Farid Khavari, who is running for governor with no party affiliation, launched his first radio ad of the campaign. In the ad, Khavari plays up his experience as an economist and tries to reassure Florida voters that they can trust him despite his Iranian birth. He also takes aim at the Republican gubernatorial candidate and Democratic nominee, state CFO Alex Sink, labeling them economic terrorists.

On Wednesday morning, Republican attorney general candidate Pam Bondi was endorsed by the Latin Builders Association, the largest Hispanic group in their industry in the nation, citing her commitment to economic growth and consumer protection.

Rasmussen Reports released a poll on Wednesday showing Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott aheadin the contest. Unlike other polls which showed a race within the margin of error, the Rasmussen poll had Scott ahead of Democratic rival state CFO Alex Sink by 6 points.

The poll had Scott with 50 percent and Sink at 44; itshowed Scott pulling in Republican voters despite not being endorsed by bitter primary rival Attorney General Bill McCollum.

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.

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.

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