IT WAS EXCITING WHILE IT LASTED...

The promise of a Democratic primary for the 12th congressional district seat to face GOP incumbant Adam Putnam of Bartow fizzled Wednesday as Mulberry attorney Jack Wolf ended his effort to qualify.

Wolf, in an e-mail I received last evening, noted that the rigors of a campaign and performance as a representative would be too much of a strain on both his family and finances. He also feared that his law practice could not sustain the efforts required by a campaign.

Wolf's withdrawal only leaves Bartow massage/rehab therapy business owner James B. Davis seeking to raise the required $9,700 qualifying fee by next Friday.

When I met with Mr. Davis earlier this week, I got some good vibes from him. He seems to be truly serious about the idea of running for office, and is fully aware that he's "behind the 8-ball" at this point. He is or will be meeting with several area Democratic groups throughout the district in the next couple of weeks, and IMHO should raise the funds necessary to qualify.

As I mentioned earlier in the week, it's going to take a full time effort to unseat Putnam, especially for one who is not widely known throughout the district.

We'll see how this plays out.