Florida Democrat Alex Sink Running For Governor

When Florida's Governor Charlie Crist announced his run for Senate yesterday, he left the race to succeed him wide open. One day later, Florida's popular Democratic Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has announced that she is jumping into the race.

Sink was once considered the strongest potential Democratic challenger for retiring Republican Mel Martinez's Senate seat before she took her name out of consideration in January. If she wins, and according to the Sun-Sentinel she has already raised more than $1.1 million, Sink would be the first woman to serve as the state's governor.

In her statement today, Sink signaled that she will run as an economic populist. "Thousands of Floridians," Sink said, "have told me they need leaders committed to protecting the middle class strengthening our economy and giving our families a fighting chance. As a businesswoman and working mom, I couldn't agree more."

Two other members of the Florida cabinet are expected to run. Yesterday, Brendan Farrington, of the AP, wrote, "Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum would forgo re-election to run for governor. Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, who under Florida law can't seek a third term, has also said he will get in the race."

An April Quinnipiac poll showed that McCollum had a 48% approval rating with an 18% disapproval rating, while Alex Sink registered a 33% approval rating with a 22% disapproval rating. An April SayfieReview.com/PowerPlay poll showed that a potential Sink/McCollum race was a virtual tie.