[Clintonfatigued]

I think you're too hasty in ruling out Allen Bense. Sometimes, countrified personalities can appeal to urbane people. If you read about the 1964 Presidential election, Democrats were initially worried about LBJ's reception in the Northeast. But he was not only acceptable to them (as they couldn't stand Goldwater), but he actually won them over with his appeals to "Come an' hear the speakin'." And Jimmy Carter didn't win the Presidency on the basis of The South alone.

Also, Bense has a great personal biography, a rise from very humble circumstances to become a self-made millionaire and, ultimately, an important and respected leader in the legislature. If you can find his bio, I think you'll be impressed. It'll make for some terrific TV ads. Americans gravitate to those kinds of stories.

[fieldmarshaldj]

I'm sure Bense is a final gentleman with a great record, but I'm going with my gut on this one. Florida may be a southern state, but unfortunately, Bense may remind too many people of the "Old Florida", and that seems like a potential disadvantage these days outside the panhandle. However, I would very much like to be proven wrong on this one.