CFO POSITION POSSIBLY BECOMING POPULAR

It is likely that state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher will enter the governor's race next year, so his spot in the Florida Cabinet is being looked at by several possible hopefuls.

Right now the only Democrat who has annouced his candidacy is Miami attorney Eric Copeland. His Web site does not provide a biography, but Copeland's law practice specializes in property tax appeals, and he has been a contributor to a variety of Democratic campaigns. He has announced that his campaign will shun public financing so that, if necessary, he could use more than the state limit of $25,000 of his own money.

On the Republican side, four men have expressed an interest. Tallahassee insurance agent Milton Bauguess, who has previously run for a couple of local offices in Leon County, has already announced. State Senator Charlie Clary of Destin, State Representative Dennis Ross of Lakeland, and Sarasota banker and former county GOP chairman Tramm Hudson are all considering seeking the position.

It's still early, so we could see more movement in the near future.