The Dance

Throughout this preliminary period of the 2010 election season, a number of candidates have danced about whether to enter the race. This "warm-up" period is quite common. Consider the "testing the waters" presidential campaigns waged by Senator Russ Feingold in 2006 and 2007. Candidates might be serious about entering the race, but don't forget that at heart politicians are, well, political. This means that they may be pushed by particular interests to run - or might simply be interested in raising their profile either for a separate purpose or simply because that is what politicians do. But once in a while, what looks like simply dipping a toe in the river is just the first step to taking the plunge. Former Speaker of the House Marco Rubio is now backing away from his earlier thoughts about vacating the field for Governor Crist. Many Republicans have been feeling as of late that Governor Crist has been vacating the Repubican field - and a primary challenge might be just the antidote to either (1) beat Charlie head-to-head, or (2) move the Governor back to the right to govern.

Is Sununu Next?

Former New Hampshire Senator, and now Florida resident, Bob Smith has officially announced that he is entering the Republican race to replace Senator Martinez. Smith's career as a Senator was typically on the fringe; not only did he once leave the Republican Party to seek the Presidency for the U.S. Taxpayers Party - he subsequently endorsed Democrtic Senator Kerry in the 2004 presidential race. I believe that qualifies him as an atypical political official.

No Mack

Connie Mack has announced, via a letter to Charlie Crist, that he will not seek the U.S. Senate seat held by Senator Martinez. Further, Mack's letter to Crist proclaimed: "I will be your strongest supporter and champion - regardless of whether you seek re-election or election to the Senate." The liklihood of a Crist run seems to be increasing with time. The state legislative session ends in the next few weeks, and Crist is widely expected to make an announcement on his 2010 plans in May.