IS THERE ANYONE THAT CAN BOOT GINNY BROWN-WAITE OUT?

Catherine Durkin-Robinson is asking that question in her blog Out In Left Field, and is looking at the two Democratic candidates seeking to replace Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R - Crystal River).

I know John Russell, who is making his second run for this seat. He is a registered nurse from Dade City and brings to the race a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Of course, health care is a primary focus, with the enviroment and caring for the elderly also of prime concern.

Also there is Rick Penberthy, a teacher and military veteran from Wesley Chapel who also ran for the seat two years ago. I do believe I met Rick a couple of times during his previous campaign when he appeared before the Polk County Democratic Executive Committee and/or the I-4 Corridor Group.

Either man would represent the district, which includes a sliver of northern Polk County, quite well...much better than their current representative in the U.S. Congress.

BTW: Did you hear about Ginny's latest press release? The Buzz, the political blog of the St. Petersburg Times, mentioned Wednesday that Brown-Waite's Washington office sent out a press release announcing the newest member of her family. No, she wasn't pregnant...it's a dog. It seems as though the congresswoman and her husband adopted a beagle from a Tampa Bay area rescue shelter. Sure, it's great to adopt an abandoned animal and make it a member of your family, but do ya have to publicize it?

If you're up early, you can check out WFLA-TV meterologist John Winter's "Pet Personals" during the morning newscasts Monday-Friday from 5-7 AM. There's a couple of great plusses in addition to seeing some deserving animals looking for their forever home; you also get to see Gayle Guyardo, which is worth the early rise by itself (but how does she handle three girls with her schedule!?).