With the legislative session recently ended, Jacksonvilleās Mayoral race has taken the spotlight and is garnering attention state-wide. #
The race hasnāt been without controversy ā in February, candidate Mike Hogan came under fire for joking that āit may cross [his] mindā to bomb an abortion clinic. Hogan has also been harshly criticized for his failure to attend several campaign events and debates (a criticism that even led to the creation of a Twitter handle called @HoganEmptyChair.) And though the gaffes havenāt done much in the way of limiting Hoganās supporters, his race against opponent Alvin Brown still appears to be increasingly tough to call. #
Hogan, a former Duval County tax collector, has friends in high places. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio endorsed Hogan during an hour-long teleconference on Monday night. State CFO Jeff Atwater was also scheduled to speak during the call, which attracted some 8,000 listeners. Jacksonville Republican Rep. Mike Weinstein (who has a reputation for interesting campaign tactics) also endorsed Hogan, and is rumored to be one of Hoganās top picks for a spot in his administration. #
But Hogan isnāt the only one with heavy-hitters in his corner. Jacksonvilleās Florida Times-Union newspaper endorsed Brown as its choice for Mayor, saying he would be āthe best choice to lead the cityā in a piece published earlier today. Even former President Bill Clinton played a part in the election, endorsing Brown during a fundraising appearance in October. Clinton also recorded a robo-call for Brown, which went out to Jacksonville residents on Easter Sunday. #
Polls have indicated a tight race, and initial voter turnout has thus far been steady. #