Send your political question to Susan MacManus

Pros And Cons

Posted Nov 3, 2006 by Clarisa Gerlach

Updated Nov 3, 2006 at 04:39 PM

Is there some way to easier compare the candidates on their pro and cons on certain issues?  After watching the debates, I am more confused than ever.  And, is there a way to find out the rulings of the judges so we can make an educated decision on whether we do or don’t want to retain them?  Thanks!
Jennifer G.

Dear Jennifer:

Many Florida voters share your frustration with the lack of clear, succinct information on candidates’ views on important issues.  That said, here are some recommendations about how to find a candidate’s issue positions. 

1.  Gubernatorial candidate websites: 
Charlie Crist/Jeff Kottcamp (Republican): www.charliecrist.com
Jim Davis/Daryl Jones (Democrat): www.jimdavis2006.com
Max Linn/Tom Macklin (Reform Party): www.maxlinn.com
Independent and write-in candidates’ websites:  http://election.dos.state.fl.us

2.  Newspaper stories and endorsements.  All Florida’s daily newspapers can be accessed online (free) at wwww.newsdirectory.com.
To make it easier to compare their plans, I suggest you create a chart laying out their stances side-by-side in columns.  Actually, some of Florida’s largest newspapers do this in their Voter Guides posted online.

Deciding how to vote on the retention of Florida’s Supreme Court Justices and Appellate Court Judges (those subject to retention elections) is time-consuming. But it is possible to determine their rulings on cases before them by going to:
http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/decisions/2006/sc01-166.pdf

Newspaper editorials are another good source of information about the performance of these judges: http://www.newsdirectory.com