalobos squeaked by his heavily financed and anointed GOP challenger Tuesday, handing Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida's powerful business community a defeat.

With 99 percent of the votes counted, Villalobos garnered 51 percent of the ballots cast while Miami-Dade School board member Frank Bolanos collected 49 percent.

There were no Democrats in the state's most bitterly fought legislative race so Villalobos will automatically return to Tallahassee, where he will likely remain an outcast among the conservative Republican majority.

Weather Effect

"Some polling places weren't marked clearly, a handful of others opened late and two precincts briefly ran out of paper ballots. But the worst voting glitch Tuesday appeared to be the soggy mess of rain that hugged Florida's lower east coast." "Weather was the biggest hitch with low turnout at the polls".

The Face of the RPOF

Katherine Harris and Charlie Crist, the Republican Team. "Harris easily claims GOP nomination". See also "U.S. Senate: Harris Overcomes Headlines, Secures Nomination" and "Harris' nomination secure".

"About 100 supporters and staffers gathered at Katherine Harris' Tampa campaign headquarters to celebrate her victory. They watched election returns on large-screen TVs and munched on a cake with Harris' photo on it. (They were careful to keep the photo intact.)" "Harris' victory". See also "Harris wins, vows to defeat Nelson in bid for Senate" and "Harris wins handily, takes aim at Nelson".

CFO

"Tom Lee takes GOP race, will face Sink". See also "CFO: Lee Wins, Will Take On Sink In November", "Tom Lee glides to win CFO primary" and "Lee tops Johnson for GOP candidacy".

AG

"Campbell wins Democratic nomination". See also "Campbell rolling over a token opponent", "Democrat Campbell wins easily, will face McCollum", "Campbell defeats Ehrlich, faces McCollum" and "Broward's 'Skip' Campbell to face off with McCollum".

McCollum is spinning this as a "loss" for Campbell because he didn't win by a larger margin. This from a guy who lost to the "Cellophane Man" in the GOP U.S. Senate primary.

Here's A Campaign Theme

"Davis vows to fight special interests in his victory speech".

CD 13

"Vern Buchanan, chief executive of Buchanan Enterprises, a network of car dealerships in southwest Florida, claimed the Republican primary for the House District 13 race Tuesday, narrowly defeating state Rep. Nancy Detert of Venice."

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Buchanan - who raised $4.1-million for the race, including $2.1-million from his own pocket - took 33 percent of the vote to 25 percent for Detert, 23 percent for Sarasota banker Tramm Hudson, 10 percent for former state Rep. Mark Flanagan of Bradenton and 9 percent for state Rep. Donna Clarke of Sarasota.

In the Democratic primary, Sarasota banker Christine Jennings easily defeated Sarasota lawyer Jan Schneider, 63 percent to 37 percent.

"Coarse, monied and reckless politics"

"If this year's primary season is any indication, the coarse, monied and reckless politics that have come to be associated with Washington now reside in a neighborhood near you. This is one form of devolution voters can do without." "Ballot needed a good scrubbing".

Slosberg

"Deutch ahead of Slosberg in heated primary contest". See also "State Senate District 30: Attorney Deutch leads big-spending Slosberg".

Laff Riot

"Storms Wins State Senate Bid".

"Crist-Crossin' Charlie's Famous House of Waffles."

"With fewer than one-third of the vote counted on primary night, Florida Democratic Party workers began distributing frozen waffles to the media gathered at the Crist victory party in St. Petersburg. Attached to the bags of breakfast food was a press release headlined, "'Welcome to Crist-Crossin' Charlie's Famous House of Waffles.'"

"We’ll be watching for tonight’s waffle hi-jinks to show up on the Florida Democrats’ in-kind reports, because today’s ploy was borrowed most notably from Bush-Cheney’04," said Jeff Sadosky, a Florida GOP spokesman. "Like their recycled election tactics, the Democrats’ agenda has done nothing to motivate even their base voters, so much so that many voters in the Democrat governor’s race and the Democrat attorney general’s race were begging for another option."

