While Democrats will see six names and Republicans will see three names on the ballot for governor, this is really a race between two men in each party.

     State Sen. Rod Smith, who represents the Gainesville area, met with local gay Democrats early in his run, and has a strong background as an attorney and lawmaker. He's sincere and well-thought and well-respected at the State Capitol.

     U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, who represents a portion of Tampa Bay, seems like the real deal for the state's top office. He's savvy, opinionated – and liberal enough to make things happen in the GOP-dominated Tallahassee.

     Smith and Davis both support civil unions for gays and lesbians, opposes gay marriage, and opposes the ban on gay adoptions. Smith served as a cosponsor of legislation that would have lifted the ban on adoptions by gay foster parents.

     While GLBT voters won't necessarily go wrong with either man, Davis seems like the real deal – and could prove to be a strong challenger to the Republican primary winner.

     On the GOP side, Attorney General Charlie Crist is a hands-down favorite in this party. While he unsurprisingly dislikes gay marriage, Crist supports civil unions for same-sex couples. He's charming, decisive – and moderate. That simply cannot be said for state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, who trails Crist in the polls. This may be the reason why Gallagher talks so often about his opposition to gay marriage in his ads. He doesn't want us to forget it.

     Among the Democrats, Watermark endorses Jim Davis and Charlie Crist among the Republicans.

     Incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson is running unopposed, and he'll face one of these four Republicans in November: LeRoy Collins, state Rep. Katherine Harris, William "Will" McBride and Peter Monroe. If you're voting in the Republican primary on Sept. 5, skip over this category. You won't feel good about any vote you cast here.

     Alex Sink is the lone Democrat here – and a strong candidate in November. At the same time, Republicans are running Milt Bauguess, Randy Johnson and Tom Lee. No endorsement in the GOP race.

     After 24 years representing this north Pinellas/Hillsborough district, Mike Bilirakis hopes to keep this U.S. House seat in the family. His son, Gus Bilirakis, has spent the past eight years representing many of the same constituents in the Florida House.

     Bilirakis' Republican primary challenger, David Langheier, has no chance of prevailing. But despite fund-raising help from Vice President Dick Cheney, Bilirakis is more centrist than Right Wing partisan. Democrats also covet this open seat, and Bilirakis will face former Hillsborough County Commissioner Phyllis Busansky in November. Watermark endorses Gus Bilirakis.

     The Democratic field to succeed gubernatorial candidate Jim Davis has several highly qualified candidates that appeal to GLBT voters – and there are lots in this district that includes Tampa, south St. Petersburg and northern Manatee County. All five candidates sought GLBT support at an Aug. 9 meeting of the local chapter of the GLBT Democratic Caucus.

      In four effective years on the Hillsborough County Commission, Kathy Castor has been an effective public servant, and a consistent and articulate supporter of GLBT equality. Last year, she was the lone vote opposing that board's indefensible ban on recognitions of gay pride. Castor is considered the front-runner in this race, but State Sen. Les Miller is widely known and is expected to draw African-American votes. His wife, Gwen Miller, is an ally on the Tampa City Council.

     Business attorney Scott Farrell has run for public office unsuccessfully in the past, but commands attention with his warmth and polished, thoughtful positions on issues. He campaigned at St. Pete Pride, and has underlined his support at numerous GLBT events. Against different competitors, Ybor City native Al Fox and attorney Michael Steinberg would merit support.

     Watermark endorses Kathy Castor, with a nod to Scott Farrell.

     Would that we all had a vote in this primary election, but only Republicans in western Hillsborough County get to register disapproval with Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms on Sept. 5. There won't be many.

     Despite her strident pronouncements, cartoon-like appearance, and aggressive tactical maneuvers on the commission, Storms is the front-runner against four-term State Rep. Sandy Murman (a former Democrat) and Ray Young, a deacon of First Baptist Church in Plant City. By default, Watermark endorses Sandy Murman.

     This district, straddling both Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, is considered Republican, but primary candidates Kim Berfield and Frank Farkas have lobbed dirt at each other. Log Cabin Republicans of Tampa Bay president Bill Pease believes both are quietly gay-friendly, but that Berfield will be more effective.

     "She'll get something done," he says. The winner will face Democrat Charlie Justice. All three currently serve as State Reps. Watermark endorses Kim Berfield.

     Three-term State Rep. for District 59, Arthenia Joyner, earned points for her vigorous stance against prison boot camps. Her Democratic opponent, Gerald White, is a power plant operator who serves on the Tampa Housing Authority and who has lost previous bids for city and county office. With only write-in opposition in the general election, the winner is a shoe-in.

     Note: GLBT issues may surface in this gentrifying district that includes south St. Petersburg and parts of central and north Tampa. Watermark endorses Arthenia Joyner.

     This Republican primary pits retired firefighter and former Clearwater City Commissioner Ed Hooper against Florida Association of Realtors president-elect Nancy Riley. Riley is the frontrunner, and is a favorite of LCR Tampa Bay president Bill Pease. "She is always willing to listen, and always votes for what's fair." Watermark endorses Nancy Riley.

