For more news and reviews of the summer’s biggest movies, check out the CL Movies & Television site.

Screening information: Outrage is screening exactly once, Wed., July 15 at 7 p.m. at Tampa Pitcher Show, 14416 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-963-0578. The film carries no MPAA rating.

If there’s a central message to Kirby Dick’s Outrage, it’s that living life denying one’s sexual orientation is an awful existence. Not only is the closeted person lying to their family and friends — often at great emotional cost to everyone involved — they are lying to themselves. There’s a lot of self-hatred hanging in the closet, and it’s an old saw that the most homophobic folks are the most in denial. Still, a person’s choice to keep their preference private is their own. But what about politicians living in the closet who work to advance anti-gay-rights legislation? Don’t they deserve to be exposed?
Michael Rogers certainly thinks so. Rogers is an activist and writer who works to out closeted gay politicians, and he’s kind of the hero of Outrage. One of his early scores was Republican Congressman Ed Schrock of Virginia, a sponsor of a bill banning gay marriage, who was caught on tape soliciting sex with men by leaving messages on a telephone hook-up service. Schrock never copped to being the voice on the tape, but the evidence was compelling enough that he resigned. Rogers has the goods on many more.

Outrage appeals to our base cultural instinct to speculate on the sexual preferences of the rich and famous (it’s practically sport online), and Schrock is far from the most notable politician in the film’s crosshairs. Some are obvious, like Sen. Larry Craig, he of the airport bathroom “wide stance,” who comes across as an incredibly sad man. More surprising (for me anyway) were ex-New York City Mayor Ed Koch, singled out for his awful response to the Big Apple’s 1980’s AIDS crisis, and Fox News anchor Shepard Smith, who’s front and center on a network that works daily to undermine the LGBT community.

Closer to home, Florida Governor Charlie Crist is one of Outrage’s big fish, and the film spends a good amount of time laying out the case against his heterosexuality. Props to reporter Bob Norman of Miami New Times, a vet of the Mark Foley affair, who dug up much of Crist’s backstory after being contacted by multiple unrelated sources claiming Crist staffers had been bragging at dinner parties about sexual relationships with the then-still-future governor. Crist is shown repeatedly denying the rumors, with each denial slightly creepier than the last. (His take of the famed Seinfeld riff, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” comes across as oddly angry.)

But the case against Charlie ultimately lacks a smoking gun as potent as the Schrock tapes. Is it interesting that Crist was married to first wife Amanda Morrow for only 6 months, and his ex found post-breakup comfort with new partner Mildred Harrison? Or that another ex, Kelly Crosby Heyniger, told the film’s producers, “I think I should just keep my mouth shut. … Call me in 10 years and I’ll tell you a story.” Absolutely. But it doesn’t exactly prove Crist is gay.

So, yes, much of the information presented in Outrage is circumstantial. But that by no means sinks the film. Director Kirby Dick knows the salacious nature of this material will attract an audience, but he’s ultimately after a larger point about the vicious cycle of our public discourse, where leaders responsible for making the laws deny their own nature and essentially persecute themselves in an effort to keep their own truth hidden. In particular, I’d point to the scenes featuring former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, with McGreevey and his wife talking candidly about the Governor’s resignation from office after his affair with a male Homeland Security appointee came to light. There is truth and power in McGreevey’s words. And pain.

Ultimately, outing someone is a tricky thing. As the film angrily points out, the media will often go out of its way to avoid discussing someone’s sexual orientation — even when it’s germane to the subject. Even the LGBT community is divided on whether or not outing is over the line. Though Outrage is clearly in favor of exposing the hypocrites in D.C., the film does offer some conversation on the subject. Among the points of view, Journalist Andrew Sullivan expresses sympathy for the exposed and Congressman Barney Frank argues that hypocrisy by those passing the laws ought to be routed out. In the end, I agree with Frank, and as such I enjoyed Outrage. How you feel about the question should tell you whether this is a movie for you.

After my brief, stolen moment with Governor C. at the charity fashion show, my life returned to its usual mundane routine. I was a nobody. Why would C. even remember me?

So when I answered my cell phone after class Monday afternoon, I was astonished to find myself on the line with C.’s assistant. Apparently, the Governor had been impressed by me and wished to meet me under better circumstances, and would I be available Friday night? I would. I was instructed not to tell anyone the Governor and I would be meeting, nor was I told where the meeting would take place.

The week passed by me as I sat through my USF classes, unable to concentrate, my entire attention on C. What should I wear? Where would we meet? Was it a date? But the biggest question I had was, why me?

Finally at eight o’clock on Friday night, I stood on the stoop of my apartment building, in a black dress pilfered from my older and more fashionable sister Fate’s closet, and held my breath in anticipation.

Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the scene, accompanied by a loud noise and gusting wind. I didn’t know what to secure first, my hair or my skirt. So I halfheartedly tried to catch both while managing to hold neither, as a shiny, black helicopter descended in front of me.

