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.”

Former House Speaker Marco Rubio announced an endorsement this morning from former U.S. House Speaker Dick Armey. Rubio is trying to upset Gov. Charlie Crist in a Republican U.S. Senate primary. From Armey:

“Marco Rubio is a champion of freedom and an inspiring leader for the next generation of the conservative movement. His track record and conservative convictions are a breath of fresh air in a party looking for new leaders to advance the principles of limited government, lower taxes and economic liberty.”

Crist, meanwhile, has picked up several endorsements from Rubio’s backyard in Miami. Last week the brothers Diaz-Balart (U.S. Reps. Lincoln and Mario) announced their support for Crist and Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez made his announcement yesterday. From Alvarez:

“Governor Crist has demonstrated his commitment to conservative values that hold government accountable and keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Floridians. He is the common-sense conservative leader we need in Washington, and I am proud to lend my help to his campaign.”

If you’re a Republican member of the Florida Senate and you haven’t taken sides in the Sharon Merchant-Lizbeth Benacquisto District 27 GOP primary, you’re in the minority.

Former state Rep. Merchant today launched her campaign for the West Palm Beach-to-Fort Myers seat and announced that she’s been endorsed by nine members of the Senate. Two of her backers — Sens. Paula Dockery of Lakeland and Alex Villalobos of Miami — stood with Merchant as she made her announcement at her family’s equipment rental business in West Palm Beach.

Benacquisto, who entered the race last month, has endorsements from eight Senators.

So 17 of the 26 Republicans in the Florida Senate have already taken sides for a primary that’s nearly 14 months off. Merchant and Benacquisto are vying for the seat of Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, who’s running for attorney general.

Read the endorsement lineups after the jump…..

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State Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, became the eighth Republican Senator to endorse Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto’s bid for the District 27 seat, Benacquisto announced.

Haridopolos is in line to become Senate president in November 2010. Current Senate Prez Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, has endorsed Benacquisto, as has previous Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, and Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla.

Republican Sharon Merchant, expected to launch her own Senate campaign Wednesday, has endorsements from three Republican Senators.

District 27 is now represented by Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, who is running for attorney general.

State Sen. and potential GOP governor candidate Paula Dockery of Lakeland will be in West Palm Beach Wednesday morning when former Republican state Rep. Sharon Merchant makes “a major political announcement.” West Palm Beach City Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell will also be on hand.

Merchant has said she’s running for the state Senate District 27 seat of Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, who’s running for attorney general. In addition to Dockery, Republican Sens. Nancy Detert of Venice and Alex Villalobos of Miami have said they’ll back Merchant.

Another Republican, Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, has already launched a campaign for the seat. She’s backed by seven GOP Senators: President Jeff Atwater of North Palm Beach, Majority Leader Alex Diaz de al Portilla and Sens. Michael Bennett, Garrett Richter, Ken Pruitt, Don Gaetz and Andy Gardiner.

Attorney General candidate Dan Gelber announced support today from five of his former House colleagues in the politically crucial Tampa area.

The five House Democrats — Daryl Rouson, Janet Long, Michael Scionti, Bill Heller and Betty Reed — all served under Gelber when he was House Democratic Leader in 2007-08.

Gelber, of Miami Beach, is competing against Dave Aronberg of Greenacres for the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

EMILY’s List, which bills itself as the nation’s largest financial resource for women candidates, endorsed Democrat Alex Sink today for governor:

“Florida is ready for a fresh start, and there is no better candidate for the job than Alex Sink. A proven leader and advocate for Florida families, Sink is extremely qualified to serve as Florida’s chief executive,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY’s List. “Demanding accountability in state government, Alex has earned a strong reputation as a watchdog for Florida consumers and taxpayers. Her vast experience and business acumen make her an ideal candidate for governor during these challenging economic times. EMILY’s List looks forward to helping to elect Alex Sink as Florida’s first woman governor.”

Just hours after Dave Aronberg announced support today from Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish, Dan Gelber released an endorsement from former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor, the first woman elected to a Cabinet office.

Gelber and Aronberg are competing for the Democratic Party nomination to run for state attorney general, one of three spots in the Florida Cabinet.

From Castor: “I know what it takes to be an effective member of the Florida Cabinet, and Dan has the experience necessary to hit the ground running from day one in Tallahassee. For as long as I’ve known Dan, he has been one of the most effective voices for the issues we care about. His passion to stand up for change is what we desperately need in Tallahassee.”

Read Castor’s endorsement here.

GOP U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio received an endorsement this morning from U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Pensacola. Rubio, who is challenging Gov. Charlie Crist for the Republican nomination, has alse been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

Miller’s endorsement:

“This race has tremendous implications for the future of Florida and the very foundation of conservatism in America. Marco Rubio possesses an impressive combination of idea-driven, principled leadership and the ability to communicate conservative values in ways that resonate at the kitchen table. Americans deserve better than the current big government, borrow-and-spend road we are on, and I believe Marco Rubio will be a compelling voice to lead us to a stronger and more prosperous America.”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish today will endorse state Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, in the Democratic primary for attorney general, an Aronberg campaign adviser says.

Aronberg and state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, are the only announced Democrats in the AG race, which means both have similar South Florida bases for their statewide campaigns. That could be a problem for them if former state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua enters the Democratic primary.

Gelber recently ventured into Aronberg’s turf to pick up an endorsement from Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon. Aronberg returned the favor by snagging an endorsement from Miami Beach City Commissioner Noah Wolfson, who’s hosting a fund-raiser for Aronberg this month.

Wellington Councilwoman and Republican state Senate hopeful Lizbeth Benacquisto announced two more endorsements from Republican Senators today: Michael Bennett of Bradenton and Garrett Richter of Naples.

For those keeping score, that’s seven of the 26 Republicans in the Florida Senate backing Benacquisto, who’s running for the District 27 seat that Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, is leaving to run for attorney general.

The other five Senators to endorse Benacquisto are Senate President Jeff Atwater of North Palm Beach, Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla of Miami, Ken Pruitt of Port St. Lucie, Don Gaetz of Niceville and Andy Gardiner of Orlando.

Former Republican state Rep. Sharon Merchant of Palm Beach Gardens, who says she’s running but hasn’t opened a campaign yet, has already lined up endorsements from three Republican Senators: Nancy Detert of Venice, Paula Dockery of Lakeland and Alex Villalobos of Miami