Democrats were hoping to knock off U.S. Rep. Bill Young, the longest-serving Republican in Congress. They recruited a top challenger in Sen. Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg, who has been in the Legislature since 2000.

It could still happen, but Justice is sputtering badly when it comes to raising and keeping funds. He’s brought in more than $237,000 from individuals and $53,000 from PACs -- but had only $38,447 on hand on June 30. Young had more than $629,000. A lot can change before November, but Justice has performed way under expectations in bringing in campaign cash. Until Justice gets his act together, Young remains the favorite.