The Florida League of Cities said it is disappointed Rod Smith backed out of today's candidate forum in Jacksonville after previously confirming he'd be there. "It would have been a more interesting, if not more informative forum with him," said Sharon Berrian, spokeswoman for the league. "We're very disappointed."

Smith spokesman David Kochman said the event conflicted with an editorial board meeting and fundraisers in Pensacola. That gives Democratic candidate for governor Jim Davis the solo stage.

The forum already had lost steam with Charlie Crist and Bill Nelson saying they would not attend. But moderator Steve Bousquet promises some lively questions.