Jim Davis Has Problems

There has been talk that Charlie Crist is a lock to become Governor. There was good reason to think so. Crist has done an impressive job at fundraising. Democrats best hope was Rod Smith. He was the most viable candidate in terms of speaking skills and charisma. Democrats decided to self-destruct and chose Jim Davis. The man has been unflatteringly compared to failed governor and senatorial candidate Buddy MacKay.

A list of recent problems Jim Davis has made for himself.

Davis's victory speech and "sugar" remark turned off many Rod Smith supporters. Davis and Smith's war of words has splintered the party. Davis also failed to mention Smith in his victory speech. He came off as a poor winner.

Davis has continued to handle the Freddie Pitts and Wilbert Lee issue badly. When the radio ads aired - Pitts was angry at Rod Smith and said he was more likely to vote for Davis because of that. Pitts wasn't endorsing Davis. He was saying that Smith and U.S. Sugar went over the line. Davis should have talked to Pitts immediately. I do think the attack radio ad was valid (except for using an actor to play Pitts.) Davis needs to explain why he voting against paying giving Pitts and Lee restitution. Crist has already reached out to blacks by calling U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings. That's smart politics on Crist's part.

Unless Davis does something to excite the lefty base, this campaign is over.