Florida justices' supporters say fears easing

CREATED Oct. 25, 2012

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Supporters of three Florida Supreme Court justices seeking up-or-down retention votes on Nov. 6 say they're now less worried about losing due to public indifference.
   
They had feared a repeat of what happened in Iowa two years ago. That's when a late infusion of money helped defeat three Iowa justices over a 2009 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in that state.
   
Former state Sen. Alex Villalobos said fears of such a "stealth" attack eased after Sept. 21.
   
That's when the Florida Republican Party came out in opposition to the justices.
   
Villalobos newspaper editorial boards that once ignored the issue began criticizing the GOP for its stance while lawyers and others began writing checks and volunteering to help the justices.