Show Us Your Election Bling

Creative campaign swag is catching eyes where ever you look on the political landscape (locally or nationally) this election season. Show us yours!

Democrats, Republicans, local races to national races: as election day grows near, supporters of all leanings are literally wearing their ideology on their sleeve in the most creative ways. From buttons to funny hats, how do you show support for your candidate? We want to see your election bling! Click the "Upload Your Photos and Videos" button that accompanies this story to share yours with everyone. Got pics of your political buttons, from 2012 or from elections past? Have photos of your yard signs, bumper stickers or posters supporting your favorite candidate? Show them off here! Full disclosure: We've posted this story on all 23 of our Patch sites across the Tampa Bay area because we want to see all our neighbors and communities …

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What's Tampa Bay Saying?

The Paul Ryan VP Pick: What Does it Mean in Florida?

Mitt Romney's selection for a Vice-Presidential pick could have an impact in November in Florida's races beyond the White House.

After NBC News first reported the selection Friday night, Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan was formally introduced to the nation as Mitt Romney's running mate on the GOP ticket Saturday morning during an event in front of the U.S.S. Wisconsin in Norfolk, Va. In a recent Patch survey of influential Florida Republicans, those polled agreed that U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio would energize Florida voters the most. Rubio touted the selection in a released statement. "Throughout his life, Mitt Romney has made great decisions, and choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate is a truly inspired choice," the statement said. "Paul Ryan is a courageous reformer who understands our nation’s challenges, has proposed bold policy solutions to solve them, and has shown …

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Sheriff's Debate: Moderator Gives Analysis

Al Reuchel, Bay News 9 senior anchor, weighs in on what voters may have taken away after the Pinellas County Sheriff Candidate debate on Tuesday night.

Bay News 9 Senior News Anchor Al Ruechel says he's moderated 30 to 40 debates in his career, however, this debate was more fun and natural. Ruechel calls the evening a success and believes some candidates were more prepared than others, in an analysis after the Pinellas County Sheriff's candidate debate on Tuesday at Unitarian Universalists Octagon Arts Center in Clearwater. He believes voters were able to get to know the candidates and where they stand on issues such as immigration, prescription drugs, balancing the budget and cutting programs. Watch the video attached to this story to hear Ruechel's debate analysis. You can also watch the entire two-hour debate in three sections on Patch. Watch each of the candidates describe their …

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Dr. Dave Weldon, Candidate for U.S. Senate

Weldon lives in Indialantic, Florida.

Name : Dr. Dave Weldon Age : 58 Place of residence : Indialantic, FL Attended college : Yes College : SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY Degree : MD Year of graduation : 1978 University : SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY Area of research : Doctor of Medicine (MD), Year of graduation : 1978 Has served in the military: Yes Rank : Major Date when discharged from duty : 04 July 1992 Job titles held : Internist, Congressman Employers : Melbourne Internal Medicine Associates Party affiliation : Republican Running for a: Federal office Running for position: U.S. Senate Chamber/district: Florida Incumbent: No Previous elective offices : Member of Congress Unsuccessful bids for elective offices : n/a Address PO Box 361845 Melbourne FL …

Video: Pinellas Republicans Look to November

Republicans from across Pinellas County weigh in on the challenges facing the party in the November general election.

On Tuesday, voters in Florida chose Mitt Romney as the man they want to face President Barack Obama in November. Romney received 46 percent of the vote compared with Newt Gingrich's 31 percent. Former Sen. Rick Santorum earned 13 percent of the vote, and Rep. Ron Paul earned 7 percent, according to state election returns. Though the primary in Florida is finished, some party members say a Republican president is anything but guaranteed. Pinellas Republicans expressed their doubts and concerns with the party, as well as ways they believe it can triumph. Watch our video to hear what they said.

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