The Miami Herald's Patricia Mazzei has a smart overview of the conditions in the race between Joe Garcia and David Rivera.

Conventional wisdom has it that little connects the people of the 25th Congressional District, a mammoth and unwieldy, gerrymandered region spanning three counties and 13 cities. It is simultaneously suburban and rural, industrial and agricultural, Republican and Democratic.

But this year, politically disenchanted voters collectively worry about one issue: the economy. So it would appear the race for the vacant congressional seat would remain in the political hands of Republicans on Nov. 2.

Yet the 25th, with its wealth of independents, still defies easy labeling, making it a closely watched swing district in the country's largest swing state -- and a key target for both parties aiming to control the U.S. House. (story here)