UPDATE: Candidate Richard Skandera said he wasn't involved in the mailings -- and he actually got a robo-call by the group hitting the same topics today. "I haven't seen the mailings, but based on what you're telling me, I don't support them," Skandera said.

Taylor has strong words, too: "“Sen. Fasano and his special interest cronies have launched a negative campaign against my record because, frankly, they can’t defend his. Mike Fasano is a professional legislator who has spent a lifetime representing Tallahassee special interests."

The Florida Medical Association's 527 group has sent attack mail against Democrat Fred Taylor and supportive mail for low-budget college student Richard Skandera heading into their Tuesday primary.

Why? The FMA -- a doctors lobbying powerhouse which hasn't returned a call for comment -- has endorsed state. Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.

The People for a Better Florida Fund lights into Taylor -- who is handpicked by the state Democrats to run against Fasano. The Dems have given at least $45,000 in support to Taylor.

Meanwhile, Skandera -- who has repeatedly pledged not to accept any outside aid -- is lauded (see here and here ). He had contributed his entire $2,000 campaign kitty by himself through Aug. 1. He did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

"I was unaware. I don’t get involved in Democratic primaries," Fasano said. "I’m sure I’ll see a few of them doing negative pieces on me in the fall."

--David DeCamp, Times staff writer