the latest turn toward controversy in Florida’s 16th District - long represented by resigned Republican Rep. Mark Foley - Florida Democrats have accused the state Division of Elections of giving unfair advantages to state Rep. Joe Negron, the Republicans- candidate to replace Foley, in his bid to prevent a takeover by Democratic nominee Tim Mahoney.

At issue are recommendations issued by the Elections office to send notices to absentee voters and post signs at voting places on Nov. 7 explaining that votes cast for Foley, whose name will still appear on the ballot, will be counted for Negron.

Florida news outlets reported that state Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman sent a letter to the Division of Elections Wednesday describing the ruling as constituting favoritism. Thurman contended that it would employ the auspices of the state in an effort aimed at ensuring that potential Republican voters know that any votes on the GOP line will not accrue to Negron, and not the scandal-tainted Foley.

Full article at CQPolitics

Notes will not be in absentee ballots