The main draw in Florida's property tax fight is still seven months out, but interest groups that plan to spend money against the Jan. 29 constitutional amendment might have a shorter window than it seems to make a decision on campaigns.
The election on whether to start phasing out Save Our Homes for a more generous homestead exemption falls in a precarious spot on the calendar -- right on the heels of the Christmas holidays. TV ad time will be much more expensive, many politicos expect, even without the presidential hopefuls who may or may not be stumping across the state.
Florida Education Association spokesman Mark Pudlow says his teachers' union will probably decide within two weeks whether to mount a media campaign against the amendment. Besides consulting with local chapters, the 120,000-member union is talking to its national parent about an opposition campaign. Firefighters and police unions are facing a similar time frame.
"We're trying to take a look at the options out there and decide which way to go," Pudlow says. "We also understand there's a need for a quick decision on this."
Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday it would be "irresponsible" for anyone to suggest public workers like teachers or firefighters could lose their jobs, the obvious focus on any such paid media campaigns.