Osgood, Manley, Edmonds in special elections

At long last, it’s almost here. Nearly a million residents of Broward and Palm Beach counties will move toward filling four vacancies in public office Tuesday as a result of the death of U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings nine months ago and the scramble to succeed him. The Sun Sentinel recommends Democratic candidates in three races.

In central Broward’s Senate District 33, voters should nominate Rosalind Osgood, a three-term member of the county School Board, who faces fellow Democrat Terry Ann Williams Edden. The winner faces Republican Joseph Carter in a March 8 general election to fill the unexpired part of the term of former Sen. Perry Thurston, who resigned to seek Hastings’ seat.

In Broward’s House District 94, in parts of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities, voters should elect Elijah Manley to succeed former Rep. Bobby DuBose. Manley, a 23-year-old progressive, faces Daryl Campbell, Josephus Eggelletion III and Rod Kemp. This race is open to all voters who live in the district, regardless of party affiliation, because only Democrats fielded candidates.

In Palm Beach County’s House District 88, voters should nominate Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds to succeed former Rep. Omari Hardy. Edmonds’ lone opponent is Clarence “Chief ” Williams, and the winner faces Republican Guarina Torres on March 8.

In the marquee race on Tuesday’s ballot, voters in the 20th Congressional District in both counties also will elect a member of Congress to succeed Hastings. The Sun Sentinel has not endorsed a candidate in this race. Voters will choose from Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Republican Jason Mariner, Libertarian Mike ter Maat and two unaffiliated candidates, Leonard Serratore and Jim Flynn.

Voters should know about the candidates and be extremely wary of last-minute political attacks, especially claims that illegally omit the state-mandated disclaimer identifying the candidate or committee who paid for a political message. If you received a mail ballot and have not yet returned it, complete it and deliver it to your elections office by Tuesday. Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Editorials are the opinion of the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board and written by one of its staff members. The Editorial Board consists of Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson.

COURTESY PHOTOS The Sun Sentinel editorial board recommends these candidates in Tuesday’s special elections in Broward and Palm Beach counties: Democrats Rosalind Osgood in Senate District 33, Elijah Manley in House District 94 and Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds in House District 88.