C. stepped down, wearing a white shirt and a tailored navy blue suit, looking as dashing as when I had first laid eyes on him. “I hope you don’t mind I took the chopper. I wanted to be discrete.” He laughed a little as he took in the sight of a helicopter on my lawn. “But I guess that didn’t quite work out.”

As we lifted off, C. handed me a champagne flute. “Cheers. Here’s to an enjoyable evening.” I sipped my champagne as I glanced out the window and caught a view of my apartment complex getting smaller beneath me.

We landed. Descending the mini-staircase, I saw where C. had brought me. The distinctive glass roof of the Florida Aquarium arched in front of me. “I got them to open it. Just for us,” C. whispered, holding the door for me as we entered the vast, darkened building. We were alone, except for the sleeping stingrays.

C. and I began to talk, getting to know each other as we walked through the artificial recreation of a natural wetland, our footsteps echoing down the empty corridor.

“I don’t know, I guess I always liked it,” C. mused, “being a politician. It was always something I wanted to do.” A white egret ruffled its feathers and yawned as we passed. “Ever since I was a little boy. I saw my own father run for office. I helped him by waving signs by the side of the road, and I loved it. Every minute of it. I’d watch my dad and it kind of made me think, ‘I want to do that. I want to run for office.’

“And you know, when you’re a little boy, you see the show, but you don’t see the business. So I thought it just meant going around and talking to a lot of people, which looked like fun. I didn’t realize the hard work that went along with it. It’s silly, but I thought the job of politician was just someone who shook people’s hands and asked them to vote for you.

“But I learned more, I learned the law, and I realized it was something I loved on a deeper level. I just love people, you know? I want to see them treated fairly. And if I can govern them fairly, I think I’ve done my job.” C. spoke from the heart, so unlike the pandering of most professional politicians, telling people what they wanted to hear, devoid of any real meaning or feeling. I could tell that C. meant every word, that he wasn’t just trying to win my vote.

“Anyways, that’s my rambling little speech for the evening,” he said sheepishly. “I’m probably boring you. You don’t want to hear me talk business like that.”

“No, C. It’s interesting. I care.”

He stopped. “Really?” he asked sincerely as he looked at me. “You’re the first woman who’s ever said that to me.”

He gave me a little smile, as we continued walking the maze-like halls of the Florida Aquarium. I felt at ease with C., as if I could open up to him and tell him anything. I revealed so much to him about myself, more than I could have with anyone else. I found myself telling him things I wouldn’t even tell my best friend, despite having just met him. I felt safe, comfortable, as if I had known him my whole life.

My attraction to him grew with each step we took, walking deeper and deeper into the aquarium as the pathways grew darker and darker. Never in my life had I found myself so attracted to a man. His scent. His tan. His moderate politics. I was nineteen, and I had never been this close to a man before. A real man, in every sense of the word. It stirred something inside of me that had lain dormant for so many years, something I didn’t know I could be a polite girl and still feel. He could have conquered me, all of me, right then and there. But proof he was a gentleman, he didn’t.

Finally, we found ourselves in a cavernous empty room, illuminated only by the faint aqua glow of a giant fish tank in lieu of one wall. We stood in front of the glass, the light filtering through the tank dancing in blue-green ripples against the room and playing across our skin.

“The manatees were always my favorite animal.” He was whispering. “When I’d go fishing with my dad on Sundays in the Tampa Bay, we’d almost always see at least one or two.”

I could feel the governor’s eyes on me as I watched the silvery fish swim by. We stood so close together, yet without touching. My skin prickled with delight as I felt proximity of his body. I looked up at him.

“I know they’re not as lucky as dolphins, but they’d always seem to be guiding us, blessing us. And..” He trailed off as he looked into my eyes. “And…”

And he leaned in and kissed me. Gently. On my lips. Without warning, his tan lips pressing themselves against mine.

He pulled back, worriedly gauging my reaction. I smiled. He touched his hand to my cheek and kissed me again. I relaxed into it, as if kissing the 51-year-old governor of my home state was completely natural. He was incredibly good at it, and I found him to be very not gay.

”I can’t believe I’m making out with the governor!” I thought.

“Believe it,” C. said.

I was amazed that we were already so in tune with each other that he could read my thoughts, until I realized, embarrassingly, that I had been thinking out loud.

“I can’t believe it either,” C. said. “That I’m kissing someone as beautiful as you.” He looked at me and bit his lower lip. “Pretty good first date, huh?”

I nodded.

And we continued to kiss underneath the menagerie of silvery fish.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of the satirical romance novel, The Governor’s Mistress, by Heidi Lux. Missed the last installment? Read it here.

Artwork by Alex Doroin: escapetomars@hotmail.com

Cross-posted from the Daily Loaf blog.

