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Maddox making run for governor

By ADAM C. SMITH
Published May 17, 2005

The Democratic race for governor grew to three Monday as former state Democratic Party chairman Scott Maddox joined the field, touting his executive experience and understanding of Florida's diversity.

"I know the potential of this great state," Maddox said in a statement. "And as someone who served nearly 10 years as mayor of Tallahassee, I am the only candidate with the executive experience necessary to both offer a vision for Florida's future, and make that vision a reality for everyday Floridians."

Maddox's candidacy has long been expected. Earlier this month he stepped down after two years as state Democratic chairman, a position many viewed as a means for him to maintain a political profile and build a network of contacts.

The 37-year-old attorney faces U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa and state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua in a primary that appears wide open. Early polls show Davis leading the field, but more than one in three Democratic voters are undecided.

None of the Democrats is well-known statewide, but Maddox's supporters see him as well-positioned geographically and ideologically.

He is well-known in much of the conservative Panhandle, having been mayor of Tallahassee nearly a decade. At the same time, he is a fiery advocate for Democratic principles and has won over many of the liberal activists and leaders in southeast Florida.

He narrowly lost to Buddy Dyer in a Democratic primary for attorney general in 2002, but won about 60 percent of the state's counties, including politically diverse counties like Broward, Collier, Duval and Escambia.

Maddox sought to emphasize his broad appeal Monday, dispatching city officials from across the state to file his campaign paperwork in Tallahassee.

"We come here today from all over Florida, from large communities and small, black and white, North and South. But there is one thing we have in common. We all know Scott Maddox is the best leader to move Florida into the future as our next governor," said a statement from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson, who was joined by Mayors Louie Davis of Waldo and Walt Kelly of Lynnhaven.

As president of the Florida League of Cities, Maddox went to every city in the state, which he said gives him a deep understanding of what Florida families face. He is married and has two sons, ages 7 and 9.

Attorney General Charlie Crist last week became the first Republican candidate to announce his candidacy for governor, and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is expected to get in the race soon. Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings has said she will make an announcement soon.

Republican Gov. Jeb Bush cannot seek a third term.

- Adam C. Smith can be reached at 727893-8241 or adam@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 17, 2005, 14:40:03]