SMITH WORKING HARD ON THE HOLIDAY

While many folks were attending Memorial Day activities, enjoying a backyard cookout, or spending the day at the beach, the St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz reports that at least 100 people turned out to meet and hear Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Rod Smith of Alachua at a house party hosted by a couple of supporters.

Smith said he considered writing off the Tampa Bay area to primary rival and area congressional representative Jim Davis, but was encouraged by former Tampa mayor Sandy Freedman and Hillsborough County Clerk of the Courts Pat Frank to make the effort. Both women ran and lost to Davis in his first race for the congressional seat.

In his remarks, Smith dismissed recent polls showing him well behind Davis, noting the high number of people still undecided and that he is the candidate who can beat a GOP candidate throughout Florida.