I have a secret I can no longer keep. It burns my soul and pains my conscience. I had an affair. I loved a man powerful in Florida politics, and he loved me back. I cannot reveal his name. My honor and his lawyers do not permit me. I will refer to him only as C. He currently seeks more power, and I know that rumors will begin to fly, so I submit my story publicly to save us both, and our love, from the public’s harsh scrutiny.

It all began in the winter of 2008. I was a 19-year-old USF student, wandering through my studies with no real direction, still trying to find myself among the textbooks and study halls. My life did not live up to my name – Destiny St. Clair – and my bright red hair spoke of an excitement I could not claim. I was, I must say, average in every way, certainly not the type you might soon expect to be sipping champagne on yachts with the most powerful man in the state.

I can remember the exact moment my life changed forever. Jan. 30, 2008, the day John McCain won the Florida Republican primaries. “That man is such a silver fox,” my older sister, Fate, said as we watched the announcement on TV. C. was standing at a podium behind John McCain, looking pleased as they announced the elderly senator’s victory. “How is that man even still a bachelor.”

At 51, C. had remained unmarried, and our state of Florida had received that rarest anomaly, a bachelor politician. Most public servants had the constant support of a beautiful and loving wife standing by their side, but not he. But every political accomplishment C. achieved was without the usual cheerleader and confidant of a first lady, that well dressed and perfectly coifed silent figure standing behind her man and nodding in agreement with every word he said. For every public appearance he stood alone with no charming trophy wife quietly by his side. And after his long hard day of governing, he would retire to his wing in the Governor’s Mansion alone, finding no freshly made up southern lady to give him a blowjob and beer while he watched sports to unwind. Such was the tough life of a single governor–harder than one could imagine.

“He can govern my state anytime he wants!” Fate said, unable to find any more significance in the moment than the chiseled lines of C.’s features.

“I heard he lives near us,” I said. “If we ever met him, he’d be so into you. I bet you’re so his type.”

If anyone could tame the bachelor governor, it was Fate. She was feminine and charming with hair that always seemed to be perfectly styled no matter what she was doing. Fate had competed in beauty pageants as a child, so, naturally, she would make the perfect politician’s wife.

“Seriously?” she chortled. “He’s gay, Destiny. I mean, he’s still in the closet because you can’t be a gay Republican, but it’s everywhere that he is.”

I was shocked to hear Fate put it so bluntly, but I had remembered hearing gay rumors. Malicious whispers during campaign season. They never said it out loud, but his rivals would insinuate there was something “not quite right” about a man in his fifties being a lifelong bachelor. And when his penchant for brightly colored shirts and ties that brought out the warmth of his bronzed tan was added to the equation, the bloggers would do the math, and every time it would add up to gay.

If C. had been a single dad or an eligible divorcee, the rumors would have been laid to rest. And if he had been a widower, too loyal to his dead wife to let himself fall in love again, he would have been a hero, the media painting a glamorous picture of his beautiful romance, and how tragically it ended, killed by a drunk driver. C.’s unmarried status would have been spun as something honorable and noble, and possibly even a piece of legislation. But he would never have exploited it. In fact, he would have gone out of his way to make that point several, several times whenever he brought it up out of the blue during a campaign speech. Nobody would even have thought of calling him gay.

But despite C.’s moderate politics and affable personality, and his optimism in improving the quality of life in Florida, he was trailed by whispers all along the campaign trail, nasty rumors used to try to drive voters away from the popular candidate. They clearly failed, since the election results showed a large number of both Republicans and Democrats pulling the lever for C. In fact, for some mysterious reason I was certain might be explained later, the rumors seemed to work in his favor.

I looked back at the TV as C. grinned and clapped in support of Senator McCain the very same way a wife would have done for C. in November two years prior. I noticed C. possessed a certain magnetism I was never aware of before. He was good looking. Very tan, as you’d expect any governor to be, and incredibly well put together, like something cut out of a menswear catalogue. I wondered what that man standing in the back and to the left of John McCain was like. Was he really gay as Fate, along with every gay man in the southern peninsula, claimed?

As I sat on the couch of our middle class Tampa apartment, pondering our governor on a TV that wasn’t even a flat screen, I had no idea that my life, and the state of Florida, would soon be changed forever…

“Some politicians support trillions in reckless spending…” is one of the attack lines from the Marco Rubio campaign as it launches a full spread of phaser and photon torpedoes (yes, we’re staying with the Star Trek theme until the movie drops below $10m a week at the box office) at Charlie Crist just minutes after the governor declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

The ad, predictably, ties Crist at the hip with President Barack Obama.

Watch the full video after the jump.

From Twitter at 0910 hrs.:

After thoughtful consideration with my wife Carole, I have decided to run for the U.S. Senate.

His e-mail statement in full after the jump.

