FIRST CANDIDATE DROPS OUT OF THE GOVERNOR'S RACE

Apparantly Lawton "Bud" Chiles, III didn't read Section 5b of the Florida Constitution until recently. It reads:

When elected, the governor, lieutenant governor and each cabinet member must be an elector not less than thirty years of age who has resided in the state for the preceding seven years.

The young Mr. Chiles withdrew from the governor's race today, noting that he lived in the New York and New Jersey until moving to Orlando two years ago, obviously not meeting the constitutional requirement.

Many of the early polls taken gave "Bud" good numbers, listing him in some cases tops among Democrats either running or considering the race. This would possibly provide former Education Commissioner/USF President/U.S. Senator candidate Betty Castor with a good opening to step into the campaign. She is the most recognized statewide Democrat among those mentioned as a possible candidate, and has a organization of volunteers that would be ready to go at her word.

Of course, let us not forget that Congressman Jim Davis (D - Tampa) and State Senator Rod Smith (D - Gainesville) are already running, and state Democratic Party chairman Scott Maddox is considering a run if Ms. Castor doesn't jump in.