U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Pembroke Pines is announcing her support for Dan Gelber’s AG campaign while U.S. Rep. Ron Klein of Boca Raton is backing Dave Aronberg.

Statements after the jump.

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Endorsements announced today in Florida’s U.S. Senate Republican primary:

*Florida Association of State Troopers for Gov. Charlie Crist.

*Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist for Marco Rubio.

Republican Adam Putnam announced 27 of 76 state House Republicans are backing him in his primary bid against state Sen. Carey Baker for the party’s agriculture commissioner nomination.

For the full list, which includes Dean Cannon & Will Weatherford — the chamber’s next two Republican leaders, continue reading..

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Former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Tom Slade is backing Sen. Paula Dockery in her challenge against Attorney General Bill McCollum for governor.

Slade, who served as chairman from 1992-2000, is an unabashed critic of his own party and carries a considerable cachet among GOP insiders.

“McCollum is a nice guy, but I think he would be better in the U.S. Senate, where I think his skills are better suited. But I think Paula would do a better job of being governor. She’s got the kind of tenacity you need, and she’s got the knowledge,” Slade said in a press release.

Slade’s backing of Dockery, considered an underdog early in the race, comes as state GOP leaders gather in a secret session tomorrow to try to reunite their splintered party.

Several county leaders have asked for Chairman Jim Greer’s ouster and criticized what some call his heavy-handed tactics, including efforts to quash primary races and premature endorsements of McCollum and Gov. Charlie Crist. Crist is running against former House Speaker Marco Rubio, a GOP conservative sweetheart, for U. S. Senate.

Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin told National Review on Tuesday that she’s considering an endorsement in the Florida’s Republican U.S. Senate primary between Gov. Charlie Crist and former House speaker Marco Rubio:

She says she’s had a chance to look at the Crist-Rubio race “just on the surface.” But she adds, “I’m just being asked about it really in the last week or two, so I’ll dig more into it. I’ll find out what the guys are holding in terms of positions and see where maybe I can help.”

Keep in mind that her 2008 running mate, John McCain, has endorsed Crist. And with the McCain & Palin camps already trading blows in the wake of the former Alaska governor’s Going Rogue biography, imagine the potential sideshow a proxy fight could set off if Palin lines up behind Rubio…

Palin will be in Florida on Tuesday for her book tour:

*Noon: Jacksonville, Books-A-Million, 1910 Wells Road.

*4 p.m.: The Villages, Barnes & Noble, 1055 Old Camp Road, Lake Sumter Market Square.

*7 p.m.: Orlando, Barnes & Noble, Colonial Plaza, 2418 East Colonial Drive.

The endorsement is from the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT), which claims 5,000 members in Florida.

State Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres is competing against fellow Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach for the Democratic nomination in the attorney general race.

Press release here.

The state Fraternal Order of Police is endorsing state Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, in the 2010 Democratic primary for attorney general.

Aronberg is running against state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, for the Democratic nomination to succeed Republican Attorney General Bill McCollum, who’s running for governor. GOP candidates for AG include Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp.

Says FOP Florida President James Preston: “Dave Aronberg’s history of commitment to public service, and his legislative record of giving special attention to the area of public safety has earned this valuable endorsement. His experience as an assistant attorney general and his leadership in the Legislature as an advocate for public safety and on behalf of law enforcement make him a perfect fit to serve as Florida’s next chief law enforcement official…We are confident in the leadership that Dave Aronberg will bring to the office of Attorney General.”

UPDATED with a comment from Lois Frankel below.

WEST PALM BEACH — Appearing with a dozen Democratic elected officials a few blocks away from potential rival Lois Frankel’s office, state Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, said his congressional campaign has already topped $100,000 in contributions since setting up a campaign web site late Thursday.

Deutch is running for the seat of U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton, who last week announced he’s stepping down in January to head the nonprofit Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation.

Deutch’s campaign today announced endorsements from 16 elected Democrats. Most of them stood behind Deutch outside the Palm Beach County Governmental Center this morning. The endorsers include County Commissioner Burt Aaronson, who said he gave “a lot of thought” to running for Wexler’s seat.

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Fifteen elected Democrats from Palm Beach County are slated to appear this morning with state Sen. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, to show their support for his special-election bid for the congressional seat of think tank-bound U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton.

The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. outside the Palm Beach County Governmental Center — a block or so away from the office of West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, who’s considering entering the congressional race herself.

