The Florida gubernatorial debate will kick off at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Nova Southeastern University in Davie is hosting the event, but you can watch it live on any of the stations listed below. From Nova: The programs will be broadcast statewide through a consortium of television stations that includes the following:

Through October, former New York Gov. George Pataki has taken to the airwaves and headed out on the campaign trail -- leading to more speculation that he intends to launch a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012. Defeating Democratic icon Mario Cuomo in 1994, Pataki served three terms as governor of the Empire State before deciding not to seek office in 2006. Since then, Pataki has formed Revere America, a political organization seeking to repeal new federal health-care laws backed by President Barack Obama.

Even the most optimistic Republican analysts haven't predicted the wave election for the GOP that was forecast by the "experts" quoted by The Onion.

Floridians across the state are getting a reminder this week from a familiar voice -- former Gov. Jeb Bush. In robocalls Bush encourages voters to "vote early, and vote Republican," mentioning U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio, gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, and Cabinet candidates Pam Bondi, Jeff Atwater, and Adam Putnam by name. The Bush recording also reminds voters that early voting has begun and issues a number to call for early voting locations in their county.

Florida Democrats could receive a boost from a presidential visitor. No, not President Barack Obama. A new Gallup poll shows the Democrats have a much more popular -- and formidable -- arm in their bullpen: former President Bill Clinton. According to the poll, Clinton is more likely to energize Democratic voters and do less damage among independent and Republican voters than Obama. Clinton is taking center stage for Democrats running in Florida. Democratic U.S. Senate nominee U.S. Rep.

In the opinion of one expert on Florida politics, Tuesday night's U.S. Senate debate was polite, predictable and did little to advance the election chances of any of the three candidates. Dr. Ed Moore, president and CEO of Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, said Gov. Charlie Crist, the independent; U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, the Democrat; and Marco Rubio, the Republican -- under the glare of TV cameras -- responded to journalists' questions "in about as straightforward a manner as you can get. I heard nothing that came as a surprise. No new information."

Late Tuesday, former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre, a Democrat, jumped party lines to back Republican candidate Rick Scott for governor over state CFO Alex Sink, the Democratic nominee. "On Nov. 2, I will vote for Rick Scott to be governor of Florida, said Ferre, who served six terms as mayor. I have never voted for a Republican in the 54 years I have voted, and I have never missed voting since I became of age in Miami.

Jose Melendez-Perez, one of the most celebrated heroes of 9/11, appealed the disciplinary action against him Tuesday, but the Department of Homeland Security hearing officer didn't render a decision, nor did he announce when one would be available.

Well, at least one familiar name will be running for president in 2012 -- Barack Obama.

A yet-to-be released TV ad from the Rick Scott campaign attacks Democratic rival Alex Sink as "recklessly liberal" for her handling of insurance applications from felons. Quoting new stories, the ad depicts the state's CFO as clueless, or worse, in approving waivers to felons to sell insurance in Florida. View the video here.

Republican attorney general candidate Pam Bondi launched a new commercial on Tuesday taking aim at her Democratic rival, Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach. With music reminiscent of an epic movie soundtrack in the background, Bondi focuses on her record in the commercial and slams Gelber for representing politics-as-usual. She also attacks the Democrat for opposing Attorney General Bill McCollums constitutional challenge to President Barack Obama's new federal health-care laws.

With buzz growing that he intends to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota headed to the Sunshine State on Tuesday to back GOP candidates in Novembers elections.

With early voting already begun, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the Republican candidate and the front-runner in the U.S. Senate election, released a new television commercial. The ad features Rubio giving a speech calling for Americans to work together. The ad does not focus on either of his two chief rivals, Gov. Charlie Crist who is running with no party affiliation or Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek.

Social conservative leader John Stemberger, the chairman of the Florida Family Action PAC, endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott on Tuesday, citing Scotts commitment to defending the unborn and standing for traditional marriage.

U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, the Republican candidate in the commissioner for agriculture and consumer services race, unveiled the endorsements of 34 mayors on Tuesday. From rural communities to urban cities, Adam Putnam recognizes the needs and opportunities that Floridians face from Miami to Milton, said Mayor Tomas Regaldo of Miami. We are confident in his ability to serve each Floridian in making decisions that will keep our state working, growing and moving in the right direction.