“Over the last several months I have spoken with many Floridians about the challenges that we face together and the issues affecting our daily lives.

cristmug“Our country is facing the most profound public policy questions in our lifetime – questions relating to the economy, taxes, healthcare, the environment and national security. The answers to these questions will have a lasting impact on the country we love and the nation we will leave to our children and grandchildren.

“As I have previously said, my decision whether to seek the office of U.S. Senator or re-election as Governor would not be made until after the important work of the Legislature was completed at which time I could reflect on how to best serve the people of this great state.

“Here in Florida, we’ve shown that when we put people first and work together much can be accomplished, and I intend to bring that same approach to Washington. That is why, after thoughtful consideration with my wife Carole, I have decided to run for the U.S. Senate.

“As Governor, each day I will continue to focus on fighting for all Floridians. And if I am given the honor of serving as their Senator, I will take that fight for the people of this state I love so dearly to the halls of Congress.

“Thank you and God bless the great state of Florida and the United States of America.”

Let the games begin!

After mentioning Morgan, Crist said: “Maybe I let the cat out of the bag. So be it. We’re open around here.” Crist and his staff are trying to balance their desire for privacy with media interest in the wedding — the first time a sitting Florida governor will be married since Claude Kirk in 1967. In a pool arrangement, a reporter observes for all news organizations, including competitors.

… He said he was “blessed” to have found Rome, adding of his wedding: “In just nine days, it gets consummated in a very formal way in my hometown of St. Petersburg, and I’m looking forward to it.”

The best thing about the Buzz post, however, are the comments, which illustrate what happens when you combine the speed of the Internet, the ability to remain anonymous and a story that really isn’t news in any way, shape or form (not to mention one that the majority of folks who read political news don’t believe in the least, that Crist is getting married). A few gems:

I think I just threw up in my mouth…

Posted by: | December 04, 2008 at 08:14 AM

Instead of saying “it gets consummated in a very formal way”, why didn’t Crist simply say “we’re getting married”? What a babbling putz.

Posted by: | December 04, 2008 at 08:18 AM

Screw the Senate, Jeb, run against this guy.

Posted by: | December 04, 2008 at 08:23 AM

And those who took these tacks:

“Crist and his staff are trying to balance their desire for privacy with media interest in the wedding”

Now, does anyone else think that is funny?? Everyone knows that CC is nothing more than a media ho who craves attention.

Posted by: | December 04, 2008 at 08:23 AM

will lucy please, for the love of god, find facts once and for all that prove charlie is as straight as liberace?

Posted by: dreaming | December 04, 2008 at 12:01 PM

I’m confused…….I thought someone said the reception is at Georgie’s Alibi Bar…..maybe its the rehearsal dinner at Georgie’s, or better yet, maybe all the boys for the “bachelor party” will be at Georgie’s Alibi Bar…………….Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Posted by: Angie | December 04, 2008 at 03:19 PM

I don’t know if Crist is gay, straight, or bi, and i am not defending him in anyway – but if he were gay or bi, it would seem to me that if there was a gentleman/men in his past, now would be the time for that person to come forward. This close to the wedding the media spectacle would be huge.

So why hasn’t anyone come forward? is it because Crist really does not have a history with gentlemen? Is it because the person is fearful of retribution, or perhaps that person’s own family does not know about his sexual orientation?

Now that we are in the age of the Larry Craig-Jim McGreevey-Mark Foley-Jennifer Flowers-John Edwards stories, etc, it just doesn’t make sense that no one has come forward if Crist is gay/bi.

Posted by: worried floridian | December 04, 2008 at 04:52 PM

For me, this one sums it up best:

don’t care. at. all.

Posted by: | December 04, 2008 at 09:03 AM

And, with a justice that can only be called poetic, incumbent incompetent Buddy Johnson — the man who presided over the Hillsborough vote-count debacle — lost to Phyllis Busansky in the race for Supervisor of Elections.

Ya think Buddy will call for a recount?

UPDATE: The answer appears to be no. Johnson conceded defeat at about 6 p.m., according to TBO.com:

“Anything we can do to make her transition smooth, we will,” Johnson told reporters. “There’s a lot of big issues to deal with.”

The supervisor dodged questions about his handling of the election but praised his staff.

“The pressure they have been under in this election is tremendous.”

The Times reported that Johnson also said: “You may not have seen the last of Buddy Johnson.”

Here’s Mike Deeson of 10 Connects’ report.

You can join in, too. Take our unscientific online survey here, and read the latest installment of who Tampa Bay is voting for after the jump:

[poll id="2"]

T. Hampton Dunn, founder of [5]art gallery in St. Petersburg
He’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “Although there are a number of reasons, my current motivation is to vote against the possibility of President Palin.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “Can you really vote for a group that thinks nominating Sara Palin was a good decision?”
Local candidate who most interests him: “With everything else that’s going on in the world, local politics usually takes a back seat.”

