In the Legislature, Rod Smith is the Democrat Republicans comfortably work with and once was recruited to switch parties. But in the Democratic primary for governor, state Sen. Smith is winning over some of the most liberal wing of the Democratic Party. At least that's what we've noticed while Smith has campaigned lately in the back yard of U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, D-Tampa, his primary rival. Tampa Bay Smith supporters sniff at Davis' supporting reauthorization of the Patriot Act or missing a vote recently on "net neutrality" concerning internet access.

Friday, Smith is scheduled to attend a fundraiser at the home of former St. Petersburg mayoral candidate (and Dennis Kucinich-for-president organizer) Ed Helm. Among those hosting the event for the former Gainesville area prosecutor? Randy Heine, a head shop owner (he insists it's merely a smoke shop) and perennial candidate.

The following Monday, Smith is set to raise money in Tampa among a mix of liberal grass roots activists and establishment politicians. Among the prominent politicos we see on one of those invitations is Public Defender Julie Holt.