TALLAHASEE, Fla., July 26 (UPI) -- Candidates in both parties are already off and running for the Florida governor's race in 2006, The Miami Herald reported Monday.
It said three candidates in each party are already campaigning for the term-limited post to be vacated by Gov. Jeb Bush after two terms.
There is no heir apparent and the race is so wide open, it is sure to attract even more candidates as the months wear on.
All six say they are just doing their jobs and some are working on re-election, but political observers like lobbyist Ron Book says, "They've started their engines."
The Republican candidates are state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, Attorney General Charlie Crist and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings.
Democrats are U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa, state Sen. Rod Smith of Gainesville and Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox of Tallassee.
Gallagher, Crist, Davis and Maddox have approached the state parties asking for promises of money early next year if they announce.
