Having already won the state AFL-CIO's endorsement for commissioner of agriculture, Scott Maddox could breathe a sigh of relief. So, with the heat off, the former Tallahassee mayor offered the union convention a high-octane speech Saturday, tearing full force into Florida Republicans.

Maddox had won the backing of the state AFL-CIO in March for the primary and general elections.

“There’s only one statewide candidate who’s been endorsed,” said Florida AFL-CIO President Mike Williams. “That’s how good a friend Scott Maddox is.”