Gregory Giordano, chief legislative assistant to state Sen. Mike Fasano
He’s voting for: John McCain
Why? “The life issue is very important to me, and I believe John McCain has a very solid record of standing for the rights of the unborn. As well, I believe he has the most experience, not only legislatively, but through his military and what it means to be a front-line soldier and what they have to experience and as commander in chief, I believe he would use his military experience to understand the needs of the soldiers on the front line as well as have the strategic or tactical understanding of being head of the worlds strongest military.”
What he would say to an Obama supporter: “I would suggest that an Obama supporter truly understand the background of that individual and how their experience would translate into the US. Does he have the wide-ranging experience to run the military, to understand the legislative process in grave detail? Does he have the experience as an executive? I would just encourage an Obama supporter to look at that, all the items, as well as make certain that the voters core beliefs in whatever issues life, taxation, health, match up with the positions that Mr. Obama has professed.”

Dr. Steven Tauber, professor of political science at the University of South Florida
He’s voting for: “Of course, I am speaking for myself and not from my position as a USF professor, but, with that said, I am enthusiastically supporting Barack Obama.”
Why? “There are a number of reasons, but first and foremost it is essential that there be a Democratic president because the past eight years of the Bush/Cheney presidency have been a disaster on economic policy, foreign policy, and social policy. The United States needs to go in a significantly different direction. …I appreciate Senator Obama’s style.  Many people have criticized him for being too ‘professorial,’  but quite frankly that is exactly what the nation needs.  We have suffered through eight years of an intellectually uncurious president who thinks in the short term and operates on gut instinct (which is almost always wrong).”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I would tell people considering voting for John McCain that he is not the so-called ‘maverick’ that he claims or might have appeared to be in 2000.  McCain supporters should examine how John McCain has run his campaign, and they can see that his presidency would be no different than the Bush presidency. His selection of Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate is a perfect example of his ill-considered leadership style.  In order to satisfy the immediate goal of revving up the radical right-wing base of the Republican Party, McCain settled on an ethically challenged person who is totally unqualified for the office of vice president, much less president if anything ever happened to McCain.”
Local candidate who most interests him: “The most interesting and most inspiring local candidate is Phyllis Busansky, who is running as the Democratic nominee for Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections.  The current occupant of the office, Republican Buddy Johnson, is incompetent and corrupt, and he has brought shame to Hillsborough County.”

Hannah Altman, high school student in Tampa and CL intern
She’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “His speaking skills? Sure, he’s an eloquent speaker – but that doesn’t cover the issues. The fact that he’s black? Well, Palin’s a woman and I don’t support her, so it’s not the diversity he represents. What it comes down to is his positions on issues that I feel important. If McCain had the same views I do, I’d vote for him! But he doesn’t.”
What she would say to a McCain supporter: “I hear people say McCain has ‘more experience;’ Obama’s ‘new.’ Both McCain and Obama have experience as senators. McCain has experience as a soldier and politician. Obama’s early experience took him to the streets of South Side, Chicago, working with the poor, helping them better their lives. I can relate to Obama; I think he can relate to the average American when he’s president in Washington.”

Charles Farrell, pianist, part-time resident of Tampa, currently living in Boston.
He’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “The Bush administration plunged the country into the most catastrophic state in its history. We’re in hopeless economic shape, we’re mired in a war that makes no sense and is incredibly costly, our civil liberties have nearly disappeared, our standing with the rest of the world has eroded to a justifiable point of contempt or ridicule, and our citizens have increasingly been reduced to two classes, rich and poor, with the majority falling into the latter category.
“Even a woman’s right to choice whether or not to have an abortion is under serious attack. John McCain blithely would continue along a path that has already brought the United States to the brink of near collapse. My vote is as much a vote against John McCain (as my last two votes were votes against George Bush) as it is a vote for Barrack Obama. That said, I do have a guarded sense of optimism about Obama. My sense is that he will set about mending foreign relations and will work both sides of the aisle in the Senate and in Congress.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “If they were wealthy, I might not try. If they weren’t, I’d suggest to them that under another Republican administration they risk losing their home, their savings and retirement funds, they won’t be able to afford decent health care, and they can forget about their kids’ college education. They’d better be a little careful about where they travel in the world too — not that anyone can afford to travel anymore.
“I’d add two final words that should send anyone who isn’t certifiably insane rushing to vote for the Democratic ticket: Sarah Palin.”

