There's lotsa Buzz around Florida today for Fred Thompson, including among Republicans who worked closely with Thompson when he was helping organize his mentor Howard Baker's campaign for a strong showing at the Florida GOP's Presidency II straw poll in 1979. Among the prominent former Pinellas legislators helping on Thompson's prospective campaign: RZ "Sandy" Safley (formerly with Romney), Curt Kiser (formerly with Giuliani) and Jack Latvala.

What's more, it sounds like we can expect state Reps. Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid, and Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, to jump on board if Thompson gets all the way in. Oscar Juarez, another former Howard Baker organizer, is enthusiastic about his longtime friend Thompson and may jump ship from McCain.

"The Fred Thompson tent is very, very broad,'' said Safley, who is among the key supporters across the country committed to raise at least $46,000 in the next month. "He has a very clear vision, and a charisma and presence. He's a folksy person, but he's viewed as being very bright, very calm, very reasonable at a time when this country is looking for calmness and strong leadership."