Welcome to

When the clock clicked noon today, the official five day period for state and local candidates to qualify began. A few dozen candidates arrived to deliver their papers in person. Hundreds others opted for mail or courier.

State Representative Clay Ford of Pensacola thinks it is appropriate for the candidate to make the effort to deliver the oath of office and check in person.

“I just think it’s something that’s so important to do,” Ford said. “It kinda makes a statement that I’m interested enough to get here and make sure it’s done right.”

Clay County Clerk James Jett filed his paperwork to run in Congressional District 3. Weeks ago, Jett complained he was offered money and other favors on behalf of incumbent Cliff Stearns to get out of the race. That offer, says Jett, is part of what the campaign is about, as well as leadership in Washington.

“Because I think I can make a difference,” Jett said. “The country’s in trouble. I think that this is the most important election in the history of America, and I believe that there are going to be a lot of James Jett elected throughout this nation, as a result of the problems we’re in.”

Representative Irv Slosberg of Palm Beach personally filed his paperwork to run for re-election. He says the District 91 seat is more compact after new legislative boundaries were drawn, and that compactness, he says, will benefit Palm Beach County and its residents.

“Before I was in two legislative delegations, Broward and Palm Beach County,” Slosberg said. “And now it’s only Palm Beach County if I win.”

Reporter: Is that a better deal, do you think?

“Well, it’s better for everyone that I can stay more focused on Palm Beach County rather than split the focus from Palm Beach County and Broward County,” he said.

Qualifying ends at noon on Friday.