FL-27: Resign-to-Run Law Strikes

Florida’s new election law that requires most office holders to resign their current post in order to seek another just changed South Florida politics.  Two very significant Democratic candidates decided to drop their congressional bids.  State Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez (D-Miami), who at least for a time was viewed as the front-runner, says he will remain in the state Senate because his party has an opportunity of capturing the majority.  Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell also decided to discontinue his congressional effort in favor of retaining his current position.
 
With candidate filing coming early next month (May 4th) in preparation for the August 28th primary, seven active Democrats remain in the field.  The developments certainly help former Health & Human Services Secretary and University of Miami president Donna Shalala in her bid to capture the party nomination.  Republican leaders, who currently see eleven individuals expressing interest in running, appear to be looking toward television news anchor Maria Elvira Salazar.  Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Miami) is retiring after serving all or part of 15 terms.

--Jim Ellis