The Spin Begins

"State Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell wasted no time going after the man he expected to face all along in the race for attorney general, former Central Florida congressman Bill McCollum. ... Included in Campbell's victory statement, his campaign manager Jeff Garcia said: 'The choice is clear. Bill McCollum has spent the last five years as a Washington lobbyist, his record on consumer issues is freightening [sic] and his association with convicted felon Jack Abramoff needs to be explained...'"

"Tonight, we couldn't help noticing how many Democrats voted against Skip Campbell -- choosing a complete unkown instead," wrote campaign manager Phil Vangelakos. "We continue to receive support from prominent and grass roots Democrats who have told us they can't support the weird liberal policies of Skip Campbell."

CD 11

"Congress: Castor Poised To Win District 11 Primary".

Slow Count?

"Slow to count votes? Supervisor of Elections says no".

The Carol Effect

Rod Smith may be asking, "Carol Who?"

Loophole

"Twenty-two percent of Florida voters are registered as something other than Republican or Democrat, which may help explain the low turnout in Tuesday's primary." "Close The Write-In Loophole".

Post Jebbie

"For the past eight years, this has been, for better or for worse, Jeb Bush's Florida. The next governor will inherit a state very different from the one that existed when Bush first took office." "After Jeb".

HD 78

"House District 78: Machek likely to turn back challenge".

Unnerving

"With heavy rains dampening voter turnout Tuesday, Palm Beach County's primary elections went smoothly until the polls closed. As early results were reported in Election Supervisor Arthur Anderson's first countywide election, vote watchers were surprised that the percent of precincts reporting in each race was not listed on the supervisor's Web site, or being reported at all." "Reporting omission unnerves those following results".

HD 8

"Democrat Charlie Stuart will square off in November against three-term Republican incumbent Ric Keller, who handily won renomination for a fourth term in U.S. House District 8. ... He beat two opponents -- attorney Alan Grayson and two-term Orange County Commissioner Homer Hartage -- to get into what national Democrats consider one of the relative handful of competitive congressional races against a GOP incumbent. Still, he faces an uphill fight in what is considered a Republican-leaning district." "Stuart wins primary fight -- next up: Keller".

HD 90

"House District 90: Former Klein aide takes lead among Democrats".

Impress Everyone

Go ahead and "Impress Everyone" with your political acumen at Fla Politics.

Primary Day

"'Huge amount at stake' today". See also "Today's the day", "No shortage of volunteers to man the polls", "Candidates' fates in the hands of voters", "Get ready, get set -- vote!", "Ready or not, it's time to vote" and "Be ready to vote".

- "Democrats unite at picnic, Republicans make final appeals before election day". See also "Gubernatorial candidates make last-minute appearances before polls open today" and "Labor Day finds candidates laboring hard to woo voters",

- "Jet-lagged Crist, Gallagher ready to come in for landings". See also "Hialeah crowd comes out for Tom", "Gung-ho for Gallagher in Hialeah", "Campaign Encounters Delays" ("A private jet ferrying Charlie Crist around Florida was forced Monday to return to Orlando Executive Airport after encountering engine trouble"), "Nutty Buddies", "Crist misses game but his team wins", "Engine loss forces Crist plane to land", "Gallagher bookends the state for conservatives", "Where's Tom?" ("'Where's Tom?' Crist said, looking around, during his brief speech. He quickly added. 'Not my opponent, I mean. I become less concerned about him every day'"), "Crist, Anticipating Victory" and "Crist feeling like a winner already".

- "Primary eve attacks by Davis, Smith overshadow party unity". See also "Davis, Smith push for votes in race that's too close to call", "An Angry Exchange in Miami", "Hecklers at picnic", "Dems Burn Up S. Florida Phones" ("Pity South Florida Democrats whose telephones are ringing off the hook this weekend with automated calls on behalf of Rod Smith and Jim Davis in the primary for governor.").

- "Disaster may not be too strong a word for Rep. Katherine Harris' Senate campaign."

Her makeup and formfitting clothes are mocked on national TV. Her flirty interview style embarrasses her campaign handlers. Staffers keep quitting in despair.

