Scott Harris, News 13 Political Reporter
Early voting continues Tuesday, and a number of candidates are debating -- trying to win over the voters on the big issues.
There will be two nights of debates sponsored by the Hispanic and Jewish communities covering several races.
The 8th Congressional District debate starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday. It is a crowded race with one Republican and five Democrats challenging incumbent Ric Keller.
Then, at 8 p.m., the candidates for State Senate District 19 will debate. Gary Siplin is the incumbent there and he has two challengers.
On Wednesday night, candidates for two local state house seats and the Orange County Sheriff's race will be debating at Barry University Law School, and moderated by law Professor Tony Suarez, who told News 13's Scott Harris that they will be concentrating on issues that may not get big play in other debates, such as Puerto Rico statehood, and more.
Tiger Bay Debate
There will be a big debate Thursday at the regular Tiger Bay Club meeting in Orlando.
State Sen. Mike Haridopolos and State Rep. Frank Attkisson will square off over Amendment 5 on the November ballot.
Amendment 5 is about the so-called "tax-swap," which would do away with a major portion of school property taxes, and make up the money with an increased and expanded sales tax, and maybe more taxes.
The debate will start at 11:30 a.m. with registration and the lunch and the meeting starting at noon. It will be held at the Downtown Orlando Marriott, 400 W. Livingston St. across from the Amway Arena.
Electoral College Do-Over
The Florida Democratic Party has nailed down a time and place for its do-over meeting to select a slate of 27 members of the Electoral College.
It is set for Aug. 20 in Orlando.
The reason for the do-over is that the Democratic State Executive Committee met in Tampa this past weekend, but couldn't get a quorum.
State law requires both parties submit certified lists of electors to the governor's office before Sept. 1.
The Democratic parties said that if Sen. Barack Obama carries Florida, but his electors are not chosen with strict compliance to every rule, the Republicans might go to court and challenge those 27 votes -- maybe even affecting the national outcome in a close race.
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