A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE POLLS

I didn't make note when they were released last week, but the latest polls from Quinnipiac Univeristy and the GOP-leaning Strategic Vision Agency basically show the same thing, although the actual numbers may be slightly different.

No great surprise here: Attorney General Charlie Crist still holds what I would call a "commanding" lead over Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher (49-21 per Quinnipiac; 53-31 per Strategic Vision) in the race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. It makes me wonder if Gallagher can be considered a viable candidate at this point. Crist has a big advantage in two ways:

1) Crist has a big financial lead, which has allowed his campaign to be a regular presence in Florida living rooms with it's TV advertising. Gallagher doesn't have the funds to challenge his opponent on the airwaves at this point.

2) Crist's office allows him to be portrayed as a "champion of the people" through it's press machine regularly sending out releases touting the latest litigation filed or agreement reached. Gallagher's office as CFO makes it difficult to do the same.

One interesting thing, in case you've forgotten: This is Tom Gallagher's fourth run for the state's top job. He lost in 1982, 1986, and in 1984.

On the Democratic side, Congressman Jim Davis' lead over State Senator Rod Smith seems to be shrinking (39-33 per Strategic Vision; 32-16 per Quinnipiac). Just remember: There is still an very high number of undecideds out there (49 percent per QU; 28 percent per SV) that could determine this nomination.

Smith is clearly the stronger stump speaker; Davis is dry and speaks without a lot of emotion. So it could be a case that as more people see and hear the Gainesville-area legislator they become impressed. Also, we'll have to watch how Smith's stronger statements recently about Davis' congressional voting record (or lack of it, according to your opinion) resonates with the party faithful. This is still a wide-open race, but both men have to do a much better job at getting their names before the electorate.