MONDAY'S NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS

The recommendations continue to flow from Florida's major newspapers as early voting begins today.

State Senator Rod Smith gets another endorsement for his Democratic gubernatorial run, this time from the Sarasota Herald Tribune. The newspaper says that the two men are close, but the main difference is in recent experience and that his "ability to work with the Republican legislative majority, while remaining true to traditional Democratic values, gives him the edge in this very close contest".

For those who care, the newspaper endorsement count is Smith 8, Congressman Jim Davis 4.

The Orlando Sentinel is supporting local State Representative Randy Johnson of Celebration in the Republican primary for Chief Financial Officer, saying that his approach to the current insurance crisis makes him the best choice.

Today's Tampa Tribune, meanwhile is endorsing Johnson's opponent, State Senate President Tom Lee of Brandon. "Mother Trib" also endorses State Representative Arthenia Joyner's run for the State Senate District 18 Democratic primary. The winner will replace current Democratic incumbant and congressional candidate Les Miller.