Sink/Smith 2010?

The Tampa Tribune is reporting that CFO Alex Sink, the leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate, is expected to name a running mate for lieutenant governor early in the process.

It also provides an interesting list of potential running mates. Rod Smith, the former state senator from Alachua, who is best known for his close loss to Jim Davis for the 2006 gubernatorial nomination, is at the top of the short list. Other names on the list include Mayor Scott Clemons of Panama City; former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, who just signed on board as chairman of Fair Districts Florida; Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota; Sen. Dan Gelber, D-North Miami, who is running for attorney general; and Mayor Jack Seiler of Fort Lauderdale, who used to serve in the House.

Smith makes the most sense due to the fact he is seen as a moderate, and he is strong in the northern part of the state. Gelber and Diaz as running mates make less sense. They are from the southern part of the state where Sink is strongest and are both in the middle of other campaigns. If this is the list, put your money on a Sink/Smith ticket.