DEMOCRATIC GUBERNATORIAL RIVALS TO MEET --- BUT NOT DEBATE --- IN BARTOW

Polk County's young chapter of the bipartisan Tiger Bay Club is pulling a coup later this month by having the two primary Democratic gubernatorial rivals on the same dais.

Congressman Jim Davis of Tampa and State Senator Rod Smith of Alachua agreed to appear at the club's January 23 luncheon at Bartow's Peace River Country Club. There will not be a debate, but an opportunity for attendees to hear both men discuss their candidacies and issues.

Lakeland Ledger political writer Bill Rufty noted that while Smith, considered by many to be the underdog in the primary race, accepted right away, Davis' appearance was not confirmed for several weeks.

I saw and heard both men at the recent Florida Democratic Party conference, and was duly impressed. I'm looking to hear more from both men, and wish I could attend the event. Unfortunately, some of us have to work...

Great job by the local Tiger Bay Club chapter, which only formed early last year.