COULD LEE BE LOOKING AHEAD PAST CFO RACE?

This morning's column by Lakeland Ledger political writer Bill Rufty focuses on Florida Senate President Tom Lee, who is one of seven candidates --- five Republicans and two Democrats --- seeking the job of state Chief Financial Officer.

Rufty notes that while the CFO job may seem dull to many folks, it has traditionally become a springboard for those seeking higher office. Among those who have done exactly that: Current CFO Tom Gallagher is running for governor, and current U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (then the job was known as State Treasurer/Insurance Commissioner).

Lee recently got a nice boost from senate collegue Paula Dockery and millionaire hubby/insurance investor C.C. "Doc" Dockery, who hosted a "small" fundraiser for him raising around $90,000.

Mr. Dockery, best known as the primary supporter of a high speed rail system across Florida, seems to believe that Lee could be in a prime position to achieve the governor's office if he wins the CFO job next November.