In addition to Frankel, the other big question mark is Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter.

Read the list of Deutch’s endorsers after the jump…..

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State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, announced a round of endorsements today from Jacksonville-area Democrats. Gelber is running against fellow Sen. Dave Aronberg of Greenacres for the Democratic nomination in the attorney general’s race. The contest, so far, is the highest profile statewide primary for Florida Democrats.

Endorsing Gelber today were state Reps. Audrey Gibson and Mia Jones; Jacksonville City Council members Glorious Johnson and John Crescimbeni; St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles; and former House Democratic Leader Doug Wiles.

“After learning about Dan’s background and his passion to bring change to Florida, I know he is the perfect choice to serve as our next Attorney General. His near decade of service as a federal prosecutor and his time in the Florida Legislature make him well suited to meet the challenges of today with thoughtful solutions,” Johnson said.

Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden has annoucned he’ll back state Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, for Florida attorney general. Aronberg is running against fellow Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach for the Democratic nomination.

“There is a reason so many sheriffs throughout the state are coming out in support of Dave Aronberg,” Sheriff Whidden said. “He not only has experience as an assistant attorney general but also has a proven record of sponsoring and securing the passage of laws that make all Floridians safer. He is custom made for this job.”

Glades County Sheriff Stuart Whiddon is endorsing state Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, in the Democratic primary for Florida attorney general. Whiddon joins Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara in backing Aronberg, who faces state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, in the primary for Florida’s top lawyer’s job.

Said Whiddon, in a statement released today by Aronberg’s campaign: “Dave fits the mold of an ideal Attorney General….previous experience already working in the office as assistant AG, a track record of getting consumer protection laws passed, even experience at the federal level fighting terrorism by going after money laundering operations…no one else can offer Floridians that kind of background and dedication to the job.“

Former Florida House Speaker and Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Marco Rubio picked up the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, today — doubling his endorsement total from Florida’s congressional delegation.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Pensacola, has also endorsed Rubio, who faces an uphill GOP primary against Gov. Charlie Crist.

“In the Senate, Marco will stand up for Florida’s taxpayers, not with President Obama and dangerous big government spending,” Brown-Waite said in a reference to Crist’s support for the Obama-backed $787 billion stimulus package. With Rubio running to the right of Crist, Brown-Waite called Rubio a “consistent, principled conservative.”

With Democratic Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria remaining enigmatic on his 2010 reelection plans, Republican and longtime Wellington Councilman Carmine Priore says he’d consider running for Santamaria’s western District 6 seat if it’s open next year.

That’s potentially good news for a local GOP that hasn’t been able to recruit a District 6 candidate. The bad news: Priore says he’ll cross party lines and support Santamaria if the incumbent runs again.

Santamaria says he’ll announce in January or February whether he’s running. Meanwhile, attorney Elissa Pearl has opened a Democratic campaign in District 6.

Pearl and Santamaria recently met for the first time.

“Our philosophies are similar and it appears that we care about the same things,” said Pearl after the hourlong sit-down in the commissioner’s office.

Santamaria, 72, called the 37-year-old Pearl “a good person” with “a young person’s idealism. We need people like that.” But Santamaria said a commissioner’s job is tough and complicated.

“My question is, (for) Elissa Pearl or anybody else, do they really have the background, the experience, the education, the training, the psychological framework to handle all of these variables on a day-to-day basis?” Santamaria said. “My first impression is, she’ll have a lot to learn.”

Pearl lives just outside District 6, which irks potential GOP candidate Priore. If Santamaria doesn’t run, Priore said, he’d consider the race because “I wouldn’t want to leave the door open to someone that doesn’t live in our area.”

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Pleased with the grass-roots volunteer organization for her 2010 Democratic campaign for county commission, school board member Paulette Burdick has put paid consultants Eric Johnson and Neil Schiller on hold — at least temporarily. Burdick is running against state Rep. Mary Brandenburg, D-West Palm Beach, in a Dem primary to succeed term-limited Commish Jeff Koons.

Burdick paid $1,000 in June for the consulting expertise of Johnson, who’s also chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton, and who works with Schiller on several local races.

“My idea was she didn’t need them,” said Palm Beach Democratic Club President Elna Laun, an unpaid Burdick backer and adviser. “I think I was one of many” offering that advice, Laun said.

