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Maddox, not in governor race yet, may be behind

One observer's view: Rivals Smith and Davis have a "staggering" head start in fundraising.

By ADAM C. SMITH
Published April 7, 2005

The field isn't even set for the 2006 governor's race and political money already is gushing.

Two Democratic contenders are raising money so fast, observers wonder if state Democratic chairman Scott Maddox will be squeezed out even before formally jumping in.

State Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua has raised $350,000 and U.S. Rep. Jim Davis $420,000.

"Those numbers are staggering," said state Senate Democratic Leader Les Miller of Tampa. Other prospective candidates "would have to say, "I'm getting further and further behind the eight ball,' " he added.

Maddox, the former Tallahassee mayor who has led the party since 2003, is widely expected to join the race in early May. But with Davis lining up veteran fundraisers, and Smith expected to tap heavily into Tallahassee interests and a network of elected officials, some strategists question Maddox's fundraising ability.

"It sure should make him nervous," Democratic consultant Derek Newton said. "... If Rod Smith and Jim Davis have already locked up three-quarters of a million dollars, they're going at a pretty good pace."

While Smith and Davis tout their centrist credentials and broad appeal, Maddox has strong grass roots support statewide and is seen as a passionate advocate for the party's liberal base. He narrowly lost the Democratic primary for attorney general in 2002, but in that entire campaign raised only slightly more than Smith has this year and less than Davis.

Maddox said he has not made up his mind about what office he might seek, but "regardless of what race I pick, I will not be the lobbying corps candidate. ... I do think I'll be competitive."

Miami trial lawyer Kirk Wagar sent an e-mail to his Kerry-Edwards network urging support for Maddox. Wagar said he admires both Davis and Smith but saw Maddox as best equipped to win.

"For Democrats to win we have to stake our flag in the ground, we have to show our vision and our backbone and be proud of who we are," said Wagar, a top Florida fundraiser for John Kerry and the Democratic National Committee.

As a sitting state senator and chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Smith is well situated to raise money from people with legislative interests, and the former prosecutor also has many contacts in the legal community.

"If you're looking for somebody who can get elected and who appeals to the average voters, that's Rod Smith," said Jacksonville lawyer Howard Coker, former president of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.

Davis has Washington and his Tampa Bay base to anchor his fundraising and a slew of veteran Democratic fundraisers and politicos supporting him. They include former Gore recount lawyer Mitchell Berger of Fort Lauderdale; former Bob Graham chief of staff Buddy Shorstein and Miami lawyer and fundraiser Ellen Freidin.

Among Tampa Bay residents the campaign identified as helping Davis are Rooms to Go president Jeffrey Seaman; WellCare founder and entrepreneur Kiran Patel; and Tampa lawyers Jeffrey Warren and Thomas Harmon.

No Republican has announced for governor, but top contenders are Attorney General Charlie Crist, Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings.

Times researcher Kitty Bennett contributed to this report. Adam C. Smith can reached at 727 893-8241 or adam@sptimes.com

[Last modified April 7, 2005, 01:22:13]