Eric Davis, artistic director of freeFall Theatre Company
He’s voting for: Obama/Biden
Why? “There are a lot of specific reasons. The overall general reason is that they represent a huge change from what has been leading us for the last eight years and I think we need that change desperately. I like his approach to how we solve the energy crisis. I like his commitment to health care. And of course his position on the war in Iraq is more in line with my view of that issue as well.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I think that people who have decided are decided. I don’t think anyone could change my mind at this point, and I know there are plenty of people out there — plenty of people I know — who have decided to vote for the other ticket. Where this will be decided is among people who haven’t decided.
“Those people I know I would tell to go to factcheck.org — a non-partisan not-for-profit group at the University of Pennsylvania. All they do is take every single iota of what either of the campaigns are saying in any forum — debate, commercials  — and put up a detailed analysis. Instead of taking either side’s word for what the other side thinks, you get to find out from someone who’s non-partisan.
“In the arts the stereotype that’s often true is that artists vote on the Democratic side of things. But it’s not completely true. For instance I’ve worked at Disney —there were a lot of folks on either side. [But] in this particular election I see that Obama’s positions are more in line with most of my friends who are artists.”
Local candidate who most interests him: “Kevin Beckner [who is running for Hillsborough County commissioner against Brian Blair] is very interesting. His position on growth that is sustainable is very in line with my view of things.”

Pam Iorio, mayor of Tampa
She’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “Our country is faced with serious problems both domestically and abroad.  Our ever-growing deficit and debt threatens our future. We need a different kind of leader — someone who is thoughtful and looks for long-term, meaningful solutions to our problems. I have watched Senator Obama closely over the past two years. He clearly has the intellectual capacity, the ability to bring people together, an open mind to new ideas and a demeanor that inspires confidence. Further, his communication skills will help all Americans better understand our problems and the possible solutions.”

Gus Muench, Tampa native and professional crabber

He’s voting for: “Not McCain! But [it] makes no difference who is elected. U.S. policies will not change. Too many people on the government payroll. Are we going to put them out on the street? I don’t think so!”

Why? “Republican policies. The Bush administration has acted as dictators in the world and USA.”

Local candidate who most interests him: Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham. “Al has not sat on the sidelines, and he wants to know what is happening in the community and the environment. You’ll see the commissioner attending Chamber [of Commerce], Agency on Bay Management, county and community meetings. The commissioner is a big asset to Hillsborough County.”

Dr. Gregory Comnes, a Hillsborough Community College professor of English, ethics and philosophy

He’s voting for: Barack Obama.

Why? “As an educator, I’m increasingly concerned that the decline in the level of  public discourse makes it increasingly difficult to solve the complex fiscal and environmental problems facing us. Throughout his campaign, Obama has presented his positions thoroughly and rationally without resorting to character assassination that panders to the lowest common denominator — mindless fear.”

What he would say to a McCain supporter: “When it comes to the Bucs or the Rays, I’m as ‘Joe Six-Pack” as the next guy.  In the realm of politics, however, where the problems are extraordinary rather than ordinary, I want my candidate to speak to me as
‘Joe Citizen,’ an audience Obama cultivates and McCain ignores.”

Local candidate who most interests him: “Phyllis Busansky, the democratic candidate for Supervisor of Elections in Hillsborough County. She’s smart, competent, and understands that the primary concern of the job is to provide stewardship of the voting process, not calculate how many grazing cows it takes to avoid paying property tax.”

.

Randy Constan, guitarist, inventor and club habitué better known locally at “Peter Pan”

He’s voting for: Barack Obama

Why? “First, as a Christian, I’m disgusted with the overall Republican trend to legislate personal morality. I believe we should treat each other as equals and abstain from judging each other as much as we’re able. My ‘family values’ consist of helping those in need, funding education for children and medical care for everyone. And I want someone who sees such a philosophy as being our ‘brother’s keeper,’ rather than a collection of ‘entitlements’ to be continually cut.”

What he would say to an McCain supporter: “I’d ask whether they want another president who believes he’s always right on all things, who won’t consider other views. It has been said that for a president to admit error is political suicide. Yet Obama seems to possess both the vision to see the best course of action, the willingness to listen to all sides and the humility and courage to change course when a better path is revealed.”

Local candidate who most interests him: Hillsborough County Commission candidate Kevin Beckner, who is challenging incumbent Brian Blair. “I’m tired of the rampant overdevelopment of our natural wetlands, and to me, Blair seems much too well supported by land developers.”

Dwight Lawton, Veterans for Peace activist

He’s voting for: Ralph Nader

Why? “Nader represents the only voice on the dangers of the military-industrial complex.”

What he would say to a McCain or Obama supporter: “Nader is the only person who is unaffected by the corporate lobbyists. He will not accept corporate contributions.”

Local candidates who most interests him: “Norman Roche for Pinellas County Commissioner and Janet Clark for Pinellas County School Board.”

Jay Dolan, a financial adviser in St. Petersburg

He’s voting for: Undecided. “I am a bad stereotype of a flip flopper

Why? “Fiscally speaking I am a big McCain supporter. I think the country needs to significantly reduce spending but nobody has the guts to do it.  At the same time, however, he wants to cut taxes, which I don’t think we can really afford to do… at least not until we prove that we can actually cut spending.  He also lost significant ground with me by choosing Sarah Palin, which I believe was a 100% political move.”
“I think Obama instills a sense of confidence McCain does not have and that is something our country has been missing for some time now.  The amount of spending he wants to put into social programs scares me considerably. However, I think the ideological change in power might help the country move forward through our current crisis.

