If you weren't looking, Tampa Congresswoman Kathy Castor was just re-elected for another two years in Washington, D.C. That's because no one else qualified by Friday's deadline to run.
Other candidates aren't so fortunate. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson can skip the Democratic primary, as no one else qualified, but he'll face two Republicans - including Gov. Rick Scott - and five write-in candidates in November's general election. And no less than 21 candidates qualified to run to replace Scott in the governor's mansion.
In Pinellas County, State Rep. Gus Bilirakis is unopposed for the Republican primary, and will face one of three Democrats in the primary. Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist is unopposed. He'll face two Republicans in November.
In Sarasota, Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan is also unopposed. Two Democrats will square off to face him in the August primary.
Here's a couple of blasts from the past: former Hillsborough Commissioner Ronda Storms will compete in the State House District 59 Republican primary; and Joe Kotvas - who served five years in federal prison for bribery - will run for Hillsborough County Commissioner once again.
Click here for a list of the candidates for statewide office.