She's been linked to a shady defense contractor, caught in fibs and scolded for telling voters that non-Christian politicians "legislate sin."

Yet, on the strength of her name recognition, Harris is expected to win Florida's GOP Senate nomination on Tuesday, to the chagrin of many Republicans.

Check Out "Shadow Vote"

Shadow Vote is "an Internet-based exit poll system for Florida elections. It is similar to old fashioned exit polls but with an audit trail, as any participant can check their account anytime, unlike an anonymous exit poll. With a large enough data set the exit poll can predict or verify the results of an election." "Shadow Vote".

Hispanic Vote

"Hispanics, a multi-cultural group representing Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Cubans and Central and South Americans immigrants, comprise 14 percent of the state's registered voters, according to a 2003 study from the Pew Hispanic Center" "Candidates find reaching out to Hispanic voters no easy task".

Impotent

The Buzz:

the limits of Mr. Rove’s influence were made clear this year when he was unable to persuade the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Allan G. Bense, to run in the Republican primary for Senate against Representative Katherine Harris, whom the party judged to be a weak candidate. Mr. Rove invited Mr. Bense for a sit-down at his vacation home in Rosemary Beach, Fla., as part of a long but failed effort to get him to challenge Ms. Harris for the nomination, said Towson Fraser, a spokesman for Mr. Bense.

Optimistic

"Running late and looking at some nasty weather in Miami this afternoon, Rod Smith decided to scrap plans to campaign outside the Miami-Florida State football game. So what's he going to do instead? 'I'm going to a [campaign] meeting to discuss Wednesday,' Smith said. He added with a laugh, 'I'm really optimistic.'" "Planning for the Best". See also "Sharpton Weighs In".

Collierblog

"Collierblog.com was started by Naples resident Bill Dooley. He calls the forum, which asks viewers to "blog or die," a combination of column and radio call-in show." "Web site lets candidates communicate with voters".

Alachua

"Primary will narrow field".

Harris

"Harris' Spanish radio ad". See also "Final push in Miami".

Sharpton Enters Fray

"Radio personality Al Sharpton, a former Democratic presidential candidate, has placed Pitts-Lee robo calls rapping Jim Davis for his vote to deny the two men compensation after they spent 12 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit." "Dueling black leaders in gov. race".

Perhaps There Should Be

"There's no vacation in politics".

Paternity Claim

"Charlie Crist confronted an 18-year-old claim that he fathered a child with a St. Petersburg woman, calling it 'absolutely false' on Sunday as a secret campaign was launched near the end of the Republican primary for governor to leak the paternity dispute to the press." "Crist confronts paternity claim".

Clubs

"Grass-roots work helps GOP, Democrats field more candidates." "Volunteers become political in clubs".

Jim Davis 42 percent
Rod Smith 38 percent
Other 4 percent
Undecided 14

Jebbie's Outsourcing in Action

"First, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement busts 55 GBM employees working in state buildings. Then, DMS responds like the police captain in Casablanca -'shocked, shocked!' that outsourcing of state jobs might lead to hiring of illegal immigrants." "Immigration case at DMS shocks Argenziano".

Voter Issues

"Football games and Labor Day gatherings may be setting the mood for Tuesday's primary election, but it is economic anxiety over pocketbook issues -- and concern over education -- that is shaping voter attitudes, according to a new Miami Herald poll."

Florida voters in both parties share the same concerns this election cycle, although in different order, according to The Miami Herald poll, conducted by Zogby International.

In every corner of the state and within every demographic mix, voters want politicians to address education, property insurance for hurricanes, property taxes, immigration, healthcare and crime -- pragmatic concerns that seem to trump partisan differences over long-simmering issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and the war in Iraq.

Yet, as Florida's race for governor comes to its crucial turning point Tuesday, the campaigns have become less about issues and more about mudslinging. Republicans Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher battle it out on television ads throughout the state over which one is the "liberal" on the conservative issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. Democrats Jim Davis and Rod Smith tar each other with invectives about their voting records.