Local candidate who most interests him: “I must admit I have not paid much attention to the local races as most of my time lately has been spent talking to very nervous clients.”

Tara Mae Brown-Ogilvie, St. Petersburg College student

She’s voting for: Barack Obama

Why? “Because he is pro-choice, wants to make changes to help out the lower class like such as with assistance in regards to healthcare for those who cannot afford it, and I like his leadership style. When he visited Dunedin before his speech, he simply went into a restaurant and ordered a hamburger and sat with everyone else; he just seems like a very down-to-earth guy who does not put himself before others.”

What she would say to a McCain supporter: “In this election McCain is constantly being outshined by his vice president candidate Palin’s actions or scandals. Just looking at the paper or on any news station the topic more likely than not is always on Palin more so than McCain and if he cannot take control of his own campaign how can he govern a country? Also did you know that he is against gay marriage, concerned only for the higher tax bracket, and wishing to continue this war overseas, which would only further destroy our already falling economy? So if you believe that Bush was a great president than sure, vote for McCain to follow in his footsteps, but if you want change, vote for Obama.”

Local candidate who most interests her: “I honestly am not aware of a local candidate to discuss.”

Gary Becker, former St. Petersburg police officer and editor of T.I. Beach Bums webzine

He’s voting for: John McCain. “Being a lifelong Republican, I will vote for McCain.”

Why? “I am not in love with McCain and feel the Republicans may regret not choosing someone else as their candidate. While McCain certainly has the credentials to be president, his Washington ties and the Bush hangover, who has been a disappointment not only to most of the country but also to those of us who supported him, may be too much for McCain to overcome. The Republicans would have been much better off choosing one of the former governors that were available other than McCain. I think we got a taste of that regret when they chose Palin as McCain’s running mate. Having said that, McCain more closely echoes my political beliefs of less federal government, a more aggressive energy program while having the foreign policy experience to deal with the international threats that pose a much greater danger to this nation than a bus load of CEO’s ripping off Wall Street. It’s one thing to watch the Dow go dow,n but a totally different matter watching a skyscraper go down after some terrorists flies an airliner full of people into the building.”

What he would say to an Obama supporter: “The one thing I would say to an Obama supporter is, ‘Do you really think that taxing both small and large business is going to solve all our problems?’ When you raise taxes and remove tax breaks to business, you increase the cost of doing business. When business increases costs it will increase the price of their product, which means you and I pay more for everything, which leads to inflation. It is very simple. When you tax business, you tax the consumer. The only thing any tax increase does is gives Washington more of our money to waste and less money for our economy.

“I have done the math on McCain’s health care program. It would cut my health care costs by about 40 percent, while Obama’s plan would burden me with not only my family’s current health care costs but the eventual cost to provide everyone else with health care. I wish we could provide health care to all, but the nation cannot afford to do so at this time. As far as the economy goes, all of Washington created this mess, fed off the good years and got caught with their pants down when the bottom fell out. I am against the bailout without more accountability from those who were most involved both in Washington and Wall Street. The lending crisis has been 30 years in the making. Add the rise in energy costs, which again is the result of Washington doing nothing for 30 years, and you have the recipe for recession. I am disappointed in the reaction of both candidates. Neither has a clue what to do.”

Local candidate that most interests him: “As far as the local or state elections, the one issue that I am watching is the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment, which would make only male-female unions legal. Though I believe ‘marriage’ should be between a woman and a man, this amendment also states that no other legal union or substantial equivalent shall be valid or recognized. I believe this amendment goes too far and that there should be legal options for those who want to live an alternate lifestyle and want a legal union. It will be very interesting how Florida votes on this amendment.  I am very surprised there has been no campaign waged from either side of this issue.”

Lorna Bracewell, singer-songwriter

She’s voting for: Barack Obama

Credit: Shanna Gillette

Why? “I was torn for a while between him and the Green Party candidate, Cynthia McKinney. It was my memory of the outcome of the 2000 presidential election when Bush ‘beat’ Gore in Florida by such a narrow margin that ultimately convinced me to support Sen. Obama. Unfortunately, at this time in our country a vote for a third-party candidate is a wasted one.”

What she would say to a McCain supporter: “I’ve had a series of great conversations with my dad (a longtime Republican and a McCain supporter) over the course of this election cycle. Early on our conversations focused on so-called ‘values’ issues: abortion, same-sex marriage, etc. My dad was generally sympathetic to my arguments. He’s a good guy with two daughters, one of whom is a lesbian, after all. More recently our talks have focused on economic issues. These, it turns out, are the crux of it all for him. It turns out my dad is a disillusioned liberal. He supported [Lyndon] Johnson and really believed in his vision of a ‘great society.’ When that didn’t pan out, he became a trickle-downer. What I’d say to a McCain supporter is what I’ve said to him: You’ve had your turn. Let’s give the other economic perspective a try. Things can’t get any worse.”