     Bruce Cotton was the legislative aid to Leslie Waters, who cannot run for re-election due to term limits. His primary opponent, Seminole Mayor Dottie Reeder has more hands-on experience. Neither has courted GLBT votes. No endorsement.

     This St. Pete seat is one of the most competitive in the state, with primaries in both parties. Democrats must choose between highly respected USF-St. Petersburg Dean Bill Heller and political consultant Liz McCallum, who almost beat incumbent Frank Farkas in 2004. Both are GLBT-supportive.

     The Republican candidates are also appealing. Real estate consultant Ross Johnson has creditable energy, but likeable Yale-educated banker Angelo Cappelli brings needed expertise to the state's myriad insurance problems. Based on impressive credentials, Watermark endorses Bill Heller (D) and Angelo Cappelli (R).

     Attorney Charlie Gerdes is a strong candidate who faces an uphill battle against Rick Kriseman for this St. Pete, Gulfport and Pinellas Park seat. Kriseman has served on the St. Petersburg City Council since 2001 and has been an effective, articulate, collegial force for a city in transition. His support of GLBT equality is unquestionable.

     Watermark strongly endorses Rick Kriseman.

     This Republican primary is underwhelming. Chiropractor Rod Jones is the son of State Sen. Dennis Jones, but otherwise lacks qualifications. Insurance agent Michael Petruccelli seems to be running on that issue alone. UPS driver David Vecchio has fallen off the map. Former State Rep. James Frishe, who served in the '80s, wants to return to Tallahassee as part of the majority party. No endorsement.

     GLBT voters are moving into this traditionally African-American district including Progress Village, West Tampa and the USF/Temple Terrace areas. Democratic candidates include businessman Hakim Aquil, attorney Warren Dawson, and community volunteer and counselor Betty Reed. All are new to public office. Reed has campaigned for GLBT votes. Watermark endorses Betty Reed.

     There's an opportunity to elect four new members to this notoriously ineffective and arrogantly out-of-touch board.

     In the District 1 Republican primary, Watermark strongly endorses Tampa City Council member Rose Ferlita. Among the Democrats in District 3, we pick Chloe J. Coney. Both Democrats in conservative District 4 lean right. By default, we recommend Lisa Rodriguez.

     Watermark endorses two incumbents in their Republican primaries: thoughtful incumbent Calvin Harris in District 2, and outspoken Susan Latvala in District 4.

     Vote for openly gay Bart Birdsall in District 2, and supportive April Griffin in District 6.

     Vote for GLSEN supporter Linda Lerner in District 6.

     Group 32 candidate Caroline Tesche is known and respected in the local GLBT community. She's worked for Janet Reno, then as a prosecutor and public defender, and in private practice for the past seven years serving numerous GLBT clients. Don't miss the opportunity to help put her behind a judge's bench.

     There is little question that U.S. Rep. Ric Keller opposes gay issues, but then he's unopposed in the September primary. He will, however, face either Alan Grayson, Charlie Stuart or Homer Hartage in November.

     Of the three, Hartage has our attention. A part of the Orange County Commission that unanimously voted in favor of a fair-housing ordinance that includes sexual orientation, Hartage has been a long-time supporter of GLBT issues.

     Watermark endorses Homer Hartage.

     Without a doubt, one of the most interesting primary races facing some voters in the Orlando area has two strong Democrats facing one another – and a newly minted Republican incumbent running unopposed.

     Self-starter Eben Self, a partner in the Orlando law firm of Long & Gonzalez, has not held legislative office before. With a fairly low-key campaign – and an impressive resume as a prosecutor and private attorney – Self earned headlines in July when Democratic challenger Alex Rodriguez Heuer dropped out of the race and endorsed him.

     He has strong ideas about lowering class sizes in public schools, insurance reforms and timely repair work on public roadways.

     Another political newcomer Scott Randolph has made an impressive debut among the Democrats. The Florida policy director and staff attorney for the Washington-based Clean Air Action, Randolph has worked with legislators in Tallahassee for years, so he knows his way around the Capitol. And, he's passionate about environmental issues.

     He has also collected more than twice the amount that Self has in his campaign war chest – and could prove to be a formidable challenger to incumbent Rep. Sheri McInvale in November.

     Randolph has earned the endorsement of local labor unions including the AFL-CIO, local Democrats, former Orange County Chairman Linda Chapin and Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. Randolph has also earned Watermark's endorsement.

     McInvale, who joined the Republican Party during the past legislative session, runs unopposed on Sept. 5. Seen as very much a middle-of-the-road lawmaker, she too has been gay-friendly throughout her two terms.

     The Nov. 7 general election should prove to be the most fascinating in the area.

     Don't miss an opportunity to return Linda Stewart to her District 4 seat, and give Lawrence Kolin your vote for District 2.

     Watermark endorses these candidates for Circuit Court Judge 9: Jenifer Davis, Group 5; John Pare, Group 42; and Bob LeBlanc, Group 43.

     Among County Judge candidates, the newspaper likes Bill Hancock, Group 6; Maureen Bell, Group 17; Steve Jewett, Group 18.