Labor Day

As usual, the labor day coverage by the corporate media is less than impressive:

- The Tribune company manages to review the history of labor day without mentioning organized labor. "Labor Day". What can you expect from a company run by thugs like this: see "Send in the scabs", "Picking scabs, part two" and "Scab 30" (scroll down).

- "Construction Workers Needed" ("On this Labor Day, with some 13,000 construction jobs open in Florida, no one questions the need for more skilled laborers.") Perhaps the concerted effort to destroy Florida's building and construction trades union movement has something to do with it.

- "For millions of Americans this Labor Day, recent news that household incomes rose faster than inflation last year for the first time since the '90s is nothing to cheer. Their household incomes jumped only because they're having to work multiple jobs. In fact, the U.S. Census numbers show many of their jobs actually are paying them less. That's especially so for those who are working unskilled positions." "Look ahead on jobs".

- The Miami Herald was kind enough to let this slip in: "Irishmen led call for day to honor workers".

And the usual coverage of the crummy lot of working men and women.

- "Wages as a share of the whole economy are at their lowest on record. The median household income has fallen five years in a row (yes, even in 2005). Figures released by the Census Bureau last week show the 2005 median household wage increasing a notch (by 1.1 percent), but the bureau's numbers also show that all the increase is attributable to rising investment and Social Security income for people 65 and over. For households still in the work force, income fell again -- by 0.5 percent, and by 0.6 percent in single mothers' households." "Labor's losses".

- "It's a great U.S. economy for those who are rich".

- "A median hourly wage in the rest of the country is $14.28. In Florida, it's $13.47. Since many Florida workers carry multiple jobs, hourly wage doesn't tell the whole story -- adjusted for inflation, median household income dropped by nearly a percentage point. " "Florida's grim outlook".

- A survey by "the Pew Research Center of more than 2,000 people said an overwhelming majority of workers had less job security and faced more on-the-job stress than 20 or 30 years ago. One of the other surveys found that a majority of those questioned thought the next generation would be even worse off economically than they were." "Arduous Times Hit Workers On Labor Day".

Truly Amazing

This headline is truly amazing: "Size, scope hinder Florida's bid for full health coverage". With all due respect, "Florida" had never given a damn about "full health coverage"; aside from some half-hearted efforts to expand coverage for poor kids, there has never been a "bid" "for full health coverage" in Florida

Early Voting

"A few snags fail to detract from ease of early voting". See also "Early voting concludes on quiet note in Broward County" and "Only 10,000 cast early ballots in Palm Beach County before weekend".

Jebonomics

The Daytona Beach News Journal nails it:

Close to 20 percent of Florida's residents lacked health coverage -- giving the state the second-worst record in the nation. Florida workers also lack significant safety nets. Among Florida's working-age population, the rate of workers earning pensions is the worst in the nation. Florida's unemployment compensation laws are so restrictive that less than 30 percent of unemployed collect benefits. Temporary disability benefits are restricted to 104 weeks -- only three other states impose such a harsh deadline.

Florida's reputation as a low-tax state doesn't extend to the low-income echelons. State tax laws favor those who can own homes, operate businesses and invest -- activities out of reach for the average low-wage worker. A study by the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy found that in 2002, the lowest-earning 20 percent of Florida households paid more than 14 percent of their annual income in state and local taxes -- compared to 2.7 percent for the top 1 percent.

The Sunshine State has morphed from a low-cost, low-wage state to a high-cost, low-wage state.

"Addle-brained"

"The problem with responding to Katherine Harris' addle-brained ramblings is that you run the risk of treating her as a serious politician. The trouble with ignoring them is that they are so stunningly addle-brained, and Rep. Harris regards herself as a serious politician." "The tried and true Harris".

Sarasota County Paper Trail

"A citizens group pushing for mandatory paper trails for all voting machines in Sarasota County elections will take its case to court Wednesday." "Paper trail court fight".

Turnout Expected to be Low

"Primary turnout is likely to be low".

Dirty Tricks

"The campaign said the documents appear to be accurate. They showed that in 1989 he was identified as a child's father by a woman whom Crist said he never had sex with and only vaguely knew socially. Crist said he signed the consent form waiving all parental rights to avoid delaying or blocking the child's adoption. People familiar with adoption cases say courts will seek consent forms from a man the mother identifies as a child's father to avoid future claims." "Crist: Release of 1989 documents 'scurrilous'". See "Crist confronts paternity claim" and "Crist: Release of 1989 documents 'scurrilous'".

"Early voting is a good start, but Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Bob Sweat hopes the state isn't going to stop there when it comes to improving voter turnout. Sweat said he will push state elections officials and legislators to look for more creative ways to get people to vote. His big idea: vote by mail." "Is voting by mail coming?"

Joker

"Diaz-Balart predicts reforms ahead".

Political Football

"Republican gubernatorial candidates Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher will be on opposite sides one last time Monday night when both attend the Miami-Florida State game to cheer for their respective alma maters - and chase some last-minute voter support." "Candidates catching game on election eve".

South Florida

"Michael Peltier: South Florida voters to play crucial role in primaries".

HD 50

"In the Republican primary for District 50, Ed Hooper and Nancy Riley take issue with each other's mailers." "Making their cases by mailbox".

CD 16

"Congressional foes Tim Mahoney and Mark Foley are wasting no time getting under each other's skin." "16th District ad sparring".

No More Free Ride

"South Florida's sun and fun are no longer enough to keep or attract employees. Better pay and benefits are being forced on South Florida employers, many spoiled by years of almost effortless recruiting." "Rising costs of living putting strain on South Florida's job market".

CD 9

"In the Republican primary for U.S. House District 9, David Langheier, a chiropractor, launches negative TV ads. Gus Bilirakis, his opponent, seems to be holding his fire." "Newcomer takes on Bilirakis legacy".

Online Records

"Online public records are a blessing -- and a curse. Floridians save time and money by having easy access to deeds, death certificates and other official documents -- instead of having to go to the courthouse for the data." "The good and bad of online public records".

Building on a GOP takeover of the Legislature a decade ago and the election of Gov. Jeb Bush two years later, the Republican Party of Florida has turned control of state government into a torrent of campaign cash. ...

The GOP money comes not just from traditional sources, such as affluent, right-leaning individuals, but also from almost every major business in the state. The donor list includes Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos, Miami Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga and megadeveloper Gary Morse of The Villages, as well as Florida Power & Light, BellSouth and Publix.

Dem Race A "Tossup"

"Despite Big Sugar's avalanche of attacks, Jim Davis is holding onto a modest lead over Rod Smith in the Democratic primary for governor."

A new Miami Herald poll shows Davis edging out Smith by five percentage points, the same gap found in last month's survey. Since then, sugar growers have unleashed a multimillion-dollar ad campaign against Davis for missing votes in Congress and rejecting compensation for two wrongfully convicted black men.

The poll's error margin of 4.5 percentage points makes Tuesday's election impossible to call.

In contrast, the Republican races for governor and U.S. Senate appear foregone conclusions, according to the poll conducted by Zogby International. The most dramatic lead comes in the GOP governor's race, where Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist is ahead of state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher by about 30 percentage points.

That's a 10-point jump for Crist in three weeks. Undecided voters broke evenly between Davis and Smith. Twenty-eight percent of likely Democratic voters still haven't made up their minds.

The Last Weekend

- "Governor candidates stage final, frantic pitch for votes". See also "Candidates gear up for weekend", "Primary candidates play dirty in final days", "The images they create could mean everything", "Environment Is A Winner In Governor's Race", "If you're running, Orlando's the place to be" and "20 questions for the candidates for governor".

