SMITH GETS ENDORSEMENTS FROM LEFT, RIGHT, NORTH, SOUTH, BLACK, WHITE

An interesting day for gubernatorial candidate State Senator Rod Smith (D - Alachua), as he won two endorsements from the left and right of the political spectrum, and from north and south ends of the state.

Two congressmen (obviously, not primary opponent Jim Davis of Tampa), conservative Allen Boyd of Monticello and Kendrick Meek of Miami, came together Monday to offer their support for Smith. Davis has a total of four congressional representatives on his bandwagon, but Smith's campaign seems to be gaining momentum.

"It wasn't about who could be the best Democratic governor," said Meek, describing why he endorsed Smith. "It was about who could be the best governor in the state of Florida. People look for bipartisanship. We will not win the governor's mansion if we don't have a candidate that can pull Republican voters."

Boyd said with GOP dominance of the Legislature likely to continue, Democrats need a governor who can work with the Republicans and that Smith had the leadership traits voters want.

First, let me say that I've not chosen a favourite in this race. Both men have a great deal to offer, and either would do Florida better than who is in the governor's mansion now.

I do agree that the GOP juggernaut will continue to be a sizable influence in Tallahassee for some time to come (notice I didn't say control). That said, we do have to remember that on some issues we will need support from the other side, just as they will need ours on others. We need someone who can work with the other side; comprimise when necessary, but be firm as well when the time is right.

Friends, with the current situation in the Legislature, we're not going to get everything we want. We cannot get foolish and "go to war" simply for the sake of accentuating the differences between our parties (that war has to be won in the hearts and minds of the people of Florida). Occasionally, comprimise is the key. It's a lot better to earn a few baby steps toward our eventual goal than to be pushed back, so we have to pick our fights carefully.

NOTE: Correction made in this piece. Thanks for the correction.