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Both GOP District 27 state Senate candidates — Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and former state Rep. Sharon Merchant — are from Palm Beach County, but about 60 percent of the GOP primary voters are in Lee County.

In the scramble for Lee County support, Benacquisto will be in Fort Myers Friday for a fund-raiser whose hosts include state Rep. Trudi Williams, R-Fort Myers, Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann, school board member Elinor Scricca and longtime Property Appraiser Ken Wilkinson.

State Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, has picked up the endorsement of St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara in Aronberg’s quest for the Democratic attorney general nomination. Aronberg, who’s running against state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, in the primary, unveiled an endorsement from Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw a few weeks ago.

Says Mascara: “Dave Aronberg and I share the same commitment when it comes to law enforcement…zero tolerance for anyone who preys on any Floridian, young or old. We need someone in that office who wants to be Attorney General to protect the public from serious crimes including consumer fraud. “

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will formally endorse state Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, for chief financial officer at an event Thursday, Atwater’s campaign says.

Bradshaw is one of the most influential Democratic elected officials in Palm Beach County, though his office is nonpartisan and he has never been much for red/blue distinctions. Atwater and state Rep. Pat Patterson, R-DeLand, are the only candidates in the CFO race so far.

Bradshaw’s statement: “Through his years of service, Jeff Atwater has been an effective leader and a strong voice for Florida’s Sheriffs. He has made certain the men and women of law enforcement have the tools they need to keep our communities safe. I am proud to be a supporter of his campaign and, more importantly, honored to call him my friend.”

The Charlie Crist for Senate campaign announced endorsements this afternoon from Republican state Reps. Dean Cannon, of Winter Park, Will Weatherford of Wesley Chapel and Chris Dorworth of Lake Mary. The three men are expected to follow one another as House speakers - the position Crist’s GOP primary opponent Marco Rubio once held — through 2016.

“Throughout his long career in public service, Governor Crist has proven with his common-sense conservatism that he understands the challenges facing Florida’s families and small businesses,” Cannon said in a statement. As our next United States Senator, I am confident that Charlie Crist will continue to work tirelessly for the people of Florida.”

Dorworth also said Crist had conservative bonafides:

“Governor Crist has been a true advocate for all Floridians and a steward of conservative values and principles. Charlie Crist is the voice Floridians need in our nation’s capital,” Dorworth said.

Gov. Charlie Crist and top GOP officials didn’t know of U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez’s decision to resign early until the senator issued a press release on Friday, Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer told reporters this morning.

“There is no one who actually knew the event was actually going to take place until immediately prior to or immediately surrounding that statement,” Greer said.

Although rumors that Martinez would step down early circulated for more than six months prior to his resignation, Greer said Martinez repeatedly assured him he was not quitting. Sort of.

“He would say, ‘No I’m not resigning. Tomorrow,” Greer said.

And despite speculation that Martinez quit early to make it easier for Crist to succeed him, Greer said the senator quit to spend more time with his family and not to help the governor.

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Al Cardenas, who was a mentor for former House Speaker Marco Rubio, is backing Rubio’s Republican primary opponent, Gov. Charlie Crist, in the race for U.S. Senate.

From Cardenas:

““I witnessed Charlie’s energy, focus, and leadership as he went on to become our Commissioner of Education and Attorney General. Governor Crist re-energized the state’s top lawyer office and took that momentum to the Governor’s Mansion. He remains one of the most popular governors in our state’s history.”

“I have a long history with Speaker Marco Rubio; personally, professionally, and politically- along with a great respect for his passion and his ability to articulate the conservative principles that we share. I believe Marco has waged a spirited campaign and whichever path Marco chooses he has earned and deserves our respect.”

Cardenas served two terms as Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida under then-Gov. Jeb Bush.

Delray Beach City Commissioner Mack Bernard announced today he’s been endorsed by Priscilla Taylor and Addie Greene.

Bernard is hoping to outlast Riviera Beach Councilman Cedrick Thomas in the Aug. 25 election to replace Taylor, D-West Palm Beach, in the state House. Taylor was recently appointed to replace Greene on the Palm Beach County Commission.

From Bernard:

“I am honored to have the trust and support of two distinguished veteran lawmakers, both of whom previously represented District 84 in the Florida Legislature. Former State Representative Priscilla Taylor was known as someone who fought hard for the residents of the district. I realize I have some very big shoes to fill.”