This year's historic presidential election just couldn't get any more interesting. The Republicans have basically sewn up a nominee, with Sen. John McCain holding an almost insurmountable lead. The Democrats, on the other hand, are duking it out and the fight is close. McCain is a good man and fine American. He will be an outstanding competitor against any Democrat chosen. In fact, with McCain's ability to attract independent voters, he might be the only possible candidate to win over senators Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton in the general election. Clinton must be frustrated that she can't emerge as the favorite after all these months on the campaign trail. Her nomination seemed like a lock just a few months ago. Obama clearly has surprised everyone, and his message is inspiring people across party lines and generations. It's exciting to watch. ...more

February 12, 2008

In a bow to political reality, President Bush's final State of the Union speech on Monday night will skip bold proposals in favor of ones the country has heard before, a modest approach for a White House that prides itself on big ideas. ...more

January 26, 2008

Bill Ismer could be an imposing figure. ...more

January 25, 2008

Last week, when Gov. Charlie Crist was inducted into the Florida Wildlife Federation Conservation Hall of Fame, he told the audience that his environmental activism should not be considered unusual for a Republican. ...more

January 23, 2008

OCALA - Over the past decade or two, the sprawling horse farms that once buffered downtown Ocala from the chaotic bustle of Interstate 75 have given way to progress. Now, out-of-town travelers seeking respite in the natural beauty of the Ocala National Forest or heading to meetings at downtown offices pass by scores of convenience stores, chain restaurants and strip malls. Despite the changes, Ocala has remained a truly Southern town. Like much of the South, Ocala faces continuing questions — from residents and outsiders — about race relations. ...more

January 11, 2008

Matt Grothe is the face of the University of South Florida's program. And, of course, his "Grohawk" is the hair of the program as well ...more

December 31, 2007

NEW YORK (AP)- Hillary Rodham Clinton likes to say she was born in the middle of the country at the middle of the century, in a Chicago suburb that defined a childhood out of "Father Knows Best" or "Ozzie and Harriet." ...more

December 29, 2007

On debt and taxes, Tampa accountant Gelray Gainey wants to see, "flexibility and thought from the candidates, as opposed to programmed answers." ...more

November 28, 2007

Gov. Charlie Crist, with a politician's ability to evade interrogation, has been dodging one question more than any other lately: Could he be a candidate for vice president in 2008? ...more

November 20, 2007

For the first time in school history, University of Tampa coach Jarrett Slavin will take his entire cross country team to the national meet. ...more

November 17, 2007