- Dems: "Democrats in brutal duel for governor". See also "Democrats crisscross the state in run-up to Tuesday's primary", "Davis, Smith continue attacks", "Anti-Davis calls underway", "Smith makes a breakfast stop, says 'Nobody owns me'", "Big Sugar hangs over Democrats in gubernatorial primary", "Democrats Davis, Smith converge on South Florida as race nears end" and "Another Not-So-Sweet TV Ad" ("Paid for by Florida's Working Families -- which has received nearly $3 million from Florida's two largest sugar growers -- the ad begins by asking, 'Is Jim Davis really a Democrat?'") The candidates on the issues: "Talking Issues: Democrats".

- GOP: "GOP candidates, apparently, love a parade". See also "Crist, Gallagher campaign across north Florida", "Tom Gallagher hopes for a come-from-behind victory against the popular Charlie Crist", "GOP gubernatorial candidates court crowd at small-town parade" and "GOP hopefuls rush to court voters". The candidates on the issues: "Talking Issues: Republicans".

"Private-Public" Corruption

"Ten years after it replaced the Department of Commerce, Enterprise Florida has shown itself to be a public-private venture only in the sense that the public pays and the private receives. Despite critical audits, legislative questions and gubernatorial promises of reform, the group has proved to be virtually immune to the normal checks and balances" "Private favors".

Charlie Gets A Pass

"Florida's sugar industry, which has spent millions attacking Jim Davis in the Democratic primary for governor, has now piled in on the other side of the race, helping fund an advertising attack on Tom Gallagher in the Republican primary. Since Aug. 11, Big Sugar has poured around $800,000 into an organization called "Floridians for Truth and Integrity in Government," which is running the ad against Gallagher." "Agency Airs Acrid Gallagher Ad".

Here's a dumb question - why has the media savaged Smith as being in the pocket of big sugar, but said little if anything about Crist?

Insurance Money

"Insurers' donations an issue in CFO race".

Smith on 'Glades

The Smith Campaign no doubt appreciates this Palm Beach Post editorial today:

Groups such as those financed by U.S. Sugar can do much to hide the identities and agendas of the donors. We can't presume to know what U.S. Sugar wants from the next governor, but it's reassuring to hear Sen. Smith say that he wants no part of any agenda that includes abandoning the Everglades.

Campaign Tactics

The Dems are nothing if not creative.

- Here are a couple of anti-Davis parody web sites: See "http://www.jimdavisforflorida.com/" and "http://www.rodsmithforflorida.com/".

- The Save Our Everglades video is here. And note the fellow in "Sugar Daddy" costume in the background of the photo accompanying the article. "Davis-Smith race turns more bitter over sugar money".

Cynthia Henderson

"'Ms. Henderson has not worked for the governor's office or at any of his agencies since January 2003,' Alia Faraj, the governor's communications director, said Friday. But it was Henderson who contacted the governor's office June 12 about the reappointment of Gibbs, whose term was set to expire July 1." "Authority's Hefty Lobbyist Bills Investigated". See also "Road agency under fire again" (Also, back in "March, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched a criminal probe of allegations that there had been "collusion" on the part of the agency's lobbyists, Beck and Cynthia Henderson, in the bid process for a proposed toll road in New Tampa.")

Get Over It

"[T]he prospect of Hastings at the helm of the key committee that oversees U.S. intelligence efforts has added fuel to Republican efforts to paint a Democratic-led House as leaning too far to the left." "Hastings may get key post".

Robo Calls

"U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has recorded messages on behalf of Jim Davis, Democratic candidate for governor. Bud Chiles, son of the late governor, is backing Davis' rival Rod Smith." "At least they're not telemarketers".

CFO Race

"Republican CFO candidates spar over conservative label".

Missing In Action

"Where's Ronda? The well-known Hillsborough commissioner has skipped many forums during her state Senate campaign." "In Senate race, Storms watch has often come up blank".

AG Primary

"Campbell, Ehrlich vie for AG post".

Last Throes

"Jeb Bush legacy underscores last campaign days".

CD 8

"As we come down the stretch in the primary where three Democrats are running to give Republican Rep. Ric Keller a run for his money, consultant Charlie Stuart looks like the guy everyone's after."

Lawyer Alan Grayson has inundated mailboxes with some nasty fliers -- including one that features a photo of a coat hanger as the only way to get an abortion if Stuart has his way.

