Both the Tampa Tribune and the St. Pete Times editorial pages touch on the latest in the Jim Norman saga this morning.
As we write this early Tuesday, the Hillsborough County Commissioner is appealing Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford's ruling disqualifying him from the ballot last week. The state's Division of Elections say they can't make any decision about who then should be on the ballot in Senate District 12 yet, even as voters are deciding on at that race at the polls in early voting right now.
Hillsborough and Pasco County officials are still discussing who they might nominate in Norman's stead. Trey Traviesa's name has been bandied about, but reportedly he does not want to be considered.
But really would anybody be shocked if the GOP decides to renominate Norman, FBI investigation and all?
Pasco County Republican Committeeman Bill Bunting tells the Trib that why not Norman?
Meanwhile, that paper's editorial page is calling for the local parties to not put the "disgraced Norman" on the ballot. The lead editorial Tuesday states (no link available as we wrote this):
If the party does end up selecting the nominee, such a move would disgrace the party and insult voters. Fulford's words should provide party officials guidance if they have any doubts about keeping Norman off the ballot.
This article appears in Oct 14-20, 2010.