FLORIDA SUNDAY EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Before I begin this weekly tour of the Sunshine State's opinion pages, let me remind you of a couple of things:

First, you can keep up with which newspapers have endorsed which candidates for statewide races by clicking here. A Tampa-based blog, The State of Sunshine, has a more comprehensive listing of endorsements that include congressional, legislative, and judicial races for the entire Tampa Bay area, as well as the proposed constitutional amendments. We both update these lists daily as needed.

And, don't forget that Early Voting begins tomorrow and will last through next Saturday, November 4. Locations will be open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. If you live in Polk County, click here to find out which of the six locations are closest to you, along with other valuable information you will need. If you live outside of Polk, check your county Supervisor of Elections' Web site.

Now, let's check out what the editorial pages are saying this morning...

Starting at the top, the Daytona Beach News-Journal comes out endorsing Democratic Congressman Jim Davis for Governor of Florida, citing his "sensible policies that protect the interests of rank-and-file Floridians" on issues such as the enviroment, growth, and health care, among others and noting that "The sooner Florida puts the Jeb Bush years -- and those...who would sustain them -- behind it, the more responsive and protective state government will be to all Floridians".

Another recommendation for Davis comes from today's Sarasota Herald Tribune, noting that "Davis, if elected, might not be able to get his proposals intact through a Republican Legislature, but he could at least initiate change and serve as a check against the excesses of one-party government" and that while "Crist has been a capable attorney general, but Davis is better equipped to handle the demanding job of leading Florida".

The Tampa Tribune offers it's support to Davis' Republican opponent, Attorney General Charlie Crist, stating that "after being in Washington 10 years and likely to face a Republican Legislature, Davis would have far more trouble getting traction for his programs in Tallahassee...Crist is ready to hit the road running, with a fiscally conservative agenda that aims to ensure Florida remains a good - and affordable - place to live and work".

The Miami Herald also offers it's endorsement to Crist, noting that "his combination of legislative effectiveness and moderate conservatism makes him a good candidate for Florida's diverse population". The Herald also endorses Bill Nelson for another term in the U.S. Senate, saying that the Democrat has "earned the trust of Florida's voters and deserves another term."

Another voice in support of Crist comes from the Orlando Sentinel, which says the Attorney General has the "ability to inspire, to build consensus across party lines and to lead".

The Key West Citizen endorses Crist today, based on his accomplishments as AG although it criticizes him for his attack ads on Davis and his flip-flopping on issues. The editorial also recommends U.S. Senator Bill Nelson for reelection, as well as Republican 18th District Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Here at home, the Lakeland Ledger offers it's first endorsement for the general election, also recommending U.S. Senator Bill Nelson for reelection. It slams Polk native and GOP opponent Katherine Harris, saying that her campaign "bears more resemblance to a Monty Python skit than a campaign for high public office".

In Jacksonville, the Florida Times Union announces it's endorsements for three Cabinet level positions: Republican Bill McCollum for Attorney General, Democrat Alex Sink for Chief Financial Officer, and GOP incumbant Charles Bronson for Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

The St. Petersburg Times also weighs in with it's recommendations on those three races: Democrat Walter G. "Skip" Campbell, Jr. for Attorney General, Alex Sink for CFO, and Charles Bronson for Agriculture & Comsuner Services Commissioner.

In South Florida, the Palm Beach Post endorses Democrat Tim Mahoney in the race for the District 16 congressional seat vacated with the resignation of disgraced Republican Mark Foley. It notes that State Representative Joe Negron, the GOP's selection to replace Foley on the ballot, "hardworking and earnest as he is, offers no promise of the change Washington needs".

Speaking of congressional races, on the Space Coast Florida Today gives it's support this morning to Republican Dr. Dave Weldon's effort for a seventh term in the House of Representatives by sticking to his formula: "Strong results on major issues that are important in his 15th District while appealing to his base with staunchly conservative views".

This morning's Gainesville Sun chooses to focus on local races today, making it's recommendation for Republican Emery Gainey to become Alachua County's first African-American Sheriff.

Up in the Panhandle, the Pensacola News Journal uses it's space to endorse candidates for the Pensacola City Council, encouraging voters to mix some new blood in with the old.

Meanwhile, the Fort Myers News-Press makes it's choices for seats on the 17 independent fire district boards in Lee County.

The Naples Daily News gives it's support for a local roads initiative to be on the ballot.

And the Tallahassee Democrat focuses on local races as well, endorsing candidates for the Leon County and Tallahassee City Commissions, one county judgeship, and Leon County School Superintendent.

Among the newspapers staying out of the endorsement fray completely this morning is the Ocala Star Banner, which uses it's opinion space to encourage the Dunnellon City Council to listen to --- or at least hear --- the voices from both inside and outside the city who are debating the issue of development of the 260 acre Rainbow Ridge Ranch property and it's effect on the neighbouring enviroment

Today's editorial in the South Florida Sun Sentinel from Fort Lauderdale is interesting. It notes that the Burleson Independent School District near Fort Worth has a plan in case an gunman or other intruder invades a classroom, one option of which is for staff and students to initiate a diversion or "organized chaos" in which items would be thrown at the intruder's head in order to students to escape. The Sun Sentinel seems to believe it is an option worth looking into further, although the school district says in this letter that it does not support attacking an intruder.

Now that we've attacked the Florida editorial pages, enjoy your Sunday and...GO BUCS!