Seven Democrats want to be the next governor. Real talk: Anyone but Adam Putnam or someone like him is fine with us, but the reality is, Dems probably have to get their act together soon and get behind one candidate as a party if there's any chance of that happening.
So that's why it makes sense to check out as many candidates as you can early in the game — as in, now. The primaries are about a month away — Aug. 28 (also, you need to register to vote by July 30 — here's how to register to vote no matter where you live in Florida). Today you can hear what Levine has to say in person at this afternoon's meeting with the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association. Levine will talk about issues public school teachers, students and parents face. He'll also go into detail about his plan to pay teachers a higher salary and make Florida public schools stronger.
Levine enjoyed two terms as Miami Beach mayor, where he dealt with issues like sea level rise and government corruption. He's a public school graduate. Locally, Hillsborough County School Board member Lynn Gray and St. Petersburg City Councilwoman Gina Driscoll have endorsed him, as have local elected officials from Pensacola to Miami Beach (yup, including the current mayor of Miami Beach).
Politicians who do not endorse Levine include Marco Rubio, Mike Pence and Donald Trump.
Phil Levine stumps in Tampa | Hillsborough County Teacher's Association, 3102 N. Habana Ave., Tampa | July 25: 1:30 p.m. | More on Levine's campaign here
