The lousy economy is making early birds out of Hillsborough County Commission candidates. With nearly two years to go before the next county election, seven candidates already have filed notice that they intend to seek office -- including former state Senator Les Miller, current state Senator Victor Crist, and commission incumbents Ken Hagan, Kevin White and Mark Sharpe.

That's a heavy showing this far out for local contests. But an early start means there's more time to raise campaign money.

"I tell you the money crunch is on and everyone fears they're going to have trouble raising money next year," said University of South Florida political science professor Susan MacManus. "I think this is going to be one of those back-to-the-basics elections because of the money shortage."

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