On election day, Jacksonville Mayoral race still tight

With the legislative session recently ended, Jacksonville’s Mayoral race has taken the spotlight and is garnering attention state-wide. #

The race hasn’t been without controversy – in February, candidate Mike Hogan came under fire for joking that “it may cross [his] mind” 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 haven’t done much in the way of limiting Hogan’s 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 Hogan’s top picks for a spot in his administration. #

But Hogan isn’t the only one with heavy-hitters in his corner. Jacksonville’s Florida Times-Union newspaper endorsed Brown as its choice for Mayor, saying he would be “the best choice to lead the city” 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. #