For my money, the ad goes too far for two reasons: It's extreme and seemingly inaccurate. While Stuart personally opposes abortion, he says he is not in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade (not that he's up for the Supreme Court anyway).

Grayson says he is lashing out against Stuart because he has run a whisper campaign, accusing Grayson of being a carpetbagger who is trying to buy the election with his own money. And because Grayson thinks Stuart has been vague in talking about things like abortion -- creating "a verbal fog, trying to be all things to all people."

Stuart does sometimes walk a fuzzy line in his quest to be moderate. And maybe Grayson could have rapped him for that. But he didn't. He suggested anyone wanting an abortion would need to use a coat hanger if Stuart had his way. And that's a stretch that could turn off some voters who had previously liked Grayson's amicable and rabble-rousing ways.

Daily Slosberg

"Slosberg fails to file final finance report".

Gay Endorsement

"Tom Gallagher called on his Republican primary opponent Friday to reject an endorsement from a biweekly gay and lesbian publication, saying it doesn't reflect the party's values."

Gallagher's campaign issued a press release Friday with a headline that called on Crist to reject the endorsement. The two-paragraph body of the press release then called the endorsement a "reward for not defending traditional values" and noted that Crist was the only Republican in the governor's, Cabinet or U.S. Senate races who was endorsed by the group.

Man of the People

"Crist said he wants to invite regular citizens to the governor's mansion on a recurring basis to meet and talk with him. "It's important to keep the common touch," Crist said." "Crist promises 'Tallahassee Tuesdays'". See also "Tuesdays with Charlie".

So Much Ford The RPOF "Big Tent"

It is no secret that the RPOF is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bushco which, and Jebbie, as one Florida Republican puts it, "prefers dictatorship". See "Cross the party? Read this, and you might think twice".

Delightful

"Insurance rates continue to rise".

Crist Hypocrisy Exposed

In an effort to keep the anti-choice crowd in his corner in the general, Crist has played both sides of the fence on the issue of a woman's right to choose. Indeed, as recently reported, "Crist supports current abortion laws, won't say what he would do if the landmark Roe v. Wade case is overturned, and disagrees with Gallagher's push for a 24-hour waiting period before abortions." But then he turns around and claims to be "pro-life".

It seems, that Crist has finally been pinned down: "Charlie Crist, whose stance on abortion has been criticized as vague or inconsistent by critics, particularly opponent Tom Gallagher, answered a Tampa Tribune questionnaire Friday saying he favors banning abortion except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the life of the mother." "Crist Favors Abortion Ban". See also "Crist Says He'd Back Strict Abortion Limits".

Die Broke

"No matter who emerges as a winner Tuesday night, the first order of business for both the GOP and Democratic nominee for governor will be to hit up donors. The final campaign reports before the Sept. 5 primary were due today and show that all four candidates have spent nearly everything." "Not much money left for candidates".

Squabbling

"More Republicans plan to vote against U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris than for her on Tuesday, which has her challengers pressuring each other to back out." "Poll Has Harris's Opponents Squabbling". See also "GOP senate candidates go their own ways", "Harris maintains healthy lead in polls", "Second foe says Harris still can fall".

Mom Prefers Car

"Crist then shared his oft-told story that his mother -- yes, the doctor's wife -- refused to put a 'Crist for Governor' sticker on her own car, until the candidate agreed to buy higher-quality stickers that could be easily peeled away once the campaign ends." "Take Sticker As Directed".

Could This Be ...

just another example of representative B running off at the mouth? "Chris Ingram, one of the legions of former Katherine Harris campaign staffers, now working for her opponent LeRoy Collins Jr., had this to say to Harris’ threat that she will reveal emails proving that former staff members were paid to betray her:"

Bring it on.

Harris declared Thursday night on Hardball with Chris Matthews that former campaign workers had actively conspired to sink her campaign, and that some were paid to do it. She’ll release damning emails proving it, she said, after the election.

But Ingram said he’s not worried. If she has evidence of foul play, he said, she ought to release it now.