Attorney David Audlin, a former president of the Monroe County Bar Association, has announced his candidacy for Monroe County Circuit judge— the seat most recently occupied by Steven Shea, who has appealed his removal from that office to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Shea's term expires this year and an election is scheduled. Candidates have until July 21 to qualify.
The battle for Shea's seat could develop into an interesting political situation. It is known that Gov. Jeb Bush wants to appoint a new judge if and when Shea's removal becomes final. But, in the meantime, an election is already scheduled.
Will the people be allowed to decide? Or will the governor and his cronies do it for us?
Attorney Michael "Mick" Barnes, who announced only three weeks ago that he is challenging 20-year incumbent Kirk Zuelch for the State Attorney's seat, qualified this week by the petition method. A senior official at the Supervisor of Elections Office said that this was one of the quickest qualifications on record.
"The willingness of voters up and down the Keys is an early indicator that they're ready for a change," Barnes said.