TODAY'S POLITICAL NEWS AND RUMOURS

--- Democratic State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Rod Smith of Alachua brought his bus tour through Lakeland late last evening, speaking to the congregation and visitors at New Bethel AME Church. Before his comments to the gathering, he responded to accusations from primary opponent Congressman Jim Davis' camp that one of his campaign committees accepted "tainted money" from a state contractor.

--- State Representative John Stargel (R - Lakeland) announced Wednesday that he would not seek reelection to his District 64 seat which covers much of northern Polk County. Stargel said he would qualify for one of the two new Circuit Judge positions created by the Legislature to be based in Polk County.

--- With Stargel's decision, State Representative Dennis Ross (R - Lakeland) will reportedly move from District 63, which covers portions of west and southwest Polk and southeastern Hillsborough counties, into Stargel's district to seek election to replace his collegue. While Ross is eligible to seek reelection to his current seat, he is keeping a promise made to good friend and former Lakeland City Commissioner Seth McKeel not to do so. Ross had originally planned to run for either Attorney General or Chief Financial Officer, but balked after learning that he would have to sell his interest in the workers' compensation law firm he founded.

--- Going back briefly to the two new Circuit Judge positions opening here, interest seems to be growing. Winter Haven attorney David Carmichael has said he would seek the Group 27 position. Ernest M. Jones, Jr. of Lakeland has already opened a campaign account