BACK TO POLITICS: WHO'S GOT THE BUG FOR 2006???

As we prepare to enter the New Year, politicos throughout the Sunshine State are making their plans and seriously considering possible runs for statewide office. Over the next several months, you will likely see and hear about potential candidates making the rounds of their respective party leadership and support organizations, getting their names more familiar to possible supporters across Florida.

So far here is the list of potential candidates according to several sources:

GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA
DEMOCRAT

Betty Castor: Tampa. Former Hillsborough County Commissioner; Florida Senate, during which she served as President Pro Tempore. Former Education Commissioner; Former President, University of South Florida. Former President/CEO, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Lost to Republican Mel Martinez in nasty election for U.S. Senator to replace retiring Bob Graham, 2004. Educator/Administrator.

Lawton "Bud" Chiles, III: Orlando. Son of former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles. Chairman of Florida Capital, a Coastal Property company; Founder/President of Chiles Communications, a public relations/governmential affairs firm; Former Vice President of HOPE Worldwide, a Philadelphia-based relief organization. Former Chairman of the Florida Enviromential Coalition. Vice Chairman, Florida Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Davis: Tampa. U.S. Congressman, 11th District. National co-chairman, House New Democratic Coalition. Former Member, Florida House of Representatives , during which he served as Majority Leader. Attorney, formerly with firm Bush, Ross, Gardner, Warren, & Rudy, P.A.

Scott Charles Maddox: Tallahassee. Chairman, Florida Democratic Party. Former Commissioner and Mayor, City of Tallahassee. Former President, Florida League of Cities.

Rod Smith: Gainesville. Florida Senate, 14th District. Co-Chair, Democratic Caucus Policy Committee (2002-04). State Attorney, 8th Judicial Circuit (1992-2000). Attorney.

REPUBLICAN

Charlie Crist: St. Petersburg. Florida Attorney General since 2002. Former Education Commissioner (2001-03). Former Deputy Secretary, Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (1999-2001). Former Member, Florida Senate (1992-98). Attorney, formerly with firm Wood & Crist of Tampa.

Tom Gallagher: Madison. Florida Chief Financial Officer (formerly State Treasurer) since 2000; previously elected State Treasurer 1988. Former Education Commissioner (1998-2000). Former Secretary, Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (1987-88). Florida House of Representatives (1974-87).

Toni Jennings: Orlando. Florida Lieutenant Governor since 2003. Florida Senate (1980-2000), including a term as Senate President (1996-2000). Florida House of Representatives (1972-80). Former Chairperson, Workforce Florida, Inc. Former President, Jack Jennings & Sons, an Orlando-based construction firm (1983-2003).

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Republican

Dennis Ross: Lakeland. Florida House of Representatives, District 63 since 2000. Chairman, Polk County Republican Executive Committee (1992-95). Attorney.