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Candidate forum strikes a minor key
By MIKE BRASSFIELD ST. PETERSBURG -- The biggest banners at the candidates' forum read "Bush/Brogan '02" and "McBride for Governor," but the big-name candidates couldn't make it. Not incumbent Republican Jeb Bush. Not Democrat Janet Reno, the former U.S. attorney general. Not Democrat Bill McBride, the Tampa lawyer who canceled at the last minute. Instead, an assortment of long shot candidates to be Florida's next governor enjoyed a rare moment in the spotlight Thursday night at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. About 125 people who attended the forum were treated to colorful campaign rhetoric, the kind rarely heard from more mainstream politicians: "We live in a very sick and twisted society," said Independence Party candidate Seth Rosen, explaining why he supports the death penalty. "Our book of laws is so thick that each of us is a habitual daily criminal," said John Wayne Smith, a Libertarian who wants to shrink government. "I'm after the lying, the manipulating, the stealing, the constant coverups that are going on in all departments of state," said Christian Party founder and candidate Nancy Grant, describing how she would target "embezzlers" within state government. The most prominent candidate at Thursday's forum was Daryl Jones, a state senator from Miami who is running a distant third in the Democratic primary race behind Reno and McBride. Jones, a 46-year-old lawyer and investment banker, offered detailed answers to questions about education, taxes, crime and the environment. He had multipoint action plans for every issue. He spoke of helping Florida reach its full potential. Aside from Jones, the forum featured four alternative candidates, each with a take on the issues. The loudest applause came when they talked about education. Ken Booth, a teacher and independent candidate, said:"For the present administration to contend that education is adequately funded is patently absurd."
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From the Times state desk Howard Troxler
From the state wire
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