DAVIS, SMITH FIRE UP THE DEMOCRATIC FAITHFUL TOGETHER

The AP reported that the two leading Democratic contenders in the governor's race, State Senator Rod Smith of Alachua and Congressman Jim Davis of Tampa, appeared together at the Orange County Democratic Party's annual fundraising event Saturday. It was the first time the pair had appeared together since Scott Maddox left the race.

Both candidates touted their ability to pick up support who had previously supported the Bushes, especially among traditionally conservative North Florida voters.

While Smith promoted his recent endorsement from several North Florida sheriffs who had recently supported GOP candidates, Davis called up the Terri Schiavo case as the breaking point for a number of Republicans and noted that he gained the support of at least one individual --- left unnamed --- who had raised at least $200,000 for Dubya last year.

Otherwise, the pair didn't sound much different on most issues as they fired up the approximately 300 in attendance.