Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is expected to announce today that she's not running for the U.S. Senate, opening the field to a crop of lesser-known contenders.
Sink, the only statewide officeholder on the Democratic shortlist, was seen as the party's strongest contender for the seat to be vacated by Mel Martinez in 2010. She was being recruited by the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee and Emily's List, a national fundraising group that backs female candidates.
Sink's decision means she is likely to pursue her real ambition, which is to run for governor -- most likely in 2014 when term limits will force Charlie Crist to step down.
So far, Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami is the only declared candidate for the open Senate seat, but announcements are imminent from Democratic state Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach and former House Speaker Marco Rubio of Miami, a Republican.
Now the big question is whether the Republican primary will include a statewide officeholder: Will Attorney General Bill McCollum run for the office that has eluded him twice before? If not, this race is truly up for grabs.
sorry in a way she is not running for the u.s. senate, but VERY, VERY HAPPY if she decides to run for govenor, we need somone of her caliber to be the governor of fla. thank you. marva lightbourne,chairwomen of CONCERNED CITIZENS.INC. LIBERTY CITY,FLA.
Posted by: marva lightbourne | January 16, 2009 at 10:04 AM
I'm happy that she decided to stay put for now. We desperately need her expertise as this financial ship of state sinks even lower into the bottomless abyss. I do believe that Congressman Kendrick Meek has the best chance, statewide, for the Democrats. Let's all help him.
Posted by: Patti Lynn | January 16, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I'm for Kendrick Meek!!!
Posted by: Jax | January 16, 2009 at 11:06 AM
I'm sick of all of them.
Posted by: brigitte | January 16, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I'm sorry she's not running because I don't have the opportunity to vote against her. What a shame.
Posted by: mac | January 16, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Mr. Meek will win handily, and Ms. Sink will beat Adam Putnam in 2014. Good news all around.
Posted by: Pearl | January 16, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Sorry I don't know much about Mr. Meek, but I intend to find out. Wasn't there once a sniff of something involving an improper gift of a new car?
Posted by: POTUS | January 17, 2009 at 09:58 AM