The Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply. Here are some of those replies.
Sonya March: Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
I am Sonya March, graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy appointed by former President George Bush. Father knows best! This president never made a bad decision. Furthermore, congressman Bill Young gave me an appointment to West Point. Even at the age of 17, they could see my bright future.
I am the only U.S. Senate candidate who is a veteran with active duty military experience who served during the first Gulf War. The two candidates endorsed by the St. Petersburg Times do not have the background and military experience to back our president in these trying times in our war on terrorism.
There are excellent leaders who have never had any political experience including Gov. Jeb Bush and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Furthermore, service academy graduates are former U.S. presidents, including most recently Jimmy Carter, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.
The presidential race put a prime importance on operational hands-on military experience and so should the race for U.S. Senate in Florida. I am the only candidate who will stand up behind our veterans 100 percent, stand for equal pay and equal promotions for women, stand up for Cuban-American citizens by ending the Cuban embargo and abolish the IRS and establish a national sales tax.
The editorial board made a cursory decision about my campaign before I entered the meeting. I have been complimented by many on my great command of the issues in several Republican U.S. Senate debates. I believe I will win this election! Visit www.marchforsenate.com
Sonya March
Cynthia Newton: Candidate for Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court judge, Group 22
I believe what's important in assessing the qualifications of a judicial candidate is not how long he or she has practiced law in an office, but how much actual courtroom and trial experience the candidate has.
I began my legal career in civil practice, and then became an assistant public defender 10 years ago. I have worked in Pinellas and Pasco counties, and have tried more than 50 jury trials. I work in court on a daily basis handling complex legal and social issues. Working in court every day has given me a unique perspective on victim's rights, homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction. I have been dedicated to a career in public service, and to one of the most challenging and difficult jobs in the legal profession.
I am honored and pleased to have the endorsements of Pinellas County Police Benevolent Association, the Pinellas Council of Firefighters, the president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, Michelle Dennard, and Public Defender Bob Dillinger. The PBA and Firefighters screened everyone in the Group 22 race and took an impartial and unbiased look at actual courtroom experience, and chose the candidate with the best working knowledge of the system. These are people who understand the importance of electing a judge who knows how the system works, who will follow and enforce the law, and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens.
I am confident that the voters of Pinellas and Pasco counties will give careful consideration to the professional experience that most prepares a person to become a circuit court judge, and vote for the candidate with a contemporary knowledge of the court system, its issues and its complexities.
Cynthia Newton
Robert "Bo' Michael: Candidate for Pinellas County Court judge, Group 13
I appreciate the opportunity to reply to your editorial discussing my candidacy, as I feel it necessary to point out a few glaring errors made in your recommendation.
1) You stated that the bulk of my career has been spent in a single class-action suit. This is simply not true.
The fact is that at least half of my career has been in other civil and criminal law, including two years work as a public defender and many more years of private practice, totaling 270 jury and nonjury trials.
2) You stated that I have not handled complex legal issues and have little trial experience.
Both of these statements are false. Throughout my career in litigation, I have handled many extremely complicated cases requiring expert witnesses and complex depositions.
3) You suggested that I am trying to hide the length of my tenure at the Attorney General's Office on my campaign materials.
While you are concerned with time, I am more interested in accomplishments. I believe that the positive impact I have had on the lives of more than 10,000 children through child-support enforcement is a more important subject than length. Attorney General Charlie Crist agreed, having already endorsed my candidacy.
I believe your readers will find that my qualifications clearly reflect the attributes expected for their judiciary, and I am disappointed that such an established newspaper would not take the time to learn the facts.
Robert "Bo' Michael
Bill Vinson: Candidate for Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court judge, Group 22
Thank you for the opportunity to reply to your editorial outlining your recommendations for the local judiciary. While I disagree with your recommendation in my race, I appreciate the St. Petersburg Times' effort to highlight the importance of voters making an educated decision in this kind of low-profile race.
That kind of educated decision - one based on reviewing each candidate's legal experience, ability and temperament - makes Bill Vinson the best choice in the crowded field of good candidates vying for the seat vacated by Judge Thomas Penick Jr.
Bill Vinson is a fifth-generation Floridian whose family members have signed the first Florida Constitution, served on the first County Commission for Pinellas, served in the Legislature, served on the Public Service Commission and on the Second District Court of Appeal.
