DAVIS GETS BIG ENDORSRMENT IN RACE FOR GOVERNOR

The St. Petersburg Times is reporting today that Tampa congressman and gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis has received the endorsement of former U.S. Senator Bob Graham, a huge boost to his effort to receive the Democratic nomination in next year's primary.

Graham, in a phone interview from his Miami Lakes home, told the Times:

"I have known and worked with Jim when he was in the Legislature and in Congress...He is a very serious person. He is disciplined, and he has an unusual understanding of the people of Florida. ... He will be an appealing candidate to Democrats in the primary and to all Floridians in the general election."

The former senator said that he "enthusiastcally" backs Davis, and that he would happily campaign on the congressman's behalf.

Davis faces State Senator Rod Smith of Alachua and likely former state Democratic Party chairman Scott Maddox of Tallahassee. However, I wouldn't doubt if Graham's significant clout in favouring Davis might influence Maddox to possibly enter another statewide race, such as that for Attorney General...there aren't any Democrats announced there yet.