Sink considering Rod Smith for Lt. Gov.

[JCMach1]

...Gainesville attorney Rod Smith's return to campaign politics is just speculation, but he surely sounded like a candidate in criticizing the idea of a self-financed candidate buying an election.

Smith, a former state senator who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2006, has been on some short lists as a possible candidate for lieutenant governor this fall. Smith brushed off the suggestion, saying he enjoys private life. He said he isn't sure whether he'd accept if asked to run by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink.

"Re-entering public life is a very tough decision for anybody," he said. "It's so addictive when you're in it, but once you've stepped away from it, it is hard to do."

While he didn't mention Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott by name, Smith said he's concerned about legal decisions allowing massive spending in campaigns. A federal appeals court ruling last month allows Scott, a multi-millionaire health-care executive, to spend an unlimited amount on the campaign without triggering public financing of his opponent.

"I do not want this country to be a matter of someone can buy enough media to be elected to public life," Smith said...

Sink's lack of a major primary challenger has fueled speculation that she might make her selection sooner... http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100807/ARTICLES/100809557/1118?Title=Might-Rod-Smith-be-a-candidate-again-