FL: Independetn and Third Party Candidates Flood Congressional Races

From Sunshine State News:

While Gov. Charlie Crist and gubernatorial candidate Bud Chiles are getting most of the attention, Florida is seeing a large number of independents taking on both the Democrats and Republicans in the 2010 elections.

“It’s exciting,” said Michael Tupper, campaign manager for independent congressional candidate Troy Stanley who has offered a conservative challenge to veteran Republican U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw.

Besides Chiles, three independent candidates as well as two minor party nominees are running for governor. Besides Crist, at least five independent candidates as well as two minor party nominees have made the ballot for the U.S. Senate race.

Thirteen independent candidates, including Stanley, and four minor party candidates have made the ballot for Florida’s 25 congressional races. While filing has not closed, independent candidates have launched bids for two state Cabinet positions -- attorney general, and commissioner of agriculture and consumer services.

Leaders from third parties and independent campaigns said voters were dissatisfied with politics as usual and were looking for alternatives, including parties and candidates outside the two-party system.