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Davis, Smith close in fundraising race

The battle for money and exposure heats up in the Democratic campaign for governor.

By ADAM C. SMITH
Published April 6, 2006

The Democratic race for governor is shaping up to be a dog fight.

Many political observers thought Democratic front-runner Jim Davis might leave Democratic rival Rod Smith in his dust with strong fundraising this year, but Smith on Wednesday proved surprisingly competitive.

Despite legislative rules that gave him 25 fewer days to raise money, state Sen. Smith of Alachua almost kept pace with Davis.

Davis said Wednesday he raised more than $633,000 in the first three months of the year, compared with more than $603,000 for Smith. All told, Davis has about $1.57-million to spend on the campaign, about $240,000 more than Smith.

"That's more than surprising. It's shocking," Democratic campaign consultant Derek Newton said of the figures. "I think Rod's report is very, very strong, and it clearly makes the race very competitive going forward. Many people expected Davis to do well. But for Rod to do so well in a shorter time is really impressive."

Mitchell Berger, a top Democratic fundraiser helping Davis, brushed off talk of momentum for Smith: "Jim has continued to lead in fundraising every quarter that has occurred. I am certain that he will continue to maintain his lead over the next quarter."

The Republicans running to succeed Gov. Jeb Bush, Attorney General Charlie Crist and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, have not yet announced their latest fundraising numbers but both have been dramatically besting the Democrats.

Polls have consistently shown Davis leading Smith among Democratic voters, but several recent polls have shown more than 60 percent of Democrats undecided. It adds up to an unpredictable and wide open race for the Democratic nomination.

Meanwhile, the two camps behind the scenes are butting heads over debate protocols.

Duval County Democratic chairwoman Linda Whipple on Wednesday lamented that the Davis campaign was rebuffing an opportunity for a televised debate in Jacksonville. She said the Davis campaign tentatively agreed to have a joint appearance with Smith on May 8, but hastily backed out once a Jacksonville TV station wanted to turn it into a televised event.

"We're trying to get out the vote here of people who don't even know who the candidates are," said Whipple, who was thrilled at the prospect of free TV time for the Democrats. "I will do anything that either of the campaigns want, anything that the (state party) wants, as long as people can know who the candidates are before August."

Smith is widely seen as the stronger public speaker. But that had nothing to do with it, the Davis campaign said. Davis spokesman Josh Earnest said Davis never committed to that debate and that it appeared the Smith campaign was much more involved in planning that event with Whipple than Davis' representatives.

Davis on Wednesday called on the Smith campaign to commit to two televised debates in August, and to let the state Democratic chairwoman serve as a neutral person to help facilitate joint appearances and debate formats.

"Maybe it's because they think they need more time to practice before getting on the air," Smith spokesman David Kochman said of Davis ruling out the televised Jacksonville debate.

Chris Korge, a top Democratic fundraiser for Smith, said Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean told him only a few weeks ago that Smith and Davis should be trying to hold as many debates and forums as possible to increase their visibility.

"No matter how you slice it, over 60 percent of the electorate doesn't know our two candidates, and about 70 percent know the Republican candidates. Can you imagine a television debate allowing our candidates that kind of free media time and exposure? Not to take advantage of that opportunity would be ludicrous and counterproductive to the party," Korge said.

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

[Last modified April 6, 2006, 01:58:09]