Now that everyone in California, Montana and elsewhere has had their fun, it is time to turn some serious attention onto the Florida Governor's race. While the Republicans are busy cannibalizing one another, the Democrats are fielding two strong candidates.
Congressman Jim Davis has served the Tampa area with distinction for many years. He reminds me of Lawton Chiles and Bob Graham--an ethical straight shooter who stands up for the people of our state. Jim has campaigned in every county and his talks are substantive and show he has given great thought to the issues of growth management, education, and ethical reform in Tallahassee. Jim's main problem seems to be that some people find him to be charisma challenged. Therefore, his opponent has started to gain some traction.
His opponent is state senator Rod Smith, an ex-prosecutor from the Gainesville district. There is no doubt that Rod can give a stump speech and he has gained some very enthusiastic backers. Those backers have begun the "Davis can't win" narrative and have begun to point to Smith's conservative credentials.
That, of course, is the problem. Smith is a Bill Nelson clone, a republican lite trying to appeal to so-called moderates. What this really means is that Smith, like Nelson, is in the pocket of developers. The latest evidence of this can be found here
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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/...
In Florida the campaign has been civil so far, though I expect things to heat up over the next few weeks. People are undecided right now and many are desperate to get out of the "Bushes."
There is a clear difference between the Democrats. For progressive leadership, the clear choice is Jim Davis.