Donald Gaffney, a Jacksonville Democrat and former University of Florida star quarterback, surprised his colleagues when he resigned on the day before the 1988 legislative session after a federal grand jury returned a 21-count indictment along with new charges. (He was eventually sentenced to four and a half years in federal prison for mail fraud.)

Then-Gov. Bob Martinez called a special election, held after the session in May, in which Betty Holzendorf was elected. She was unopposed in the primary and general elections that followed in the coming months.

That quick history lesson is relevant as Gov. Charlie Crist considers calling a special election to replace Republican Ray Sansom, who resigned Sunday – nine days before the start of session and eight months before the next general election. Sansom requested his district office remain open in the interim and run by his secretary and legislative aide.