Death of congressman Alcee Hastings sets off political showdown, as candidates line up to replace him

Many elected officials in Broward and Palm Beach counties are officially or unofficially running to succeed the late Congressman Alcee Hastings or are deciding if they’ll enter the race. Some of the talked-about names from the large field include, from left: Bobby Powell, state senator of Palm Beach County; Perry Thurston a state senator from Broward; Barbara Sharief a Broward County commissioner; Wayne Messam, Miramar mayor; and Dale Holness a Broward County commissioner. (STAFF/South Florida Sun Sentinel)