Sink’s running mate choice deemed safe

JACKSONVILLE — Democratic candidate for governor Alex Sink offered a glimpse into her decision-making style Tuesday when she confirmed that she has chosen Gainesville state senator Rod Smith as her running mate.

The selection, which comes a week before the primary when most of the media attention is on the bitterly fought Republican primary, is both conventional and tactical but, perhaps most importantly, it is safe.

Smith, 60, a lawyer and former Alachua County state attorney, brings with him name recognition in the state’s most conservative areas and an ability to work with the Republican Legislature.

Smith prosecuted serial killer Danny Rolling in Gainesville, solved an unsolved murder in Pensacola, and as a labor lawyer early in his career represented police and firefighter unions. He earned a reputation as garrulous and articulate lawmaker who worked as a consensus builder during his six years in the state Senate.

So enamored by Smith and his eloquence, Republican Senate President Jim King picked him to deliver one of two eulogies at his memorial service. King died of cancer last year.

Smith ran a failed campaign for governor in 2006, losing to former U.S. Rep. Jim Davis. As a candidate, he lost the crucial I-4 corridor but won the vote-rich counties of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach.

Sink said she chose Smith because he “knows how to root out corruption and will be a strong partner to clean up the mess in Tallahassee.” She said she wanted a running mate with integrity and that Smith “shares my commitment to growing Florida’s economy, improving our public schools, and holding state government accountable.”

Smith said he agreed to join Sink’s ticket because “I feel she will permit me to use my strengths.”

Rick Scott and Bill McCollum, who are vying for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, have not selected running mates.

Democrats welcomed the announcement, which leaked out Monday, as a solid but not unexpected choice.

“Rod Smith has been a fighter for Florida for a long time,” said Ana Cruz, a Democratic consultant unaffiliated with the campaign. “Alex and Rod Smith make a great team for Florida.”

Buddy MacKay, a former Ocala congressman and the lieutenant for former Gov. Lawton Chiles, said he is “an admirer of Rod Smith,” and believes “he’ll be excellent.”

The moderate politics of Sink and Smith will put the ticket in line with most voters, said state Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, a Sarasota Democrat whose name was mentioned as another possible lieutenant governor contender. “It will be hard for the other side to make it a ticket outside the mainstream,” he said.

Republican political consultant J.M. “Mac” Stipanovich, a friend of Smith’s, said the selection “wasn’t daring or terribly imaginative” because Sink attempts to do what many Democratic candidates have done before: appeal to conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans.