Orlando Sentinel: Davis for the Democrats

[Orangepeel]

If Democrats are serious about challenging the Republicans in the November governor's race, they'll elect the candidate in the Sept. 5 primary with substance and a solid record that shows he is prepared to lead Florida.

That candidate is Tampa's U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, whose 17 years in the Florida House and Congress have proved him to be an effective leader who can work with Republicans to tackle tough problems.

--snip--

Yet some suggest Mr. Smith has a better chance to beat the Republican nominee. Those obsessed with Mr. Smith's "electability" ought to be more worried about what he would do if he is elected. We're glad he wasn't governor when the University of Central Florida was vying for a medical school. He would have preferred an extension of the University of Florida residency program instead. And if it were up to him, the sensitive Ocklawaha River in north Central Florida would not be restored. He is opposed to its long-awaited revival.

The more voters learn about Mr. Smith, the more worried they'll be.

-snip--
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-ed20206aug20,0,4471268.story?coll=orl-opinion-headlines
Clearly, Mr. Davis has a better claim to the legacy of moderates Bob Graham and Lawton Chiles.

That's why the Sentinel endorses Jim Davis in the Sept. 5 Democratic primary for governor.

[TSIAS]

1. I'm not particularly fond of either candidate

Both are basically centrist, "New Democrats". However, I guess that's what it takes to win statewide here in FL.

Based on Smith's rather shaky environmental credentials, I'll probably end up casting my ballot for Davis. I was very displeased that Smith didn't denounce Big Sugar's egregious attack on Davis' Israel stance.

[Orangepeel]

2. Jim Davis listens to constituents

I've personally seen two examples of it when he has had town hall meetings in Orlando. The first time was in 2002 or 2003, in relation to abortion. It was a very pro-choice crowd, naturally, and he basically got reamed for not being supportive enough. But, he listened (I could *see* him listening), and since, has voted the pro-choice position (he has 100 and 90% NARAL ratings for the past two years).

The second time has about a year ago, when he got a lecture on verified voting. Again, I could practically see the wheels in his brain turning. Right afterward, he signed up as a co-sponsor of Russ Holt's bill.

The Tampa Tribune's said in it's endorsement of Davis:

Early in the campaign, Davis sometimes fumbled his message at political forums and political insiders began suggesting that Smith was the better candidate. However, Davis is a quick study and has improved his delivery over the course of the campaign. And people in Smith's back yard say that unlike Davis, their senator would rather address a room full of people than work with people individually. "If you're a big entity like the University of Florida, you couldn't ask for a better guy," said Hawthorne City Commissioner John Martin. "But if you're an average person … you're lucky to get the time of day from him."
http://www.tbo.com/news/opinion/editorials/MGBZXE181RE.html

I don't know Rod Smith well enough to know if that's true. But I do know that it isn't the case with Davis because, even though I don't live in his district, I've seen for myself that it isn't.

[madfloridian]

3. We are very average people...

so are our friends. We have had good face time with him. His wife, DeeDee is very sweet and friendly.

We really like Rod Smith. I will not say bad things about Davis, but he is not a favorite.

He has some fences to mend with a lot of us with his insults at a DFA forum directed at Dean....like he did not even know what DFA was.

We will vote for him if he wins. But we like Rod Smith the best.

[fladonkey]

4. Voted for Smith

Sorry Jim, I voted for Smith already.

[Orangepeel]

5. Welcome to DU, fladonkey!

I voted for Davis already, so I guess they're tied.

:hi:

[Crewleader]

6. Hi orangepeel

:hi:

My vote goes to Davis!

[Orangepeel]

7. Yea!

:bounce:

Good to see you, Crewleader! :hi:

[iamjoy]

9. Rod Smith Listens

I've been to several of his events and he listens to people. I can tell because he responds personally, not with just a stock political answer.

I think he is more kinetic than Davis and some people may percieve that as not listening.

[watercolors]

8. Davis gets my vote

debate closed it for me!