THE QUESTION: WHO IS BEING ENDORSED TODAY?

The Sarasota Herald Tribune notes that the race for Chief Financial Officer is between two solid candidates with positive records, but it recommends Democrat Alex Sink for the job. It reads that Sink's experience is "most relevant, having successfully managed the finances and operations of a huge business". She headed Bank of America's Florida operation until retiring a few years ago.

The St. Petersburg Times makes it's endorsements in several Tampa Bay area congressional races:

--- In District 5, it recommends incumbant Republican Ginny Brown-Waite, saying that while she usually votes with her GOP collegues, her dissents are notable. It's criticism of Democratic opponent John Russell, IMHO, is particulary harsh, saying he "is shrill in both his politics and demeanor. Think Howard Dean with less sophistication and underpinning". They don't seem to be listening to Russell's message, for which is he passionate.

--- One of only two Democrats in this group of endorsements by the Times is in District 9, as the newspaper recommends Phyllis Busansky. The editorial says that political offices "should not be inherited, but won based on experience and accomplishments". That's a direct slap at Republican Gus Billirakis, who is seeking to replace his father Mike in Congress.

--- In District 10, the Times cites both experience and accomplishments in endorsing the reelection of Republican incumbant C.W. "Bill" Young.

--- The other Democrat to receive an endorsement in today's group is Kathy Castor in District 11, mentioning her work as a Hillsborough County Commissioner to reach across party lines to resolve important issues.

--- In District 12, it mentions that Republican incumbant Adam Putnam "should be vulnerable for his steadfast support of the misguided Iraq war and other conservative policy failures"...but endorses him anyway, citing that "Putnam has a better grasp on the range of issues, particularly the budget and foreign trade. Voters know where he stands. He also is good at tending to constituent requests".

And the Florida Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers add their voice in endorsing Republican Charles Bronson's reelection as Secretary of Agriculture and Consumer Services, saying that he "knows agriculture from his office and the saddle". The Scripps Treasure Coast papers are in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jupiter, and Sebastian.