Before becoming a lawyer, Bill Vinson studied criminology at Florida State University and helped Charles Britt establish a halfway house for delinquent boys in south St. Petersburg. He worked with problem students at Seminole High and he was a crime analyst for the St. Petersburg Police Department.
At Stetson College of Law, Bill Vinson served as honor court attorney and was president of the Trial Advocacy Society. He received several honors when he received his Juris Doctor degree at Stetson.
Bill Vinson chose to practice law in his hometown of Tarpon Springs, where he and his wife, a CPA, have raised their two sons.
Bill Vinson has the strength of character, unwavering integrity and respect for the law that we need in a circuit judge.
Bill Vinson
Jan Govan: Candidate for Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court judge, Group 18
I am Jan Govan, candidate for judge of the Circuit Court.
My platform is simple: Americans have the right to vote. We are a democracy. We elect our public officials by open debate and fair voting.
Americans openly oppose nonelected activist judges with super-legislative power. Florida is deeply wounded because of my opponent's rulings. Florida's courts, the Legislature and the governor are locked in a battle none can truly win. The voice of the people needs to be heard.
The government, including the courts, belong to the people. The courts serve us. We, the people, do not bend in servitude to anyone!
By my running for circuit court judge, you have the chance to vote on the ballot for this seat, for the first time in over 11 years.
In the last presidential election, a Florida joke circulated: "If you don't like the way we drive, you'll hate the way we vote!"
My state is no joke. My friends and neighbors take their rights to life and liberty very seriously. We have honor and respect for those whom we elect.
I have distinguished myself as a lawyer by representing Florida's families for more than 20 years. I will serve with the respect you deserve as your elected judge.
Vote like your life depended on it.
Jan Govan
Brad Souders: Candidate for Hillsborough County Court judge, Group 11
I am honored and thankful for the endorsements and support already received from the Hillsborough County Fire Fighters, the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association and from hundreds of attorneys, including several past presidents of the Hillsborough County Bar.
I have enjoyed serving in a variety of community programs (personally and professionally) including the guardian ad litem program, Volunteer Lawyers Program, Kiwanis and the Boy Scouts of America. Having a judge who is committed to community service makes for better place to live.
As a self-employed businessman for many years, I have operated a successful trial practice with a long-standing staff, always paying salaries, benefits and taxes. Having a judge with experience and an understanding of good business principles and ethics, makes for a better courtroom.
Having served as a magistrate for the county court, I have already presided on the county bench for seven years, taking pleas, ruling on motions, presiding over trials and deciding more than 6,000 cases without any known appeal. During my service, I received only compliments of my efficiency in handling a heavy caseload, of being fair and without a single complaint. Having someone already tested and proven to be of good service, without question, makes for both a better judiciary and community.
With this reply, I am hopeful the voters will elect Brad Souders as their best choice for Hillsborough County judge, Group 11, for a better judiciary and community. For more information, everyone is welcome to visit www.votesouders.com Thank you.
Brad Souders
Victor H. Veschio: Candidate for Hillsborough County Court judge:
I commend Judge Huey for acknowledging the need to do more to help broken families. However, the citizens of Hillsborough County whom he serves need to know what he has done and will do in the future.
Has he made a difference since being appointed by Senate President James King in 2003 to serve on the Florida Commission on Marriage and Family? I have attempted to locate information on his active involvement, and invite your readers to review the applicable Web site, www.ounce.org
Will Judge Huey volunteer to preside over, and remain committed to, family law issues? Is he truly committed to remain on the County Court bench?
As provided to you in my interview, I have been committed to child abuse, neglect and domestic violence issues for a significant time period. At the age of 21 I was certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a guardian ad litem representing the best interest of abused and neglected children in Hillsborough County; legal education in domestic violence was part of my law school curriculum; my judicial clerkship assisted the Honorable David Hoot with implementing the domestic violence unit of the Court in Michigan; my volunteer work with HAWL Domestic Violence Courthouse Project was rewarded with the HAVEaHeart pro bono service award for my dedication.
Moreover, my desire is to serve the citizens of Hillsborough County solely within the jurisdiction of the County Court, "the peoples court" as stated in your editorial, especially in domestic violence issues.