Local candidate who most interests her: “I am excited about Bill Heller for State Representative in District 52. He’s done a great job for the last two years championing smart public school and property tax reform. I am also supporting Jack Killingsworth in the [Pinellas] Supervisor of Elections race. Deborah Clark’s decision to cut the number of early voting sites in the county has had and will continue to have a disproportionate impact on low-income residents on St. Petersburg’s south side. I couldn’t disagree with her response to the budget cuts she had to deal with more.

“I know you didn’t ask … but I wanted to add an exhortation to everyone, Democrat and Republican, gay and straight, young and old to vote a stentorian NO on Amendment 2. Florida already has a legislative ban on same sex marriage. Traditional marriage is safe and sound in the Sunshine State. Amendment 2 would strip away existing health care and other vital protections relied upon by unmarried Floridians, gay and straight. It is bad public policy.”

l.i.f.e, professional poet in Tampa

He’s voting for: Barack Obama

Why? “His vision for the future of the masses of people in this country is clear, logical, and more in line with the best interests of the masses of people here than any of the other candidates.”

What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I’d ask the same question Sen. Obama’s campaign has been asking, ‘Can us everyday people in this county afford four more years of government run with the same or similar policies as those that have caused people here, and around the world, distress and crisis?’”

Local candidate who most interests him: “The local candidate that interests me most is current Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Buddy Johnson. I’m also quite interested in the race between Doug Belden and Beverly P. Harris.”

Brandy Stark, co-founder of S.P.I.R.I.T.S. in St. Petersburg, a paranormal investigative group

She’s voting for: Barack Obama.

Brandy Stark

Why? “Personally, this was a struggle for me as I am not overwhelmingly swayed by either candidate. My primary concern for this election is that Obama is untested and this is going to be a very hard learning curve. The U.S. is undergoing some very trying times. I feel badly for whoever gets into office, because there will be one heck of a mess to clean up. However, I think that we do need change, and though both parties have their issues, a party change is the first step. Deregulation, part of the Republican platform, has not worked too well if today’s economy is a reflection of the result, and I do believe in utilizing government programs to aid with education and other societal issues. In truth, I was really hoping for Hillary, and although she didn’t make it, I am hopeful that Obama will appoint her (and/or Bill) to cabinet offices or other positions where they may be of service to this country.”

What she would say to a McCain supporter: “I do believe that we have the right to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ This was a liberal thought in the time that it was written and is still a radical thought today. I have seen a rather strong trend towards the loss of individual rights in this country for a while now. I fear that McCain and Palin are far too conservative on what I believe to be moral choices and civil rights for my comfort. While they may not directly have an impact upon the laws of this land, they will appoint Supreme Court justices and others who will. Once something is enacted in government, it takes a very long time to repeal.”

Local candidate who most interests her: “Bill Heller. I worked at the University of South Florida (St. Petersburg) when he headed that campus. It was one of the most well-run campuses, and I felt quite content and valued there, [which was] a result, I believe, of the positive leadership that was in place at that time. Later, I walked alongside him in the charity fundraising Heart Walks; I’ve run into him as he volunteered at First Night; and he even was at my polling place for his first election. He is grounded, enthusiastic and tested (having survived the politics of higher education for years). I admire his dedication to the local community and his desire to help the greater populace of Florida.”

Bob Kersteen, consultant, member of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and former St. Petersburg City Council member

He’s voting for: John McCain

Why? “He is the best prepared and has a long record/reputation for soliciting and receiving support from the other side of the aisle.”

What he would say to an Obama supporter: “[Obama] is a relative unknown who possesses little if any executive experience.

Local candidate who most interests him: Congressman C. W. “Bill” Young, “a strong supporter of MacDill AFB, which is a huge economic generator for the Tampa Bay Area. Bill also is very supportive of other projects such as the Tampa Bay Water Reservoir and other projects which would not have been possible through local/county/state funding sources.”

Rob Douglas, concert producer at Jannus Landing
He’s voting for: Obama/Biden

Rob Douglas

Why? “Obama, first and foremost, is thoughtful, articulate, even tempered and above all, intelligent! All traits that have been sorely lacking in D.C. for the last eight years. The way he has managed his campaign thus far is a good indication, I think, of how he would manage the country’s business. Ultimately, I believe Obama represents the future of our people and his opponent represents the past.”

What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I wouldn’t bother. Anyone supporting McCain is either an ideologue, incapable of critical thought or has a vested interest in the status quo. The choices and differences between the candidates are stark as are the stakes. It’s also inconceivable to me that anyone could still be on the fence about whom they were voting for. “

Local candidate who most interests him: “I am a registered Independent and I will vote as a Yellow Dog Democrat. I would like to see [Sarasota Congressman] Vern Buchanan get bounced out on his keister.”