With Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, and House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, calling for a second special session of the Legislature at the end of summer to tackle economic issues resulting from the oil spill in the Gulf, Florida’s political leaders and candidates are weighing in on its merits.

With the Legislature going into special session next week to consider backing a constitutional amendment to ban oil drilling in state waters, Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, is now ready for a second oil-related session to be held at the end of summer -- and he has the backing of the House speaker.

Prospects for a special legislative session beginning Monday faded into the sunset Wednesday when Gov. Charlie Crist said he would not call for one next week.

Crist told the Miami Herald Editorial Board he still wants lawmakers to consider placing a constitutional ban on drilling on the Nov. 2 ballot, but also wants them to pass public corruption legislation.

If Gov. Charlie Crist wants to be nice to the Legislature – though really, there’s no indication he does – he may this week officially call the special session he’s already said he’ll likely pursue. Crist has said he wants lawmakers to return at the end of May, most probably the week of May 24, for the special session on banning oil drilling and alternative energy policy.